Christians United for Israel: Nights to Honor Israel Reports

Grand Rapids, MI - Hispanic Standing With Israel Meeting - January 21, 2010
Over 100 Hispanic supporters from as many as 5 area churches met at the Iglesia Pentecostal de Jesus in Grand Rapids, MI for a Hispanic Standing With Israel meeting.

The event was coordinated by Pastor Hiram de Leon, Senior Pastor of Iglesia Pentecostal de Jesus with the support of Pastor Jose Riveron from Reconciliation Baptist Church in Grandville Michigan who also hosted a successful Standing with Israel event on January 20th in his church. The evening served to promote CUFI Español and included a presentation by Pastor Carlos Ortiz, CUFI’s Spanish outreach coordinator, about why Hispanics must support Israel.
Top

Grand Rapids, MI - CUFI Espanol Pastors' Lunch - January 20, 2010
Several Hispanic pastors from The Grand Rapids area attended the first CUFI Español Pastors Lunch in Grand Rapids,Michigan. All the pastors were exited about supporting Israel through CUFI Español, CUFI's newest outreach division. The event was organized by Minister Eloy Baez from Cross Cultural Ministries in Grand Rapids. The event was presented by CUFI Outreach Coordinator Pastor Carlos Ortiz who gave a complete middle East Briefing in Spanish to all the attendees.
Top

Rochester, NY - Pastors' Luncheon - January 20, 2010
Lori Sousa of Bethel Christian Fellowship organized a CUFI Pastor’s Lunch held at the beautiful Bethel Christian Fellowship campus. The event was held preparation for the 2010 Greater Rochester Night To Honor Israel, which will be held Sunday, March 21, 2010 in Rochester, NY. Larry Fine, the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester briefed the group on the continuing threats Israel faces as well as the great blessing CUFI has been to the Jewish community in Rochester. Joel James of Eagles Wings presented a powerful teaching on why Christians should support the Jewish people and the nation of Israel, and CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator exhorted the large gathering of pastors and leaders to recognize the time we are in as “a holy moment of history.”
Top

Orange County, CA - Pastors' Luncheon - January 19, 2010
Dozens of pastors and ministry leaders representing churches from throughout the Orange County area met to learn about CUFI. The meeting was coordinated by CUFI Orange County Directors, George and Lisa Haines, and was hosted at Friends Church in Yorba Linda. The presentation included comments by CUFI Western Coordinator - Randy Neal, CUFI Southern California - Pastor Greg Stephens and Daughters For Zion California Director - Pastor Michelle Stephens, as well as an Israeli's perspective of CUFI by Western Director for the Jewish Agency for Israel - Boaz Meir. Several leaders expressed interest in hosting a Standing With Israel meeting and offering a future Night To Honor Israel in O.C.
Top

Franconia, PA - Pastors' Luncheon - January 19, 2010
Pastors Steve and Liz DeFrain gathered over 30 pastors and leaders from the greater Franconia area for a CUFI Pastor’s Lunch in preparation for the April 25^th Night to Honor Israel being held at the Family Worship Center in Lansdale, PA. The gathering was a mixture of new and active members of CUFI and the excitement for the upcoming event promises to make it a great success. CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator, Victor Styrsky gave a message on the urgency of the time we live in and the threats facing the nation of Israel.
Top

Washington, DC - Standing With Israel - January 17, 2010
East Coast Regional Coordinator Victor Styrsky spoke at the National Community Church as the congregation prepared for their first church sponsored trip to Israel. For many in the audience, it was the first time they had been informed of the work of Christians United For Israel and a lively Q & A session was included in the event. Preceding the formal presentation, Pastor Styrsky participated in a 2 hour taped interview that will be used by the church to educate their many satellite church locations in the DC area.
Top

Beachwood, OH - Night To Honor Israel - January 17, 2010
Cleveland, Ohio held its first Night to Honor Israel in the afternoon. The unusual time was scheduled to avoid the frequent snow storms usual at this time of year, however the weather remained clear and the crowd came out. The Afternoon to honor Israel was held at the beautiful Beachwood High School auditorium which was conveniently located in the heart of the largest Jewish community in northeast Ohio. The afternoon opened with the resounding calls of numerous shofars played by members of the Davidic Army Ministry. Michael Lefton directed the Cleveland NTHI band which performed several appropriate medleys of Israeli and scriptural music and accompanied the renowned recording artist, Diane di Stasio. Mr. Max Edelman, a survivor of nearly six years in various death camps during Hitler’s demonic nightmare, dynamically shared his feelings and experiences regarding Christians. He experienced the worst and the best treatment by “Christians” during those dark days of WW II. Although he was brutally beaten and blinded by sadistic guards, his life was spared and protected by a fellow prisoner…a German Christian named Eric who shielded Max and kept others from stealing his food until the day they were liberated. Another Christian doctor encouraged him and helped him regain hope to live again. Max Edelman electrified the audience by his ringing endorsement of all that CUFI stands for and does. It was a spontaneous standing ovation that saw Max and his faithful seeing-eye dog, Tobie stride across the stage and into the hearts of the more than 600 hundred tear-stained attendees.

David Smith of Whitwell, Tennessee was the next speaker. He is a school Principal in the isolated Appalachian town which is featured in the award winning documentary, “Paperclips.” Mr. Smith related how an 8^th grade class about the Holocaust has touched the lives of thousands of people across the world, further illustrating the truth that blessing Israel and the Jewish people will bring a blessing by God in return. If you haven’t seen “Paperclips” please do yourself and your family a favor and watch it. You will be inspired.

David Brog really enchanted and electrified the crowd by explaining to the Christians present, who they really are, the ones who love Israel and the Jewish people. He explained to them that they are the legacy of “Righteous Gentiles” like Corrie TenBoom; Christians who risked their own lives to hide and save Jews because the scriptures clearly told them to.

It was a wonderfully heartwarming afternoon. Perhaps it was indicative of how much it meant to the Jewish community by the fact that several rabbis stayed long after the event was over just to talk and to bask in the afterglow of an afternoon of unconditional love.
Top

Tucson, AZ - Standing With Israel - January 12, 2010
People from the Greater Tucson area gathered at Faith Cummunity East Church last Tuesday evening for a Standing With Israel meeting and Middle East update. CUFI Tucson City Director, Pastor Louise Brock, shared the inspiring testimony of Faith Community East Church's connection and history to Israel, and CUFI on Campus Tucson Coordinator John Winchester encouraged attendees to participate in the city's first Night To Honor Israel on April 14th.

CUFI Western Coordinator gave a multi-media presentation that included a Middle East update and an overview of CUFI's objectives and progress.

If you would like to host a Standing With Israel event at your church please contact us at INFO@CUFI.ORG
Top

Laredo, TX - January 10, 2010
Over 3500 Hispanic pro-Israel Christians met Sunday in Laredo, Texas for a Standing With Israel meeting. The event was hosted by Pastors Gilberto and Zulma Velez of Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia, Laredo's largest Hispanic church. CUFI Espanol Outreach Coordinator, Pastor Carlos Ortiz, shared with the audience the importance of standing with Israel and the biblical mandate to bless and defend the Jewish nation. The event was instrumental in reaching out to the Hispanic community in Laredo which is enthusiastic about supporting Israel.
Top

Old Saybrook, CT - Standing With Israel - January 10, 2010
On Sunday January 10th Shoreline Church in Old Saybrook, CT held the first CUFI “Standing With Israel Sunday" in their city. Pastor’s Michael and Meredith Calo have been CUFI members for several years, but desired to have their city become more involved as well. Eastern Regional Coordinator Victor Styrsky brought a message of being a Christian Zionist for over 25 years and how Christians United For Israel became the vehicle for putting “action to his faith” regarding the nation of Israel. The result of the of the morning service has Shoreline Church praying and planning for a March 2010 Pastor’s Luncheon, a summer 2010 Night to Honor Israel, and hopes for filing several buses as part of the CUFI Caravan bringing congregants to the July 20-22 CUFI Washington Summit.
Top

Fremont, CA - Pastors' Luncheon - December 17, 2009
Pastors and Ministry Leaders from the Greater East Bay area met to learn about CUFI and to be updated on events in the Middle East. The meeting ended with requests to offer Stand With Israel meetings at a number of area churches, and discussion to host a pastor's meeting and begin planning the first Night To Honor Israel for San Jose, CA.

If you would like to see your church or community educated and encouraged to effectively stand with Israel at this critical hour please contact us at info@cufi.org today.
Top

Tampa, FL - Pastors' Luncheon - December 17, 2009
Over 50 pastors and leaders from as far as 3 hours away gathered in the Florida coastal town of St. Petes Beach for a Christians United For Israel luncheon. Florida State Director, Pastor Scott Thomas, and CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator, Victor Styrsky, presented the opportunity for the region to become involved with CUFI and the move of God spreading across our nation. Special emphasis was made on attending the 2010 CUFI Washington Summit, July 20-22. Several churches signed up to become CUFI affiliated fellowships and one couple in the room who had been searching to find a pro-Israel church in the area had their prayers answered at the luncheon!
Top

Orlando, FL - Pastors' Luncheon - December 15, 2009
Close to 90 pastors and leaders from Orlando, Florida gathered for a Christians United For Israel luncheon. Thanks to Region 6 Director, Stephen Strang, the event was held in the beautiful Strang Publishing complex. As one of the founding leaders within CUFI, Stephen gave a powerful review of the movement and its impact throughout Florida over the last 4 years. Bishop Mark Chironna, CUFI’s Orlando City Director, greeted the assembly along with CUFI Daughters of Zion area leader, Freida Bowers. Florida State Director, Pastor Scott Thomas, exhorted the leaders with his passionate plea for “standing with Israel” and Eastern Regional Coordinator, Victor Styrsky, taught on the purposes of Christians United For Israel and the holy moment of history that is upon us all. When Master of Ceremonies, Stephen Strang called for a show of hands from all the leaders who desire to participate in a 2010 Orlando, Florida Night to Honor Israel, every hand in the room was raised!
Top

