Christians and Jews United for Israel (CUFI)
David Wilder
The Jewish Community of Hebron
July 29, 2011
July 29, 2011
This has been festering in me for the past week or so. I couldn’t decide whether to write it or not; I know it will bother some people. But I have to get it out – and probably post. Whoever is upset, well, that’s their problem.
Last week I attended, for the second time, CUFI, that is, Christians United for Israel, in Washington, DC. My friend Mike, from Amarillo, Texas, invited me to join him, and I took him up on the offer. As it was two years ago, so too this year. An amazing experience.
Somewhere in the vicinity of 5,500 people, including a group of Jews, mostly orthodox, as well as a contingent from Israel, congregated at the Washington Convention Center for three days. People from all over the world. That’s a lot of people. And a lot of money. The personal investment, paying for registration, hotels, food, for three days. Many of those attending are couples.
They come from all denominations of Christianity. In other circumstances, you would be hard-pressed to find all of them sitting together. Their beliefs and traditions differ, from person to person, from church to church, from institution to institution. This, not my invention, but as expressed (in my words) by Pastor John Hagee, founder and executive director of CUFI. However, they all have a nucleus binding then together, unifying them, and that, in one word, is Israel.
At an event as this, so much is impressive. The number of people, the speakers, (the best of the best, Christian and Jewish). But one emotion overshadows everything else, and that, in one word, is love.
I know there are many reading this, (and who will refuse to read it) who will be skeptical. Or perhaps suspicious is a better word. After all, in the eyes of many, all Christians are suspect. After 2,000 years of persecution and anti-Semitism, after holocaust following holocaust, (and in reality, there were many of them), while dealing with continued missionary activity, whereby Christian organizations attempt to steal Jewish souls, how can any of them be trusted?
I know, they believe things that I don’t. Each sect has its own set of rules and beliefs. There are those who wear crosses and others who reject it. Some churches are full of pictures, icons and crucifixes. Others have bare walls, without any of the above. Just about all of them maintain a basic belief, one way or the other, in Jesus. Jews don’t. Jews don’t believe in any of the above. According to major Jewish scholars, over the centuries, for a Jew, this is idol worship, as is forbidden in the Torah. However, they also rule that for non-Jews, much of this is (according to Jewish law) acceptable. Our theologies are different; each to his own. Of course, what is unacceptable are attempts by other religions to try and ‘convert Jews.’
So, the big question is, do these people have an agenda? I have friends who have repeatedly told me, ‘we don’t want you to act like Christians; we want you to act like Jews. That’s who you are, that’s who you should be.’ Are there those who think we should believe like them? Probably. Why don’t they do anything about it? I’ve heard it with my own two ears. Some say, ‘that’s not our problem. When he comes back, he’ll deal with it.’ Of course, they are talking about their belief in what they call the ‘second coming.’
But so what! If that’s what they want to believe, let them. (We know better.) But what they don’t believe in is ‘replacement theology,’ that being a theory that G-d replaced the Jewish people with another. They believe, as is written in the Bible, that Jews are the apples of G-d’s eye, and whoever blesses them will be blessed, and whoever curses them will be cursed. There is full belief in the Tanach – the Bible, as they call it, ‘The Old Testament.’ They believe it, (and many know it) with all their hearts. Pastor John Hagee repeated, as he is wont to do, a most remarkable phrase: “There’s the Torah way, and there’s the wrong way!” (Let’s hear some more Jews say that!)
And their love for Israel, for the Jewish people, for the Land of Israel and the people of Israel, is overwhelming. I cannot say, 100% that there aren’t any agendas amongst any of them; I cannot read people’s hearts and minds. But the outpouring of love is much too much to be a superficial show, with all sorts of shadowy background schemes. It’s real – it’s genuine – it’s authentic. And to be blind to it, in my humble opinion, is a huge error of judgement.
I have a wonderful picture together with a Pastor named Sam Whaley from Spindale, North Carolina. He, together with his wife Jane, and other family members, came to Washington with their entire congregation, several hundred people. They set up a Holocaust memorial and exhibit honoring Israel at the entrance to the conference hall. It included models of the ‘Mishkan’ – the Tabernacle built by Moses in the desert, and Beit HaMikdash, the Temple. As featured guest speaker Glenn Beck walked through the exhibit, he wept. So did many others.
