The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus (KCAC) and the World Jewish Congress-Israel have held the seventh annual 'Night to Honor Our Christian Allies'. Knesset members from across the political spectrum and government leaders joined both Jews and Christians at Jerusalem's King David Hotel for a reception in honor of Christians who have been steadfast in their commitment to Israel.
This year, organizers chose to award Petra Heldt, the director of the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel who recently established the Protestant Consultation on Israel and the Middle East. The caucus, together with Israel's Ministry for Tourism, also honored Apostolate Renê Terra Nova, leader of the International Restoration Ministries in Manaus, Brazil, for his contribution to Israeli tourism. Terra Nova has brought tens of thousands of Christians to Israel over the past decade.
For the first time, the mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, addressde the audience of Christian and Jewish leaders. In addition, KCAC Chairman MK Dudu Rotem spoke on the importance of developing Judeo-Christian relations based on the two religions’ mutual values, as did fellow caucus member and chairman of the World Jewish Congress-Israel MK Shai Hermesh. MK Gila Gamliel, KCAC Director Josh Reinstein, ICEJ Executive Director Jürgen Bühler and the Rev. Tom Hess, president and international director of the All Nations Convocation Jerusalem, also addressed the gathering.
The WJC-Israel is the regional affiliate of the World Jewish Congress.
The KCAC is a multi-partisan caucus comprised of seventeen Knesset members. Established in 2004 by the late Yuri Shtern, it is today chaired by MK David Rotem. The caucus aims to forge direct lines of communication between Knesset members and Christian leaders, organizations and political representatives in Israel and throughout the world.
Pictures: Andres Lacko