Mesa, AZ - Pastors' Luncheon - December 10, 2009
Over fifty Pastors and Ministry Leaders attended the Phoenix area CUFI Luncheon and Middle East update, including a number from a local anti-Israel organization. CUFI Western Coordinator Randy Neal encouraged attendees to thank their Senate and Congressional Reps, all of whom had signed on to support the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, which goes to the House floor to be voted on Tuesday, December 15th.
Top

Tucson, AZ - Pastors' Luncheon - December 9, 2009
Christian and Jewish leaders from the city of Tucson met to begin planning the city's first Night To Honor Israel, to be held in early 2010.
Top

Salem, OR - Standing With Israel - December 8, 2009
Over a hundred individuals from various churches throughout Oregon's Capitol City met for a CUFI Standing With Israel middle East update. The meeting, coordinated and hosted by Pastor David McGarrah, Senior Pastor at Salem First Church of the Nazarene, and facilitated by CUFI Western Regional Coordinator Randy Neal. The meeting focused on encouraging our elected officials to increase sanctions against Iran.
Top

Portland, OR - Pastors' Luncheon - December 8, 2009
Pastors and Ministry Leaders gathered for a CUFI luncheon and Middle East update and to learn how to better mobilize on behalf of Israel. Leaders traveled from as far as one hundred miles for the special meeting.
Top

Vancouver, WA - Standing With Israel - December 7, 2009
Representatives from several area churches met at Peoples Church in Van Couver, Washington for a CUDI Standing With Israel Middle East update. The meeting was coordinated by Congregational Representative Jerry Cottrell.
Top

San Diego, CA - Pastors' Luncheon - December 3, 2009
Pastors and Ministry Leaders met to learn about CUFI's vision and objectives and receive a Middle East update from CUFI Western Coordinator Randy Neal. Southern California CUFI Director, Pastor Greg Stephens encouraged attendees to both plan to go to the CUFI DC Summit and nominate college students for the available scholarships to attend. Several attendees requested to host a CUFI Stand With Israel Middle East Update at their church.
Top

La Mesa, CA - Standing With Israel Event - December 3, 2009
People from the Greater San Diego region filed into The Father's Church to attend a Standing With Israel meeting. The evening was hosted by CUFI Southern California Director Pastor Greg Stephens and Pastor Michelle Stephens, Southern California Director of Daughters For Zion, CUFI Western Coordinator Randy Neal presented the Biblical mandate for Christians to stand with Israel, and an update on current events in the Middle East. Several members of the Jewish community attended the event and expressed their heartfelt appreciation. If you would like to host a CUFI Stand With Israel Middle East Update at your church please contact us at info@cufi.org

Las Vegas, NV - Night To Honor Israel - December 1, 2009
Over seven hundred people gathered at the beautiful Cashman Theatre in Las Vegas, Nevada for the city's first Night To Honor Israel, coordinated by CUFI Nevada State Directors Pastors David and Vicki Shearin, Senior Pastors of Word of Life Church, Las Vegas.

The event, which featured a keynote message by CUFI Executive Director David Brog, sounding of the shofar by Jewish Federation President Elliot Karp and comments by Israel Consulate General Jacob Dayon and Rabbi Filipe Goodman of Temple Beth Shalom. The event also included a proclamation by las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and video greetings by Senator John Ensign and Congresswoman Shelly Berkley.
Click here to view Congresswoman Shelly Berkley's video message.

The word of Life Church Choir joined by memebers of Wild Branches provided music that had the audience clapping and on their feet and Dr. George Stover offered the benediction.
Top

Lake Charles, LA - Standing With Israel - November 29, 2009
A Standing With Israel event was hosted by the "Christian World Church" in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Over 1,000 were in attendance. A seed was planted for growing the first Lake Charles Night To Honor Israel sometime in 2010.
Top

Lake Charles, LA - Pastors' Dinner - November 29, 2009
Lake Charles, Louisiana held its first Pastors/Leaders gathering with particpants from numerous churches and ministries from the community. For many this was their first Christians United For Israel event and it went late into the evening with questions and answers. An email sent the following afternoon from one of the leaders in the Lake Charles Christian community stated, "You have really stirred up this city! Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they proper who love her." Amen
Top

Los Angeles, CA - Pastors' Meeting - November 23, 2009
Over 70 Hispanic pastors from Los Angeles area attended CUFI Espanol's First Pastors Lunch meeting in Los Angeles. All the pastors were excited about supporting Israel through CUFI Espanol, CUFI's newest outreach division. The event had as guest speakers Pastor Richard Escobedo from Centro Palabra de Fe church in LA, Mr. Randy Brown from the American Jewish Committee AJC and the Deputy Consul General of Israel Mr. Gil Artzyeli who gave a complete Middle East Briefing in Spanish to all the attendees. The event was presented by CUFI Outreach Coordinator Pastor Carlos Ortiz.
Top

North Dakota - November 20th - 22nd
A series of “Standing With Israel” and CUFI Pastors’ Lunches were held for the first time in the magnificent state of North Dakota. Although the media and most politicians have historically paid scant attention to this Great Plains state, God is revealing His bounty there in these days of otherwise “doom and gloom.” Signs are posted everywhere saying “Help Wanted, Jobs Available!” The oil and energy industries are booming. Heavy snows last year and a late winter this year have allowed the great fields to be fully harvested. On Saturday plans were being made by Pastors who attended the first CUFI breakfast in the state capital to hold a Night To Honor Israel in 2010. Sunday morning’s newspaper headlined a story about more vast oil reserves being discovered in the state. God does bless those who bless (and plan to bless) His “Treasured Possession” Israel. CUFI members drove hundreds of miles (even from Canada) to be part of the meetings to learn more and to be a part of honoring God’s mandate to be a blessing to Abraham’s descendants. Pastor Ron and Julie Enget, who have attended the past 3 CUFI Washington Summits were the catalysts in hosting all of these meetings. On Friday they hosted the Pastors’ Luncheon in Beulah. On Saturday they arranged for and invited the ministry leaders to a brunch in the capital city of Bismarck. That night they arranged for a SWI meeting in Bismarck’s Lutheran North Campus facility, where they have recently planted a New Life congregation. On Sunday morning they turned over three of their Sunday services to the CUFI Central States Coordinator to teach on the subject. What a blessing God is pouring out on that state as He opens the window of His storehouse and what a joy it is to see God honoring His promises to these Bible-believing North Dakotans.
Top

Statesboro, GA - Night To Honor Israel - November 17, 2009
On November 17th, 2009, Statesboro, Georgia celebrated its first annual Night to Honor Israel! The event was sponsored by the Metter Free Will Baptist Church, Meter Church of God, and the Metter Ministerial Association. Pastor Jessie Goodman was the Master of Ceremonies and kept the evening seasoned with his sincere southern warmth and humor. Pastor Tim Daniel and the "Shalom Praisers" dance troop and "Breath of Jehovah" music team brought the celebration of Zion alive! Rabbi David Sirull of the Augusta Adas Yeshurun Synagogue gave the invocation and led the audience in a moving Hatikvah. Special guest speaker, IDF soldier Udi Tsemach was interrupted numerous times with applause as was special guest artist Diane Si Stasio whose "Eli-Eli" and "Jerusalem of Gold" filled the room with the fragrance of a holy perfume. CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator, Victor Styrsky was the keynote speaker along with Deputy Consul General for Israel, Sharon Kabalo. Savannah Jewish Federation President Adam Solender spoke on behalf of Sderot Trauma Center and an offering was received to further their work in Israel. After a beautiful kosher reception, members of the Jewish community of Savannah loaded on to the bus they had commissioned to bring them to the event. As he was leaving the reception room, Federation President Solender commented, "You now have a bus load of ambassadors in Savannah so let us know when we are having our Night to Honor Israel." This wonderful event could have never happened without the leadership, passion, and dedication of Event Chairman, Joe Woodard and CUFI Georgia Acting State Director, Scott Allen.
Top

Lubbock, TX - Night To Honor Israel - November 16, 2009
The second Night To Honor Israel in West Texas in a week was held Monday night in Lubbock, Texas. Not only was it the first one in Lubbock, but it was also held in the classic City Bank Auditorium on the Texas Tech campus. David Brog, CUFI's Executive Director explained to the hundreds of assembled Christian Zionists who they really are and how they are perceived through Jewish eyes. Today's Christian Zionists are the legacy of 'Reighteous Gentiles' such as Corrie TenBoom. Those were Christians who risked their lives and the lives of their families because they had a scriptural grounding in how God chose and loved the Jews and therefore, a Christian Bible-believer had a mandate to protect and bless those who are "The apple of God's eye." Pastors Jackie White, Ted Currington, Lennie Allen and Dean Tarkington and their ministries were all instrumental in hosting and cooperating with Lubbock's CUFI City Director Helen Burke in making this event such a wonderful success. The evening was summed up by the statement, "I'm glad I live in Lubbock, Texas because God will bless this city and this state, because He has promised to bless all those who are blessing Abraham's descendants and Lubbock has done it tonight!"
Top

Boston, Massachusetts - Pastors' Lunch - November 12, 2009
Twenty-two Pastor's and ministry leaders gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in Braintree, Massachusetts for a CUFI Pastor's Lunch that lead into a "Standing With Israel" event at the Tabernacle Baptist Congregation. CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator shared his testimony of 25 years of Christian Zionism, and how Christians United For Israel became the vehicle for "adding action to his faith." A number of leaders signed their names to the growing list of East Coast CUFI Bus Captains for the 2010 DC Summit along with others who desire to see a 2010 Night to Honor Israel in the Boston area. Hundreds of Israel Pledge Cards were turned in at the conclusion to the evening service at Tabernacle Baptist Congregation, hosted by Pastor Alexandre.
Top

Atlanta, GA - Pastors' Luncheon - November 11, 2009
Approximately 83 pastors and leaders from the Atlanta area gathered at the Waverly Hotel and Conference Center for an exciting Christians United For Israel "working lunch" lead by Victory Styrsky, CUFI Eastern Regional Director. Sharon Kabalo, the Deputy Consul General of Israel to the Southeast brought an up to the minute report on events in the Middle East. Georgia University CUFI on Campus President, Greg Wilson shared about the battle against Israel in the classrooms and college campuses of America and how CUFI is equipping students to stand against it. CUFI Associate Executive Director brought an exciting report regarding the pro-Israel activities and miraculous growth of CUFI in the last several months. Georgia State Director, Scott Allen exhorted the attendees to become more active within the many opportunities CUFI offers. Twelve people signed up to be trained as Bus Captains for the 2010 DC Summit CUFI Caravan and ten local leaders signed their names as willing to be part of the planning committee for the next Atlanta Night To Honor Israel.
Top

Miami, FL - Pastors' Breakfast - November 9, 2009
Over 40 hispanic pastors from Miami, Hialeah and Ft. Lauderdale congregated in a Pastors' Breakfast meeting last Friday, November 6th to enjoy a time of fellowship and to learn about how to support Israel through CUFI Espanol, CUFI's newest outreach division.

