Fundamentalist solidarity event with Israel

Some ecumenical cooperation is more constructive than others. This upcoming event (Sunday) seems to me to fall into the less-contructive end of the spectrum: Christians Worldwide to Pray for Solidarity with Israel: Millions of Christians around the world are preparing for the fourth annual International Day of Prayer and Solidarity with Israel on Jan. 29 Christian Post 01/25/06.

[T]he upcoming prayer day will "expand [Christians'] awareness of Israel's critical importance in both biblical history and the geopolitical issues of our day" as they pray for the peace of Jerusalem, said Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and chairman of the sponsoring group International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. ...

This year, the Israeli government will again be participating in the prayer day with Daniel Ayalon, Israel's ambassador to the United States, slated to speak at Bethel World Outreach Church in Brentwood, Tenn. Such addresses by noted Christian and Israeli dignitaries will be "beamed" to affiliated congregations throughout the world. The massive event will also involve the Southern Baptist Convention, America's largest Protestant denomination.

"The U.S-Israel relationship is stronger than it has ever been, and it is due in large part to the simple fact that evangelical Christians are virtually the only non-Jews who continue to visit Israel and advocate on her behalf," said Eckstein. "While some mainline Protestant denominations call for divestment from the Jewish State, Israel's evangelical friends speak, act, and pray for the Jewish embattled nation. The level of their commitment to Israel’s strength and security is astounding." (my emphasis)

Just as Republicans typically mean "supporting Bush's policies" when they say "honoring the troops", when Christian Right spokespeople say they are "supporting Israel" they mean they are supporting the policies of Likud Party military hardliners.

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