Another remarkable facet of CUFI is involvement of youth. The organization offers 500 scholarships a year for students, who were also present at the conference. These kids work on college campuses around America, countering the huge Arab propaganda machine, making major efforts to speak for Israel. In my opinion, even though I’m sure this will be considered somewhat controversial in certain circles, Jewish campus organizations should work together with CUFI students. They have the same goals, and a unified effort would certainly have positive results.The last day of the conference, the entire group, over 5,000 people, ‘invaded’ Capitol Hill, with representatives of 46 states visiting their congressmen and senators. There were three talking points, all dealing with American policy concerning the state of Israel, and the Iranian plans to develop nuclear weapons. CUFI executive director, David Brog, together with Pastor Hagee’s wife Diana, made it very clear, speaking to the thousands that, despite other important issues on the table, the only subjects to be broached were Israel, US policy towards Israel, and Iran.
Left to right – Mike Isley, David HaIvri, Pastor Roman Asbill, Congressman Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, myself, Jeremy Gimpel, Ari AbramowitzMany people, seeing me there, a Jew with a ‘Kippa’ (Yarmulke) on, came over to talk to me. I also approached many people, introducing myself and speaking with them. That’s the way it was, like a big family affair.
On the second day, during one of the sessions, I rose to ask a question. I introduced myself, citing my residence as Hebron, Israel. Within seconds thousands were on their feet, treating me to a standing ovation. It wasn’t me, as David Wilder, rather as a Jewish person, from Hebron, in Israel, at their conference. It was quite amazing and extremely toucing.
CUFI is probably the largest pro-Israel lobby in the United States, if not in the world. They have over half a million ‘likes’ on their Facebook page, and I’ve been told they have over 700,000 ‘friends.’ The statistics speak for themselves.
I thought to myself, and mentioned to some of my friends at the conference, how ironic that the most powerful Israel lobby group in the US is Christian. What would happen if we tried to form a similar Jewish organization, with only one goal – that being the good of the State of Israel. Could we get 5,500 people together for three days to speak about G-d’s chosen people, their security, their future, in the holy land? Not a bad idea. JUFI – Jews United for Israel. When we had our own 700,000 people on Facebook we could combine, forming CJUFI – Christians and Jews United for Israel. (Dream on, my friends, dream on….)
With friends, David HaIvri (Samaria Regional Council), Tommy Waller (HaYovel), James Mucklestone
Until that happens, I can only offer my fervent thanks and blessings to the thousands, tens and hundreds of thousands of people, of whatever religion, who are standing up and being counted, working for Israel, in the name of G-d, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the one and only, G-d of Israel. May He bless all of us, Amen!
Yamit
THIS GETS BORING. CAN IT BE PUT TO BED FOREVER.
YOU WRITE ABOVE
I am still and always will defend Netanyahu if/when he comes under attack from Nazis, fascists, in the fascist pro Islam left or from Obama and Clinton, or a thousand others
We and Jews have got to deal with netanyahu in our own way, but there are many times when we will have to defend netanyahu
There is a long history of this principle inside the Trotskyist movement. For example Trotsky was prepared to defend the nationalist and reactionary Kuomintang when it came under attack from Japanese Imperialism
You may not understand this principle but if you do not understand this principle then shut the f… up Yamit
Yamit
Somewhere above you refer to an obnoxious piece of video from the utterly abnoxious Alan Dershowitz. I will be writing on this piece of video garbage which is and will always be a disgrace to all Jews
So I have a question for you Yamit in using this reactionary Dershowitz
Everything that Yamit writes, I mean everything, has to be placed against his position inside this blog, where he defended the Holocaust, saying that the Holocaust was sent in order to make Israel possible, that sort of garbage
I am oposed to you Yamit right down the line.
anybody who thinks in that way I and 4international will oppose totally and forever.
A new Holocaust of the Jews?
http://4international.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/4international-supporting-hevron-conference-open-letter-to-josh-hasten-in-yesha/
“Women in Green”
The organizers of the Hevlon Conference
How to characterise their political position anybody ???