This event was hosted and organized by an association of pastors called Pastores del Reino (Pastors of the Kingdom) who excitedly and strongly decided to support Israel through CUFI and whom will participate in the next pastors' luncheon meeting hoted by CUFI Espanol in Maimi, FL next January 2010. The conference was presented by CUFI Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, Pastor Carlos Ortiz.
Top

Las Vegas, NV - Standing With Israel Event - November 8, 2009
Over five hundred people from as many as thirty area churches met Sunday evening at Word of Life Christian Center in Las Vegas for a Standing With Israel meeting. The event was coordinated by CUFI Nevada State Directors Pastors David and Vicki Shearin, Senior Pastors of Word of Life CC. The evening served to promote the upcoming Night To Honor Israel there on December 1st at the Cashman Theatre, and included a presentation by Western States Coordinator Randy Neal, incredible music by the church's worship team, and moving comments by Cantor Avi Alpert from Temple Beth Shalom and CUFI on Campus 2008 DC Scholarship recipient Scott French. If you would like to learn how easy and impacting hosting a SWI meeting at your church can be please email us at info@CUFI.org
Top

Sacramento, CA - Pastors' Luncheon - November 5, 2009
Several dozen pastors from across the Golden State's Capitol gathered to learn about CUFI last Thursday. The group enthusiastically expressed interest in participating in the city's upcoming Night To Honor Israel and mobilizing their congregations to stand with the Jewish State. The meeting included a Middle East update presented by CUFI Western Coordinator Randy Neal.
Top

Pittsburgh, PA - Pastors' Luncheon - November 4, 2009
A CUFI Pastors' Luncheon was attended by pastors/leaders in the Pittsburgh area who have a desire to see a 2010 Night To Honor Israel in their city. Attendees signed up for leadership positions in working toward the event. The 2010 CUFI DC Summit was also discussed and people registered to be Bus Captains in the East Coast "2010 CUFI DC Caravan." We are praying for 100 buses from the CUFI Eastern Region to bring CUFI members to the 2010 DC Summit. Please contact Pastor Victor Styrsky CUFI's Eastern Regional Coordinator, at vstyrsky@yahoo.com to learn about becoming a bus captain.
Top

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ - Pastors' Luncheon - November 3, 2009
At the New Jersey CUFI Pastors' lunch, they learned how they can get more information on how they can be involved in "Standing with Israel." One pastor and his wife drove over two hours to attend the event, and afterward stated "We feel as though we have just started in elementary school with all of this...but we are so glad we have started!" We thank the Lord for the support being gathered on behalf of the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.
Top

Midland, TX - Night To Honor Israel - November 8, 2009
The first Night To Honor Israel in Midland, Texas was held in Midland's spacious Horseshoe Arena. Pastors Danny and Andrea Rhoden hosted this first-ever event in the heart of the Permian Basin. The tone of the program was set by Pastor Rhoden's call for "a new era of unity, mutual respect and lasting peace... when Christians and Jews stand together and announce to a hostile world that we are united in brotherhood." Although the arrangements for the celebration were spearheaded by Pastor Rhoden's Voice of Victory Church, it was truly a community sponsored endeavor as evidenced by the sponsorship and attendance of so many ministries which had worked hand-in-hand for months to make it a success. David Brog, the CUFI Executive Director, was the keynote speaker. David explained how the doctrine of Replacement Theology had been instrumental in poisining the relationship between Jews and Christians for nearly two thousand years. He then went on to explain that the miracle of this post-Holocaust age is that Replacement Theology is being overwhelmingly rejected by Bible-believing people all across this country. Corrie TenBoom and Pastor John Hagee were cited as examples of people who had been raised in the tradition of families that had always taken the Scriptures literally and naturally led them to take the actions that typified their lives of dedication to being a blessing to the Jews. The wonderful evening was augmented by the musical and dance presentations of the "Crown of Praise" members. The evening was exemplified by the wholehearted cooperation and donations from the business and civic organizations in the Midland-Odessa community.

Albuquerque, NM - Night To Honor Israel - November 1, 2009
Members from the Jewish and Christian communities of Greater Albuquerque gathered at the beautiful KIVA Auditorium to celebrate the city's third annual Night To Honor Israel. The event, Emceed by CUFI Albuquerque City Director - Pastor Bill Ruhl, under the oversight of CUFI New Mexico State Director Annette Garcia, included comments from children of Holocuast survivors - Edie Blaugrund and Joanna Morska-Osinska, a dynamic music team directed by Linda Cobb of Son Broadcasting, and an engaging and encouraging message by keynote speaker and CUFI Executive Director, David Brog.

Comments were also offered by Robert Efroymson and Sam Sokolove of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico, CUFI Western States Coordinator Randy Neal, and opening and closing prayers by Rabbi Eli Kaminetzky of Chabad of Taos and CUFI Belen City Director Pastor Barney Carbajal.
Top

Phoenix, AZ - Night To Honor Israel - October 18, 2009
Well over a thousand participants from the Jewish and Christian communities rallied in solidarity at A Night To Honor Israel at the Phoenix Symphony Hall. Attendees had to enter through a group of protestors whose signs attested that Anti-Semetism and replacement theology are alive and well, and underscored the importance of the event. Keynote speaker and radio talk show host, Dennis Prager, gave a powerful message and pondered one protestor's sign that read, "who would Jesus bomb?". . . Mr. Prager suggested that Jesus would have likely bombed the train tracks that went to Auschwitz.

The successful event was coordinated and emceed by CUFI AZ State Director Pastor Eddy Paul Morris, Senior Pastor of Deer Valley Worship Center. The evening included fabulous music led by Rhoda Schultz, a drama portrayal of Corrie Ten Boom and a convicting reflection from Holocaust Survivor Helen Handler. Other speakers included Israel Deputy Consulate Gil Artzyeli, Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky of Beth El Congregation, Stephen Gubin from the Jewish Federation and Randy Neal, Western Coordinator, CUFI.

Arvada, CO - Night To Honor Israel - October 18, 2009
Pastor George and Cheryl Morrison of Faith Bible Chapel celebrated their 31st Night To Honor Israel on Sunday, October 18, 2009. The evening was a banquet of music and dancing with the Faith Bible Chapel Worship Choir & Band directed and arranged by Rod Ginn and Mich Wygant. Soloist Rem Bashari pierced every heart in the packed out standing room only auditorium with his "Jerusalem of Gold." The International Singers and Dancers, Kids of Faith Israeli Dance Team, kept everyone celebrating as did the powerful multimedia drama written and directed by Zack Malito. Pastor John Hagee was the keynote speaker and brought righteous clarity and power to the CUFI message of God's covenantal love for the Jewish people as only he can do. Rabbi Selwyn Franklin was the special guest speaker and Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg was presented with the "Defender of Zion Award" for his decades long extraordinary commitment to biblical Zionism.

Charlotte, NC - Night To Honor Israel - October 18, 2009
Pastor Michael Stevens, CUFI North Carolina State Director, hosted the second annual Night To Honor Israel in Charlotte, NC at The University City Church. Participants were greeted by Hevenu Shalom Aleychem sung by the UCC choir which led the night in music. The keynote speaker, Pastor Scott Thomas CUFI's Florida State Director, gave an electrifying speech that challenged the audience to stand with Israel. Junior high and high school students from Word of Faith Christian School in Spindale, NC created artistic scenes and paintings of the Holocaust. A special thank you to Leigh Valentine for bringing the Holocaust expressions and Pastor Tom Ochieng for his hard work behind the scenes to ensure this successful event.

Nashville, TN - Stand With Israel - October 18, 2009 Top
This Sunday was particularly exciting as CUFI was hosted in Nashville, Tennessee by Mr. Mike McNally, the CUFI Tennessee State Director. Israel's Consul General in Atlanta requested that CUFI host a meeting for Christian supporters of Israel to meet with the Vice-Prime Ministor of Israel who was in Nashville. One hundred CUFI memebers packed the meeting room for the first Stand With israel Meeting/Reception in Tennessee. Vice-Prime Minister and the Minister of Strategic Affairs, Moshe Ya'alon, held the crowd in rapt attention as he spoke of the plans and strategy of the Netanyahu government. His candid talk was followed by an equally candid question and answer period. It was also an opportunity to review and expand upon the objectives of CUFI as well as the criticality of the times for both Israel and the United States.

Detroit, MI - Stand With Israel - October 15, 2009 Top
The first Stand With Israel meeting in the Detroit, Michigan area was held in the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Christmas of Milford, Michigan. Cheryl Christmas organized and hosted this wonderful event. The Christmas home was overflowing with CUFI members who came from miles around. A wonderful surprise was the attendance of the national President of AIPAC, who expressed his joy at meeting so many Christian supporters of Israel.

Berryville, AR - Stand With Israel - October 14, 2009 Top
Berryville, Arkansas' Oak Grove Assembly Church led by Pastors' Todd and Karen Rogers was the scene of a Stand With Israel meeting in Northeastern Arkansas. Pastor Rogers is the CUFI city Director of nearby Branson, Missouri. The meeting featured an in-depth discussion of how "Replacement Theology" has historically poisoned the relationship between Christians and Jews and led to the diabolical Holocaust of 1939-1945 in Europe.

Springfield, OH - October 13, 2009 Top
On Tuesday there were two CUFI meetings in Springfield, Ohio. At noon a Pastors' Luncheon was hosted by Pastor Jess Gibson of Cornerstone Church. The luncheon was held in the magnificent "Mansion at Elfindale" which is an historical site on the Cornerstone property. This event was well attended by local Springfield ministry leaders. A highlight of the meeting was the surprise attendance of Dr. Billye Brim who is the CUFI Regional Director of Region 5. The CUFI presentation followed the luncheon and was held in Cornerstone's historic chapel.

The evening of the 13th at the Deerfield Inn was the site for the first Stand With Israel meeting in Springfield. The event was hosted and organized by Pastor Twila Davis of Springfield's Agape Fellowship. People gathered to hear about the objectives of CUFI and delved into the facts and scriptural fulfillment of the re-birth of the state of Israel.

Columbus, OH - Stand With Israel Meetings - October 10th & 11th, 2009 Top
Two "Stand With Israel" meetings were held in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Sandy and Pastor Greg Burkett hosted a meeting on Saturday evening at their lovely home in Suburban Columbus. Their home was filled with friends and CUFI members who all held a great love for Israel and the Jews. The meeting had been organized and promoted by Mr. and mrs. Bob Best and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lagno. The following day, Sunday afternoon, witnessed the first Stand With Israel meeting on the campus of The Ohio State Univeristy. The Buckeye state's outreach of CUFI on Campus was the highlighted subject of the meeting. Ms. Wendy McCusker has been instrumental in Columbus in not only reaching out to the college students, but was also instrumental in organizing the first Night To Honor Israel in Ohio.

Shepherdstown, WV - Night To Honor Israel - October 8, 2009 Top
Pastor Pete and kay Williams, West Virginia State Directors for Christians United For Israel (CUFI) conducted their second annual Night To Honor Israel at Covenant Baptist Church in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, October 8. The keynote speaker and solo vocalist for the evening was Chuck King of Van Buren, Arkansas who was a former leading spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) and Artistic Director of the annual ICEJ Fest Of Tabernacles Celebration in Jerusalem from 1996 to 2008.

The emphasis for the keynote address was the prophetic biblical fulfillment of the 1948 rebirth of the nation of Israel. Chuck's first hand experiences while living in Israel, along with his dynamic worship style and love for Israel brought scriptural depth and truth in his teaching and into the evening's praise & worship. The gathering of 150 attendees from the tri-state area of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland although small was a heart-changing experience of both Christians and Jews who attended.

Additional speakers were Galit Baram, Counselor for Domestic Political Affairs for the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC and Ron Halber, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) Rockville, Maryland. The special offerings for the evening were given equally to the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington DC, and to the Shiloh Israel Children's Fund.

Metter, GA - CUFI Pastors' Dinner - October 6, 2009 Top
On October 6th, the Metter Freewill Baptist Church hosted the area's first "CUFI Pastors' Dinner." Acting CFI Georgia State Director Scott Alan, Event Director, Joe Woodard, and Pastor Jesse Goodman brought pastors and leaders together from all the churches in their area. Thanks to the wonderful volunteers from Freewill Baptist, the multipurpose room was adorned in beautiful table settings and a gourmet country dinner! CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator, Pastor Victor Styrsky gave a message on Christian Zionism and the historic roll CUFI is playing by giving Christians a vehicle for putting "action to their faith" regarding the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. State Director Alan presented a Middle East Update, helping all in attendance to better understand the threat Israel is facing from Iran. By the end of the event, every pastor in the room committed their churches to immediately start working toward holding the first Night To Honor Israel in their area sometime in mid November 2009.

Belen (Bethlehem), NM - Standing With Israel - October 10, 2009 Top
Under the leadership of CUFI Belen City Director Pastor Barney Carbajal III, Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Church, the area's first Standing With Israel meeting was a gala celebration of solidarity with the Jewish State. The ground breaking gathering was held in the beautiful auditorium of the Belen High School and included a dance team, a procession of banners representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and a Praise and Worship team with musicians from three area churches. Several area pastors and their congregants attended the event. CUFI New Mexico State Director Annette Garcia gave an overview of CUFI's vision, history, and progress in New Mexico, and Daughters For Zion was introduced by State Director Bernadette Martinez. Keynote speaker - CUFI Regional Coordinator Randy Neal, encouraged attendees to consider why and how they should stand with Israel and invited all to the state's Night To Honor Israel November 1st in Albuquerque. Sam Sokolove, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of New Mexico closed the assembly with heartfelt comments and bendiction.

Deming, NM - Standing With Israel - October 9, 2009 Top
Christians United For Israel hosted its first Standing With Israel meeting in Deming, New Mexico. The event encouraged people to attend the state's annual Night To Honor Israel on November 1st in Albuquerque, and was opened in prayer and hosted by Pastor Marshal Boyer, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel of Deming. The audience represented several area churches that teamed together to cast CUFI's vision to southern New Mexico. CUFI New Mexico State Director Annette Garcia conveyed CUFI's growth and history in New Mexico, and Western Regional Coordinator Randy Neal shared why Christians should care and tangibly act for Israel. Special thanks go to CUFI Deming City Director Ann Marie Beck for her leadership in coordinating this successful Standing With israel meeting.

Charlotte, NC - Pastors' Luncheon - September 30, 2009
Pastors and ministry leaders gathered for a Pastors' Luncheon and Middle East Briefing hosted by CUFI State Director, Pastor Michael Stevens at University City Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. A full briefing on the crisis in Iran, the importance of the previous' week's United Nations General Assembly, and Iran's revelation of a second, previously hidden nuclear facility, was discussed in the context of final preparation of the second annual Night To honor Israel in Charlotte. The Night To Honor Israel will be held on Sunday, October 18 at University City Church. Pastor Scott Thomas, CUFI State Director of Florida, will be the keynote speaker that evening.

Davenport, Iowa - Night To Honor Israel - October 1, 2009
The Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois held their sixth annual Night To Honor Israel on October 1st, 2009 in Davenport, Iowa. The event opened with the blowing of the shofars by three pastors and two rabbis. Guest Music Director Dennis Wilson kicked off the music program with his high energy song "Highest Praise". Choir Director Sheila Heubach led a 50 member community choir made up of seven different churches in singing "How Great Is Our God" and "Days Of Elijah."

Reform Rabbi Henry J. Karp with Temple Emanuel gave the invocation followed by Shirah Ozeri with the Chicago office of the Jewish Agency where Shirah is director of the Israel Aliyah Center. IIan Sharon - region 8 jewish Liaison spoke about the history of anti-Semetism in America. the Good News Dance Team performed an offering dance to the song "Worthy". The dancers heart of worship was evident to all in attendance.

Keynote speaker Pastor Victor Styrsky, Eastern Regional Director CUFI gave an unforgettable summary of the churches history in working with the Jewish community and his 35 years as a Christian Zionist. The Iowa state CUFI director Tom McGovern said "The Quad City community has given over $232,000 to help Jews fleeing from anti-Semitic countries to return to their homeland. I am grateful to be part of a community that cares about the Jewish people and understands the Jewish roots of our Christian faith. Our cities, churches and synagogues are blessed with brothers dwell together in unity." Conservative Rabbi Michael Samuel with the Tri-City Jewish Center ended the night with the benediction.

Omaha, Nebraska - Pastors' Breakfast - September 24, 2009
Hosted by Salem Radio, KGBI, these Salem events are very useful in spreading the word about CUFI and the mission we have. In six weeks we will follow up in the area with a CUFI Pastors' Luncheon from the contacts made at this first ever event in Omaha, Nebraska.

Beaumont, TX - Pastors' Luncheon - September 25, 2009
Hosted by Pastors Randy and Suzann Feldschau. Pastor Hagee addressed the 150 attendees with a message emphasizing the criticality of the time for Christian churches to stand in support of an embattled Israel.

Midland, TX - Pastors' Luncheon - September 22, 2009
Hosted by Pastor Danny Rhoden. More than 85 ministry leaders were in attendance to learn more about CUFI and the upcoming Night To Honor Israel on the 8th of November. As a result of this luncheon several more churches are lending their support to event.

Shreveport, Louisiana - Standing With Israel - September 27, 2009
Full Gospel Temple, Shreveport, Louisiana, hosted by Pastor Lorraine Pennington. The city of Shreveport is preparing for their 4th Night To Honor Israel. The blessings promised to Abraham by God in Genesis were enumerated. Audience participation was enhanced by a guest from Israel who taught and led the congregation in singing the psalmic promise of "As the mountains are around Jerusalem, so the Lord is around His people."

Newbury, Ohio - Standing With Israel - September 17, 2009
Grace Evangelical Bible Church in Newbury, Ohio, arranged by Pastor Morris. This meeting was the first SWI held in the far eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. The extremely clear Biblical mandate to be a blessing to Israeland all of Abraham's descendants was the major topic of the briefing.

Parma, Ohio - Standing With Israel - September 16, 2009
Bethany First Assembly of God in Parma, Ohio, hosted by Pastor Michael Strange. This SWI highlighted the current situation in Israel and the Middle East. The miracle of the re-birth of the modern nation of Israel and the unconditional support that needs to come from Christians was fully discussed in preparation for the upcoming first Night To Honor Israel in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

Little Rock, Arkansas - Pastors Meeting
Little Rock, Arkansas was the site of a Pastors' Meeting hosted by Pastor Happy Caldwell, the CUFI Arkansas state director. Pastor Caldwell will be Honoring Israel on the evening of the 13th of September and this was an opportunity to inform and invite other local ministries to attend and be involved in this upcoming 3rd Night To Honor Israel in the Arkansas capital city. There were about four dozen ministry leaders who attended. Pastor Hagee will be the featured speaker on the 13th of September.