@ Felix Quigley:
Basically what I think they think but I tend to be less mamlachti (statism, but not in the Marxist sense) I prefer the concept of the Land of Israel over the State of Israel. They are not necessarily the same thing.
@ Felix Quigley:
Felix Quigley Said:
When did I ever say that? Provide my quote and in context pls.
John Hagee said: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct4_ze_FjNo
You endorse CUFI don’t you?
@ Felix Quigley:
Felix Quigley Said:
The quote that you probably have found most upsetting:
“Trotsky makes the revolutions, and the Bronsteins pay the bills.”
Is Jewish sarcasm, reported to have been coined by a Russian Rabbi. every Jew in Russia knew it and it was an inside joke amongst Jews.
Boris Kievsky | Don’t Call Me Russian: The History of a Nationality
I don’t like Dershowitz nor do I agree with most of his political or Jewish views but on some things we agree. I don’t agree with most of your political thinking but some things I do and will quote you as well if it serves my purpose.
Yamit
Jewish sarcasm my arse!
It was an out and out attack on the Russian Revolution, in which Revolution the Rabbi was sitting on the sidelines, and making his snide remarks.
Why did he not join in with the Russian workers at a time when Britain France usa and all the major powers were attacking Russia?
And do not compare me with Dershowitz. I am not Jewish but I oppose a Palestine Jihadist Arafatist state, this snake is FOR!
@ Felix Quigley:
Felix Quigley Said:
I anticipated your reactiom and that’s why I posted:
Boris Kievsky | Don’t Call Me Russian: The History of a Nationality
8)
@ Felix Quigley:
Felix learn something!!!!
I dare you!!!
What the antisemites say about Jews and early USSR!!!
@ Felix Quigley:
Felix learn something!!!!
I dare you!!!
@ yamit82:
Thansk for that.
David Wilder retracts on CUFI article
Beware!
by David Wilder
The Jewish Community of Hebron
August 5, 2011
@yamit82 – I just spent 4 hours with several Chabad rabbis. This is exactly how they would describe their activities in the community ,with the aged and in nursing homes. They demonstrate understanding and compassion for those with problems and in need. They truly love their fellow human beings. They are not devious. Everyone knows their affiliation and they do a lot of good, unselfishly.
I do not find this a repudiation or a retraction”.What are the conclusions from all of the above? Are all non-Jews subversively trying to convert us, or have us believe their beliefs? No. Are all non-Jews using love of Israel as a ‘front’ to reach a defined goal? No. Must Jews cut off all contacts with Christians? No.”
I find the words of caution can be applied to anyone in a coalition where they may have beliefs or interests in some quarters that are not identical with yours. (Remember Christians are taking a risk when they expose their children to loving and dedicated Jews that the children will convert all possibly intermarry.)
I will reproduce the words of wisdom that apply to
not only religion but to politics and every other endeavor in life. Beware!
Now I quote: “
I still believe that there are many thousands of people, who truly love Israel and the Jewish people, as we are – without any hidden agendas. But, I also realize, better now than I did a week ago, that there are those out there, like ‘my friend’ Tommy Waller and his family, who are fakes, advocating ‘the ends justify the means,’ using their expressed ‘love for Israel’ and hard physical labor as an ‘investment’ in the future, building personal relationships with a goal of adding just one little feature to our Torah observance, that being a belief in jesus. Something we will never accept.”
Let’s put the blame where it belongs; our own political correctness that contributes to the lie of “Judeo-Christian” and ecumenism. Christianity is a crock. But how many times have Jews in Jerusalem told Christians “Jesus walked here” or something similar. Jesus walked nowhere. There is no historical evidence such a person even existed yet we, the Jews who have suffered at the hands of that accursed religion smile and acknowledge the myth as reality. Christianity is not an offshoot of Judaism, it’s a Roman pagan concoction with a history that makes the Taliban and Mafia look like angels. Our people have been decimated by followers of a fictional demigod and we don’t ever fight back. We now have our own land. We don’t need the goodwill of the goyim as much as they need ours. Evangelicals are blessing Israel because of the blessings in return, not because they love us. True, it doesn’t apply to all of them but we have to stand up and face the truth that we are complicit in our own destruction unless we fight back.