Lakewood, Ohio - Standing With Israel meeting - August 12, 2009
The first Standing With Israel meeting was held on the 12th of August in Lakewood, Ohio, a western suburb of Cleveland. The evening educational event was hosted by Pastor Mike Bartolone at his Lakewood Chapel Church. there were approximately 75 in attendance. This new area of CUFI outreach was headed up by Ed and Pat Douglas and Dennis Corban, all of whom had attended the recent CUFI summit in Washington, DC. The fact that this meeting happened so quickly and easily demonstrated that when people have a passion for being a blessing to Abraham's descendants it is just a matter of finding a hall or a church and we will do the rest. As so often happens, people who are the CUFI email list responded and came from all over the metroplitan area for the meeting with only a couple of days notice.

Cleveland, Ohio - Pastors Luncheon - August 11, 2009
A Pastors' Luncheon was held in Cleveland, Ohio on the 11th of August at the Corporate College of Cleveland Community College. It was the first luncheon in Cleveland for CUFI and fifty-one ministry leaders were in attendance. The meeting resulted in a committee being formed and a date for the first Night To Honor Israel in the area of Northeastern Ohio has been chosen.

South Carolina - A Night To Honor Israel - August 6, 2009
The 6th of August was the date for the South Carolina Night To Honor Israel. It was hosted by the Rev. David Cerullo of the City of Light, located just over the state line from Charlotte, NC. The evening had many highlights leading up to the powerful message brought by Pastor Hagee emphasizing that it was just not enough to know what God says about supporting Israel, but that it is imperative that Christians obey what God's Word clearly teaches about the subject. The choir from Pastor Michael Steven's University City Church in Charlotte, Cantor Elias Roochvarg of Temple Israel and the internationally-known singer Diane di Stasio all added their marvelous musical abilities in making the evening truly memorable. The beautiful new auditorium at the City of Light was packed to overlfowing for this great night of honoring Israel and the local jewish community.

On the evening of the 28th of July a Standing With Israel educational meeting was also held in Midland at the Midland Center. There were approximately 200 people from the area who attended. The email blast to that part of Texas brought people from 150 miles to the second SWI event in the Permian Basin.

Houston, TX - Pastor's Brunch - July 27, 2009
Over 200 hundred persons attended this Houston area brunch and over 85 pastors joined Pastor Hagee to learn more about CUFI at the North Central Church in Spring, TX. The event was hosted by Pastor Larry Emerson, the senior pastor at North Central.Top

Pastor Bryan Koch of Glad Tidings Assembly of God hosted the night with CUFI's Reading City Director, Pastor Craig Nanna, emceeing the event. The evening was full of speakers highlighting the importance of supporting Israel - Raslan Abu Rukun (Deputy Consul General from Israel), Andrew Summey (CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator), Mike O'Pake (PA State Senator), Rabbi Yehoshus Looks (Executive Director of Orh Torah Stone), and Rev. Robert Stearns (Executive Director of Eagles Wings Ministry and CUFI Region 10 Director). The main keynote speaker was Holocaust Survivor, Marion Blumenthal-Lanza, who shared her moving story of survival and passion for life since the horrific evils of the Holocaust.

Thank you to CUFI's Pennsylvania State Directors - Pastors Steve and Liz DeFrain - for their leadership in bringing this event to fruition.

Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA- June 7, 2009
Members from the Christian and Jewish communities from the greater Portland-Vancouver area poured into the sanctuary of New Hope Community Church for the area's third annual Night to Honor Israel. The event was coordinated by CUFI Portland City Director Phyllis Lohse under the leadership of CUFI Oregon State Director Pastor Brian Cuff.

Key-note speakers Frank Gaffney and Duncan Kirkwood (who, days earlier assisted in launching Portland's CUFI on Campus) challenged the audience to consider what they could do to better support the Jewish nation. A dynamic music team, under direction of Rhoda Schultz from Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada Colorado had attendees to their feet celebrating the evening of solidarity. Randy Neal, CUFI Western Regional Coordinator Emceed the program. The event was proceeding by a private dinner for event partners and ended with an open dessert reception.

Eugene, Oregon- May 25, 2009
Hopes and expectations on all fronts were far exceeded at Eugene Oregon’s first annual Night To Honor Israel. The event, which was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Valley River Inn on the bank of the Willamette River, had ushers and hotel staff scrambling for additional chairs as nearly twice the anticipated attendees lined up at the check-in table. The evening was emceed by Larry Bottemiller, and including moving comments by Rabbi Asi Spiegel, and Pastor Brian Cuff, Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Eugene and Oregon State Director for Christians United For Israel. Keynote speaker, David Brog, Executive Director of CUFI received a seemingly endless standing ovation for an inspiring message on faith in action. An offering was received to benefit Save A Child’s Heart, an Israel based medical facility that performs life saving heart surgeries for children, regardless of race, religion or nationality, or ability to pay.

To learn how your community can host a Night To Honor Israel, or a Pastors Luncheon or Standing With israel meeting, email us at info@cufi.org

Colorado Springs, CO - May 17, 2009- One Hundred and counting
An estimated eight hundred people gathered in the City Auditorium in Colorado Springs, CO to participate in CUFI's 100th Night To Honor Israel! The historic event was held on the first annual Christians United for Israel Sunday, which added even more energy to the enthusiastic crowd. Applause punctuated the city's first Night To Honor Israel, which was coordinated by Savannah Stover, under the leadership of CUFI Regional Directors Pastor George and Cheryl Morrison, of Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, CO.

Pastor George Morrison and Rabbi Mel Glazer, of Beth Shalom in Colorado Springs brought inspiring comments on both faith's common love and bond to Israel. Keynote speaker David Brog, Executive Director of Christians United for Israel received standing ovations for his insightful look at Christian/Jewish history.

Columbus, Ohio - May 17, 2009
Hosted by Drs. David and Tracy Forbes of Ever Increasing Life Ministries at the Columbus Christian Center.
This evening was a culmination of the vision of Wendy Finch McCusker of the Israel Initiative and Dianne Smith who were instrumental in seeing this event come into fruition. Over the years a bridge has been built between the Christian and Jewish communities by Rabbi Harold Berman - Tiffereth Israel Synagogue and Pastor Scott Kelso - Trinity Family Life Center. Exemplifying this unconditional outreach were the featured speakers, Mr. Jay Schottenstein an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, humanitarian and long-time supporter of Israel and Mr. Gary Kinman - Founder & Director The Kinman Institute. There were over 1,000 attendees and the generous offering was sent to the Kfar Saba Partnership in Israel.

Fresno, CA - May 3, 2009
Pastor Jim Franklin of Fresno's Cornerstone Church emptied their 15,000 sq ft teaching center, took 100 volunteers, spent countless late night hours, and turned the center into an interactive Holocaust Memorial Experience. Hundreds of people from the Jewish and Christian community came from all over California to be a part of the memorial and Fresno's 2nd Annual Night to Honor Israel. Rabbi Ourach of Temple Beth Israel sounded the shofar and brought words of thanks for the Christian community with his beautiful invocation. Director of the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region, Micahl Kohane shared a very personal and powerful story of her family's holocaust survival, and Director of Fresno Chabad, Rabbi Zirkind brought the evening's benediction.

Many new names were added to the Israel Pledge and CUFI Rapid Response Team and Cornerstone Church is now working on sending six college students from their fellowship to the CUFI Washington DC Summit.

Melbourne, FL- April 27, 2009
First Assembly of God Church with CUFI City Director, Pastor Gary Cristofaro, hosted their second annual Night To Honor Israel in Melbourne, FL. Keynote speaker, David Brog (CUFI Executive Director) highlighted the importance of Christian support for Israel during this critical time in Israel’s history. Music by Chuck King filled the evening and CUFI State Director, Scott Thomas, encouraged all participants to Sign the Israel Pledge.

University of Oklahoma -April 27, 2009- A Night to Honor Israel on Campus
The CUFI Chapter at the University of Oklahoma under their President Scott Mason held their first and CUFI On Campus’ first Night to Honor Israel. The Night to Honor Israel inaugurated the week of “Israel Fest” on the OU campus. Jewish and Christian students came out to celebrate Israel, hear keynote speaker, Pastor Victor Styrsky (CUFI N. California State Director), and come together for The Israel Pledge. Former president of the Black Student Association led off with the American National Anthem and was followed by Pastor Stryrky’s leading of his upbeat version of Israeli National Anthem. OU Hebrew Professor Lea Reches, an Israeli, held a Hamatzot service with candle lighting. The evening ended with the students making the declaration of standing for Israel on the OU Campus with more purpose and activism for the upcoming academic year in 2009-2010.

San Francisco, CA- April 19, 2009
The Grand Ballroom of the Saint Francis Hotel served as a picturesque setting for San Francisco's first Night to Honor Israel. Hundreds of people gathered at the historic hotel on Union Square in an evening celebration of solidarity and support for the nation of Israel.

The event featured the Hebraic music style of Wild Branches, led by CUFI N. California Director Victor Styrsky, and a special piece by Cellist Doug McClure.

The event was coordinated and emceed by Rev. Rosemary Schindler, Founder of Schindler's Ark and CUFI San Francisco City Director. Speakers included representatives from Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, El Al airlines and the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, as well as comments from Israel's Consulate General to the Northwest, Akiva Tor. CUFI Executive Director, David Brog, gave the keynote address, and CUFI Western Regional Coordinator Randy Neal encouraged attendees to participate in the fourth annual CUFI DC Summit in July.

Rochester, NY - March 29, 2009
Rochester held their third annual Night to Honor Israel with a very enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,500. Keynote speakers, Asaf Shariv (Consul General of Israel in New York), Rev. Robert Stearns (CUFI Region 10 Director and Executive Director of Eagles’ Wings Ministry), and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik (Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis) were joined by New York State Senator, Joseph E. Robach and Mayor of the city of Rochester, Robert J. Duffy, for an evening of music and solidarity with Israel.

Last night, hosted by Bethel Christian Fellowship with Pastor Ron Domina (CUFI State Director - New York), consistently echoed the call for Christians to stand in the spirit of Esther for Israel and the Jewish people. An offering of practical blessing was raised for The Loving Kindness Fund in Israel.

Sacramento California - March 22, 2009
Over a thousand people filled a Grand Ballroom in the Golden State's Capitol city to celebratethe third annual Night To Honor Israel there. The evening included music led by CUFI Northern California Director, and author of "Honest To God", Pastor Victor Styrsky.

A keynote address by National talkshow host Dennis Prager received roaring applause and a standing ovation. The evening was complimented by remarks from Israel's Consul General to the Northwest, Mr. Akiva Tor, Rabbi Mendy Cohen, Rabbi Joseph Melamed, Zack Bodner - Pacific Northwest Director, AIPAC and CUFI Western Regional Coordinator Randy Neal. Over twenty two thousand dollars was raised for humanitarian aid in southern Israel.

Lakeland, FL- March 15, 2009
With more than 3,500 attending and raising $75,000, State Director, Pastor Scott Thomas, hosted Lakeland, Florida’s first annual Night To Honor Israel. Keynote speaker Pastor John Hagee ignited an evening filled with music and strong calls to support Israel during this critical hour. Consul General Ofer Bavley passionately presented both the wonderful connection and the joy of Christians standing with Israel. State Director Pastor Scott Thomas of Without Walls Central gave a stirring message of the vital importance of Christians to support Israel. Donations will go toward purchasing portable bomb shelters in Israel.

Anchorage, Alaska- March 5, 2009
Hundreds from throughout the greater Anchorage and Palmer-Wasilla areas met in the Performing Arts Center for Anchorage's second "Night To Honor Israel" there. The event was emcee'd by CUFI Anchorage City Director, Pastor Gary Morton, Senior Pastor of Anchorage First Assembly of God. The evening included a drama production depicting the failure to implement the "Alaska Development Plan", an initiative that would have allowed pre-WWII Jewish refugees to immigrate, settle and develop what was then the Alaska Territory.

Juneau, Alaska- March 3, 2009
An audience representing multiple churches gathered for the second "Night To Honor Israel" in Alaska's Captiol city. Attendees braved icy roads to join together in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. The event was coordinated and emcee'd by CUFI Alaska State Director, Pastor Mike Rose, Senior Pastor of Juneau Christian Center, where the event was hosted. Many present expressed interest in re-gathering in Washington DC for CUFI's fourth annual DC-Israel Summit in July.

David Brog, Executive Director of Christians United For Israel, was the keynote speaker at each event. Both audiences were treated to a special address by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who expressed heartfelt regrets that Alaska had refused to grant refuge to Jews seeking to flee Nazi Germany and pledged that the state would never again turn its back on the Jewish people or Israel in their time of need.

Tulsa, OK- March 2, 2009
Pastors Billy Joe and Sharon Daugherty’s Victory Christian Center hosted the third annual Night to Honor Israel that was enjoyed by 3,000 Oklahomans. The incredible Victory orchestra, choir and dance ensemble set the tone for the evening with their matchless performances. The guest speaker was Pastor John Hagee. Pastor Hagee’s message ran counter to the doom and gloom of the nation’s economic misery. He emphasized that God’s Word and His promises are not subject to the media’s economic predictions. God has unequivocally promised to bless those who bless Abraham’s seed and that those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem will prosper. The audience was challenged and motivated to join us in Washington this July to “Stand Up for Israel!” and to “Speak up for Israel! and to “Not shut up about Israel!” echoing the scriptural injunction of “For Zion’s sake I will not keep quiet.” In response, over $45,000 was raised in the evening’s offering to support three Israeli charities

Southfield, MI - March 1, 2009
Bishop Keith and Pastor Deborah Butler welcomed multiple thousands to the Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, Michigan for their annual Day to Honor Israel. The day began with two morning services addressed by Brigitte Gabriel who shared how her family was attacked in Lebanon because they were Christians and how Israel helped them. The Sunday evening service was wonderfully coordinated by Bishop Butler and featured the indomitable Reverend Billye Brim, CUFI’s Region 5 Director. Rev. Brim challenged the Jewish and Christian guests to recognize the “awakening” that is taking place as thousands of Christians are becoming aware of their Hebrew roots and the debt they owe to the Jews.

Demorest, GA- November 17, 2008
A camel greeted more than 600 attendees at the door of the Torch Worship Center in Northern Georgia for their first annual Night to Honor Israel in Demorest, GA. The camel was a part of the wonderful decorations and festive atmosphere that the Demorest community created for this night.

The evening began with uplifting music that continued to punctuate between the speakers. The speakers included the Ambassador Reda Mansour, the Consul General of Israel to the Southeast United States, Pastor Mike Franklin, senior pastor of The Torch Worship Center, and keynote speaker, David Brog, CUFI Executive Director.

In an area where there is no Jewish community to speak of, the Christians in this community were charged with supporting Israel and did so in practical ways such as signing The Israel Pledge and donating funds to The Lone Soldier Program helping Israeli soldiers who do not have family in Israel.

This was a very successful event and should encourage CUFI leaders that there can be a wonderful Night to Honor Israel held in smaller communities who wish to bless Israel.

Albuquerque, New Mexico - November 13, 2008
"Incredible…excellent…amazing… fabulous…outstanding." These are some of the words that Christian and Jewish attendees used to describe Albuquerque's third annual Night To Honor Israel. The event was presented in the Kiva Auditorium of the Albuquerque Convention Center under the leadership of CUFI New Mexico State Director Annette Garcia and CUFI Albuquerque City Director Pastor Jack Webb, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

In addition to honoring Israel, the evening also reflected on the inspiring life of the late Blackie Gonzalez, Founder of Son Broadcasting in New Mexico, and former CUFI New Mexico State Director. Blackie's tireless efforts as a champion for Israel were commemorated in a special presentation to his family of the Defender of Zion Award by CUFI Executive Board Member and Region 3 Director Pastor George Morrison, Senior Pastor of Faith Bible Chapel, Arvada, CO.

Those present were treated to a top talented orchestra, a dramatic presentation of Corrie Tenboom's life and ideals, and a powerful message by David Brog, Executive Director of Christians United For Israel. Nearly everyone present signed or committed to sign The Israel Pledge, and several indicated they were planning to attend the CUFI DC Summit in July.

If you would like to see a Night To Honor Israel hosted in your community please contact us at info@cufi.org

Salt Lake City, UT - November 6, 2008
Hundreds of people gathered at Mt. Calvary Family Christian Center to participate in Salt Lake City's first annual Night To Honor Israel. The evening opened with special music and a choir representing several area congregations. Speakers included Pastor Arni Jacobson, CUFI Utah State Director, Eric Ludwig, Executive Director of the Salt Lake Jewish Federation, Bruce Barrett, AIPAC Mountain Region Director, Randy Neal, CUFI Western Regional Coordinator, and a keynote message by David Brog, CUFI Executive Director. The event raised several thousand dollars for Salt Lake City's Israeli sister city - Kerriat Malachi, and ended with a dessert reception.

If you would like to see your community host a Night To Honor Israel or better mobilzed to stand with Israel please contact Randy Neal, CUFI Western Regional Coordinator at Randy.Neal@cufi.org

Albany, NY- November 2, 2008
More than 700 attended Sunday night's first ever Night to Honor Israel in Albany, NY. The evening was filled with wonderful music, speakers and the joy of blessing Israel from "The Empire State." A special moment highlighted the Jewish war veterans that fought in wars for the United States and Israel began the evening with the "Presentation of the Colors." The music by The Light of the World Worship and Dance team easily brought the eager crowd into a festive celebration and honored guests as Congressman Michael McNulty of the 21st Congressional District, and the Town of Colonie Town Supervisor, Paula Mahan who read a special proclamation of for Israel from their local community.

Keynote speakers Sharon Regev (Israel Consul for Puplic Affairs), Rabbi Dr. Gerald Meister (Scholar and Statesman for the U.S. and Israel), and Rev. Robert Stearns (Region 10 Director and Executive Director, Eagles' Wings) each highlighted the importance of supporting Israel politically, with a deep faith connection, and from a Biblical mandate perspective respectively.

There was a call to sign The Israel Pledge. The entire crowd stood and read The Israel Pledge together. It was declared at the end of the evening that this is merely the first annual Night to Honor Israel in Albany, NY.

CUFI is looking forward to more active support for Israel from upstate New York!

Reno, NV - Novemeber 2, 2008
Eight hundred people filled the Grand Ballroom at the Atlantis Resort in Reno, Nevada for the area's first annual Night to Honor Israel. Religious leaders representing thirty five Christian and Jewish congregations attended the event in a statement of solidarity and support for the nation of Israel. The event was coordinated under the oversight of CUFI Reno\Sparks City Director Pastor David Olberg, Senior Pastor of Faith Alive Christian Center in Reno, and Associate Pastor Joseph Bock.

The evening featured special music by Wild Branches, a Middle East update by Israeli Consul General Jacob Dayon, and a Keynote message by David Brog, Executive Director of CUFI and author of "Standing with Israel". The event raised forty thousand dollars for the Israeli ATIDIM education program for underpriviledged youth in Israel.

If you would like to see a Night To Honor Israel hosted in your community please contact Randy Neal, CUFI Western Regional Coordinator at Randy.Neal@cufi.org

“Every year our event continues to grow in numbers and gifts” said Tom McGovern, Iowa state director of CUFI. They had approximately 1,200 people in attendance and gave over $43,000 to the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities for Ethiopian Jews to immigrate to the Sha’ar Hanegev region in Israel. The Negev region is where their sister city is located, Kibbutz Or-Haner. In the past they gave their offering to immigrants to reside in Kibbutz Or-Haner but because of the missiles, families aren’t coming out of fear for their safety.