@ LT COL HOWARD:
@ LT COL HOWARD:
LT COL HOWARD Said:
I like some Chabad but they are not mainstream orthodoxy and I have many issues with them. Many of their beliefs and practices are borderline cultistism and must never be confused with traditional Judaism.
Neither do I. It was a qualified refutation after there was such an outcry from his own community distancing themselves from him and since there is so much empirical evidence that shows he was either snookered or willingly sold out. Either way his behavior is less than forthright and suspect.
Our position like the article in the link I provided should be complete separation between Jews and these groups until a way that satisfies us that the people we are dealing with are what and who they claim to be. Finding out after the fact is like closing the barn door after the animals have escaped.
His words of caution were specific and directed to a specific group. Lets keep this in context. Christian concerns are theirs and not ours. They should stay away if they feel threatened by us and have 190 other countries to help and ply their beliefs. I want reciprocity. I didn’t solicit their attention, don’t want their money, don’t want their tourist dollars, don’t want them here in Israel. As i don’t inject myself onto them I expect the same in return. I don’t care what they believe or where, not here is my point. Christians for what ever reasons who want to support Israel and lobby in favor of Israel, welcome do your thing there with no demands from us to reciprocate. That would be business. I have stated in another comment an American cliche “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors” I say Good high Fences make for the best neighbors.
I am not by this suggesting no contacts btw Jews and Christians but those contacts relating to Israel must be on our terms, that’s my idea of separation. It’s Our country our laws, our norms, our traditions and if anyone cannot abide and respect them they should stay away from Israel. I am now only speaking for myself but there are some few who would agree with me.
I am sure there were some good Christian Germans in Dresden. I am sure there were some good Japanese in Hiroshima. I believe as well that there are many good people in the world with no ulterior agenda. When you go to Yad veh Shem take a look at the forest of righteous gentiles. It’s possible to count them, meaning that comparted to the populations in Europe it works out to be less than .01%. So yes I concur there are some gentiles and Christians who have favorable attitudes towards Israel.
LT COL HOWARD,I can’t reply to you as Ted is blocking my comments to you.
@David Wilder –
Remember the old saying: “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I’ve been fortunate in dealing with Evangelicals who are up-front with their intentions and my associates and I, whom you know quite well, have been able to successfully categorize them as “G12:3″ (yearning for the blessings promised in Genesis 12) and benign, or outright proselytizers and also those whom we can turn away from proselytizing. We have been successful with enough of the latter to make our counter missionary efforts worthwhile and much of that success is due to their exposure to the Jewish community in Hebron.
Of all the Evangelical Zionists I know, only a handful are truly innocent of attempting to convert Jews. But just as HaShem destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for lack of sufficient numbers, we must be wary of all of them — even those we trust. Their love for their “saviour” has several motivations, the messianic being just one. I have found many of them will not let go of their belief in their demigod based on the image of the baby in the manger and not on anything truly theological.
Hagee, whatever he may be, is genuine in believing that Torah is the standard for good in the world and proclaimed as much at the CUFI conference. That’s a positive step because Jews do not take the Torah seriously. Perhaps it takes an outsider to throw light on the fact that Torah is not just the scrolls you take out of an ark in the synagogue and use the time of the Torah reading for discussions with friends or to go outside for a smoke.
What would possess you to write such a thing? Do you not know any Orthodox Jews? Perhaps you should venture outside your established crowd and you would find such a statement to be blatantly ridiculous.
Yonatan Said:
Do you not know any non-Orthodox Jews? Me thinks there are more than a minyan of them.
Tzom kal ve’yail.
@Yonatan – Isn’t it obvious that I was NOT referring to the Orthodox? What possessed me write it? Before I learned to respect the Orthodox, I saw it at every Conservative shul I ever attended. As to Reform; I don’t expect better.
Emmess Said:
The truth is, we in the Torah Observant community are sorely lacking in our own behavior. Here we are and it’s still Tish’a B’Av.
@Shy Guy – Yes, it’s Tisha b’Av but I see no reason why committed, devoted Jews can’t spend this day trying to prevent another Tisha b’Av tragedy.
Yes, Shy, I know there are non orthodox Jews in the world, and no, Emmess, it was not obvious to me that you were referring to the non orthodox. Your statement said Jews – period. I don’t know your background to be able to read into your statement.