Scott Schaefer of the Quad City Prayer Center led the music and a community choir made up of Christians and Jews. Scott started out the night with “Lord, God of Abraham.” The key note speaker was Robert Stearns of Eagles Wings ministries who filled in for Pastor John Hagee while he recovered from surgery. God brought the perfect gift in Robert at the perfect time in their community. Robert spoke of the things that are common between Jews and Christians and why we need to be united in a chaotic, divisive world.

Robert also spoke at a Pastors luncheon with about 60 Pastors attending where one Pastor said “Don’t let this stop here. Keep this going.” Robert has made such an impact on our community that our leaders are exploring other ministry opportunities with him. The Good News Dancers performed to a song written by Robert titled “The Song of the Ages.” They inspired the whole audience to look to heaven as they worshiped in their dance. The night ended with the whole audience singing “Days of Elijah.”

Shreveport, LA- October 27, 2008
Shreveport was the site of this Louisiana City’s third annual Night to Honor Israel. A large crowd gathered at Pastor David and Angela Daniel’s beautiful Broadmoor AoG church on the evening of 27 October. The Jewish community was wonderfully represented by the presence of Rabbi Janna Benadetti as she called the assembly to attention with the sounding of the mighty shofar blasts. Rabbi Foster Kawaler followed with a heartfelt invocation. The tone of the evening was set by the Israeli music and choreography directed by Pastor Brad Jackson of West Monroe, LA. Israel’s Consul General for the Southwest, Asher Yarden greeted the crowd with a message of hope and encouragement. Although he has attended numerous Nights To Honor Israel since taking his post in 2006, stated that he is “…still amazed at the love poured out by Christians for the Jewish people.”

Two United States Senators offered inspiring messages. Louisiana Senator David Vitters spoke about the biblical imperative of praying and acting for the peace of Jerusalem. Senator Joe Lieberman made a specially prepared video for the evening where he movingly spoke about his admiration and friendship with Pastor Hagee and his long involvement with Christians United for Israel.

Louisiana’s own Dr. Jesse Duplantis was the main speaker for the evening. Anyone who has ever heard Rev. Jesse can relate to the rousing, humorous and biblically based message he delivered. While speaking of the so called “economic crisis” in our nation, he stated, “I ain’t participating in it!” He hammered home that point by saying, “Christians should not be participating in a recession when we serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and also Jesse.”

The offering totaled more than $80,000 which was handed to Ariel Kotler of the One Family Fund, which ministers to the needs of the families in Israel who have been the victims of terrorist attacks.

It takes many dedicated people to bring an event like this from a vision into reality. Our NTHI summaries highlight the speakers and the public leaders. But often we overlook the people who are never seen on the stage; the ones who really are “the hewers of wood and the drawers of water”.

These are the people who make it such an important and flawless event. Mrs. Sharon Flournoy is and has been the key to making Shreveport a shining city on the hill that keeps the flame of love for Israel burning. God bless her and all who labor in God’s vineyard in Louisiana.

Minneapolis, MN - October 19, 2008
The Living Word Christian Center in Minneapolis held its second annual Night to Honor Israel on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Over 1,400 people shared in an inspiring and high energy evening. The program featured keynote speeches from Pastor Matthew Hagee and David Brog, as well as beautiful Israeli singing and dancing. Over $85,000 were raised for an absorption center in Hadera, Israel which helps Ethiopian immigrants prepare for their new lives in Israel.

Congratulation to CUFI Regional Director Pastor Mac Hammond and Daughters of Zion Chair Pastor Lynn Hammond for a truly wonderful event. Congratulations also to CUFI Minnesota State Director Pastor Tim Burt and Jewish Liaison Ilan Sharon for all of their hard work to make the night a very big success. This was only the Twin City's second Night to Honor Israel. Yet the unity between the Christians and Jews of these cities is real and growing ever deeper.

The evening was filled with standing ovations and cheering applause as the audience responded to a talent packed dance and music production, and a moving message buy radio talk show host Dennis Prager.

The event served to celebrate Israel's sixty year anniversary of independence. It also marked Faith Bible Chapel's three decades of "Israel Awareness Day" - an annual day long presentation of exhibits, dance, drama, lectures and multi-media focused on God's love for Israel.
By the evening's end several attendees had registered for CUFI's 09' DC Summit.

If you would like to see a Night To Honor Israel hosted in your city, or would like to learn more about mobilizing your community to stand with Israel, please contact Randy Neal, CUFI Western Regional Coordinator at Randy.Neal@CUFI.ORG

Cranford, NJ September 21, 2008
Cranford, New Jersey celebrated their second annual Night to Honor Israel on Sunday, September 21 with a powerful evening of music and speakers blessing Israel and the Jewish people.

Hosted by Pastor Clem Salerno of Calvary Tabernacle/Harvest Training Center under the leadership of CUFI State Director, Pastor Walter Healy and CUFI Director of Region 10, Rev. Robert Stearns, the evening once again established the mandate Christians have to support Israel.

Te evening was informative, uplifting and a true blessing. Speakers included Ambassador Asaf Shariv, Consul General of Israel in New York, Pastor Walt Healy, Rev. Robert Stearns, and Dr. Rabbi Gerald Meister the Former Israel-Christian Advisor to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

Speakers included Bonnie Nichol, President of the Jewish Federation of Arkansas, and Martin Flax, the Israeli Embassy's Counselor for Domestic Political Affairs. CUFI's Executive Director David Brog delivered the keynote address. And the Agape Church Choir punctuated the night with its beautiful Hebrew arrangements. Funds were raised to support the Arkansas Jewish Federation's projects in Israel.

While this was only Little Rock's second NTHI, the sprit of solidarity between Little Rock's Christians and Jews was on clear display. In little over a year, the Night to Honor Israel has tightly knitted these two communities together. Little Rock is another excellent example of the power of the NTHI to build bridges and transform communities.

Congratulations to Pastor Happy Caldwell, CUFI Arkansas State Director and Senior Pastor of Agape Church for a wonderful event. Pastor Caldwell's inspirational leadership continues to achieve great things for CUFI, Israel and the Jewish people.

Jackson Mississippi Night to Honor Israel - September 3, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
Last Thursday night, I had the pleasure of attending the first annual Jackson, Mississippi Night to Honor Israel. Despite the temptation of the Saints football game being televised that night, over 1,200 people came out to join us. Pastor Hagee electrified the crowd as he thundered down his keynote address from the podium. And Andrew Hull’s wonderful voice kept spirits high in between the speeches. Over $20,000 was raised for Migdal Ohr, an Israeli orphanage, in the Galilee. Toronto, Canada- May 3, 2008
Close to 1,000 people gathered at Canada Christian College this past Sunday night, May 4th. More than half of these participants were from the Jewish community of the Greater Toronto Area. B’nai Brith, the co-sponsor with CUFI-Canada, arranged for federal, provincial, and municipal dignitaries to be involved, and there were 3 rows of chairs for these leaders at the front of the auditorium! Oklahoma City- June 29, 2008
The 2nd annual Night to Honor Israel in Oklahoma City was held on Sunday the 29th of June. There were over 3,000 Oklahoma supporters of Israel in attendance. The event was graciously hosted by Pastors Gary and Shirley Bohanon of Crossroads Church.

The outstanding orchestra and choir were conducted by Teresa Morton of First United Methodist and the special soloist was Chuck King, a native of OKC who now makes his home in Israel where he is associated with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.

The evening opened with the traditional blowing of the shofar by Michael Barlow, a leader in the Oklahoma City Jewish community, which was followed by the U.S. national anthem and “Ha Tikvah,” the anthem of the state of Israel. The incredible “Twelve Tribal Banners” of Israel were solemnly paraded throughout the auditorium. These glorious banners have to be seen to be believed. They were presented by CUFI’s West Virginia Directors, Pete and Kay Williams, of “Acts of Praise” from Shepherdstown, WV.

Gary Bachman, a local Oklahoma City attorney and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies set the stage when he addressed the members of the Jewish community by recalling the words of Ruth when she addressed Naomi and said, “Your people shall be my people and your God will be my God.”

The honorable Asher Yarden, the Israeli Consul General of the U.S. southwest region brought greetings and a message as did Emeritus Rabbi David Packman of Temple B’nai Israel. Both messages were warmly received and greatly appreciated by all.

Pastor Hagee was the keynote speaker. He endeared himself to the Oklahomans by recalling that his Grandfather had originally settled in Oklahoma and planted numerous churches in the territory and state. Pastor Hagee’s father was born there and then continued the ministry into Texas…and you know the rest of the story.

Pastor Hagee emphasized the point that Israel is in dire need of the support of Christians at this critical time. He said that, “It is time for more than talk about unity… it is time to demonstrate that unity between Christians and Jews in support of Israel.”

Pastor Hagee’s message was followed by Rev. Steve Sorensen, who dynamically espoused the importance of being in attendance at the Israel Summit in Washington, DC on the 21-24th of July. He highlighted the theme of a “Vacation with a Purpose,” where we can also visit the symbols and sites in our national capitol.

The free-will love offering of $47,000 was given to Edie Roodman, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Jewish Federation and Linda Gardner, President of the Federation. The proceeds will go to projects designated by the Oklahoma City Federation in Israel, including Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.

The benediction by Rabbi Ovadia Goldman, Oklahoma City Chabad Community Center, was a blessing spoken over our nation, state and individual homes.

The Dove Dance team from Oklahoma City and the orchestra and singers led the crowd in a beautiful rendition of Hava Nagila to conclude this wonderful evening.

Jerry and Carolyn McCurry, CUFI City Directors and their Planning Committee as well as several sponsoring churches and businesses from Oklahoma City were instrumental in helping make this event a reality.
Last night the first Night to Honor Israel was held in Reading, PA with more than 1,400 enthusiastic attendees coming together in support for Israel.Midland, TX - Pastors Luncheon - July 28, 2009
There were 75 in attendance from the Midland-Odessa region of Texas. Pastor Danny Rhoden announced that a Night To Honor Israel was being planned in Midland for the 8th of November and that it will be held at the Horseshoe Center. Numerous luncheon attendees volunteered to help with the upcoming event. The 6th of August was the date for the South Carolina Night To Honor Israel. It was hosted by the Rev. David Cerullo of the City of Light, located just over the state line fron Charlotte, North Carolina. The evening had many highlights leading up to the powerful message brought by Pastor Hagee emphasizing that it was just not enough to know what God says about supporting Israel, but that it is imperative that Christians obey what God's Word clearly teaches about the subject. The choir from Pastor Michael Steven's University City Church in Charlotte, Cantor Elias Roochvarg of Temple Israel and the internationally known singer Diane Di Stasio all added their marvelous musical abilities in making the evening truly memorable. The beautiful new auditorium at The City of Light was packed to overflowing for this great night of honoring Israel and the local Jewish community.A Pastors Luncheon was held in Cleveland, Ohio on the 11th of August at the Corporate College of Cleveland Community College. It was the first luncheon in Cleveland for CUFI and fifty-one ministry leaders were in attendance. The meeting resulted in a committee being formed and a date for the first Night To Honor Israel in the area of Northeastern Ohio has been chosen.The first Standing With Israel meeting was held on the 12th of August in Lakewood, Ohio, a western suburb of Cleveland. The evening educational event was hosted by Pastor Mike Bartolone at his Lakewood Chapel Church. There were approximately 75 in attendance. This new area of CUFI outreach was headed up by Ed and Pat Douglas and Dennis Corban, all of whom had attended the recent CUFI Summit in Washington, DC. The fact that his meeting happened so quickly and easily demonstrated that when people have a passion for being a blessing to Abraham's descendants it is just a matter of finding a hall or a church and we will do the rest. As so often happens, people who are the CUFI email list responded and from all over the metropolitan area for the meeting with only a couple of days notice.Little Rock, Arkansas was the site of a Pastors Meeting hosted by Pastor Happy Caldwell, the CUFI Arkansas state director. Pastor Caldwell will be Honoring Israel on the evening of the 13th of September and this was an opportunity to inform and invite other local ministries to attend and be involved in this upcoming 3rd Night To Honor Israel in the Arkansas capital city. There were about four dozen ministry leaders who attended. Pastor Hagee will be the featured speaker on the 13th of September.Bethany First Assembly of God in Parma, Ohio, hosted by Pastor Michael Strange. This SWI highlighted the current situation in Israel and the Middle East. The miracle of the re-birth of the modern nation of Israel and the unconditional support that needs to come from Christians was fully discussed in preparation for the upcoming first Night To Honor Israel in the Cleveland, Ohio area.Grace Evangelical Bible Church arranged by Pastor Morris. This meeting was the first SWI held in the far eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. The extremely clear Biblical mandate to be a blessing to Israel and all of Abraham's descendants was the major topic of the briefing.Full Gospel Temple, hosted by Pastor Lorraine Pennington. The city of Shreveport is preparing for their 4th Night To Honor Israel. The blessings promised to Abraham by God in Genesis were enumerated. Audience participation was enhanced by a guest from Israel who taught and led the congregation in singing the Psalmic promise of "As the mountains are around Jerusalem, so the Lord is around His people."Voice of Victory Church, hosted by Pastor Danny Rhoden. More than 85 ministry leaders were in attendance to learn more about CUFI and the upcoming Night To Honor Israel on the 8th of November. As a result of this luncheon several more churches are lending their support to the event.Cathedral, hosted by Pastors Randy and Suzann Feldschau. Pastor Hagee addressed the 150 attendees witha message emphasizing the criticality of the time for Christian churches to stand in support of an embattled Israel.Hosted by Salem Radio, KGBI. These Salem events are very useful in spreading the word about CUFI and the mission we have. In six weeks we will follow up in the area with a CUFI Pastors' Luncheon from the contacts made at this first ever event in Omaha, Nebraska.The Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois held their sixth annual Night To Honor Israel on October 1st in Davenport, Iowa. The event opened with the blowing of the shofars by three pastors and two rabbis. Guest Music Director Dennis Wilson kicked off the music program with his high energy song "Highest Praise". Choir Director Sheila Heubach led a 50 member community choir made up of seven different churches in singing, "How Great Is Our God" and "Days of Elijah".

Reform Rabbi Henry J. Karp with Temple Emanuel gave the invocation followed by Shirah Ozeri with the Chicago office of the Jewish Agency where Shirah is director of the Israel Aliyah Center. IIan Sharon - region 8 Jewish Liaison spoke about the history of anti-Semetism in America. The Good News Dance Team performed an offering dance to the song, "Worthy". The dancers heart of worship was evident to all in attendance.

Keynote speaker Pastor Victor Styrsky, Eastern Regional Director CUFI gave an unforgettable summary of the churches history in working with the Jewish community and his 35 years as a Christian Zionist. The Iowa state CUFI director Tom McGovern said "The Quad City community has given over $232,000 to help Jews fleeing from anti-Semetic countries to return to their homeland. I am grateful to be part of a community that cares about the Jewish people and understands the Jewish roots of our Christian faith. Our cities, churches and synagogues are blessed when brothers dwell together in unity." Conservative Rabbi Michael Samuel with the Tri-City Jewish Center ended the night with the benediction.

Fort Worth, Texas - May 20, 2008
The very first Night To Honor Israel at Eagle Mountain International Church was held on Tuesday evening the 20th of May. The church is co-located with Kenneth Copeland Ministries just north of Fort Worth on the shores of Eagle Mountain Lake. Over 1500 enthusiastic friends of Israel were hosted and made welcome by Pastors George and Terri Pearsons. Although Kenneth and Gloria Copeland had a previous engagement in Africa, the video-taped welcome by Rev. Copeland was a masterpiece of joy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to blessing the Jewish people and the Jewish State.

The invocation and Benediction were delivered by Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg, a dear friend of Pastor John Hagee. Rabbi Scheinberg was instrumental in encouraging the first Night To Honor Israel in 1981 and has been a continuing bulwark of strength and unflagging support throughout the ensuing years.

Several guests from Israel brought greetings, including the Israeli Consul General, Asher Yarden. Regarding Israel’s Birthday, he stated that, “It is wonderful to celebrate our 60th Birthday…after 3000 years!”

Pastor Terri produced a short, but very moving film about the struggle to settle the Land of Promise by the early pioneers. The film utilized actual footage from the earliest days of Jewish settlement through the birth of the state and into the present. It encapsulated nearly 100 years of tenacity, warfare, faith and triumph in an inspiring and historically accurate documentary. Dr. Steve Swisher, CUFI’s Dallas, Texas City Director, emphasized to the Jewish guests that this Christian support, so evident at this event, is not transitory but it is solid, permanent, necessary and it is vital that this message be taken to the halls of Congress this July at the DC Summit.

The keynote speaker was Pastor John Hagee, the Founder of Christians United for Israel. His message was a dynamic and persuasive presentation on why Christians are required by Scripture to be a blessing to the Jews. He emphasized that anti-Semitism is not only un-Christian, but that it is a sin. He enumerated all that the world and Christians have received spiritually from the Jews and that Romans 15:27 enjoins Christians to share materially with them. The message was received! More than $114,000 was joyfully given and divided between Israel’s Western Galilee Hospital and Rani Levy’s La’ad feeding the poor project.

Carlsbad, New Mexico - May 8, 2008
Carlsbad New Mexico enjoyed their third annual Night To Honor Israel under the leadership of CUFI City Director Pastor Rick Ketterling, Senior Pastor, Carlsbad New Mexico. The evening was a model of success in representing multiple congregations from a broad range of denominatons working together to bless Israel and the Jewish people. The event was well attended by both the Jewish and Christian communities and raised over seventeen thousand dollars for aid to Israel. Key note speakers addressed church history, current events in the Middle East, and an invitation attend the CUFI DC Summit. The evening closed with a dessert reception.

May 8, 2008 - Seekonk, MA
Falling on Israel's 60th birthday, Seekonk, Massachusetts held their first Night to Honor Israel.

Held at Faith Christian Center, Pastor David Marquard (CUFI MA & RI State Director) welcomed a large crowd of about 1,000 who thoroughly enjoyed a festive evening of music and powerful speakers.

Keynote speaker Pastor John Hagee highlighted the importance of unwavering support for Israel especially in light of the growing threat of Iran.

Dr. Charles Jacobs of The David Project Center of Jewish Leadership spoke of the importance of the "New Time" the Jews are facing with the anti-Semitism that masquerades as criticism of Israel.

Rabbi Jonathan Hausman gave a wonderful encouragement of this Jewish-Christian alliance for Israel and made an important appeal for the American Friends of Alyn Hospital in Israel. $30,000 was raised for Alyn Hospital that works with the physically disabled in Israel.

Lexington, Kentucky Night to Honor Israel- September 16, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
The blowing of the shofar called together the first Night to Honor Israel hosted in Lexington, Kentucky at the University of Kentucky’s Singletary for Arts Center on Sunday evening.

Almost 1,000 people came together to celebrate Israel. CUFI State Director Pastor Bob Rodgers greeted the attendees. Representatives from over 15 churches worked together in a labor of love and unity to honor Israel and the Jewish community

Rabbi Marc Klein from Temple Adath Israel led the invocation. Central Kentucky Jewish Federation President, Linda Ravvin presented the beneficiaries of the evening’s offering, benefiting children of Israel.

Special guest speaker. former PLO terrorist, Walid Shoebat, challenged and encouraged the crowd to stand for Israel and her people. Daniel Chejfec, the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation said the speaker was informed, articulate and quite clear on the reality of the dangerous times we live in.

The Jewish community was overwhelmed by the warmth and support expressed by the program. The response from the Jewish community was unanimous; it was very gratifying to hear from Christians who understand the deep connection of Judaism and Christianity, Israel and the United States in such a heartfelt way. Holocaust survivor Sylvia Green joined in the celebration of the evening. A reception was hosted for the Jewish guests following the event.

Congratulations to Mississippi State Directors Phillip Knight and Freddie Abraham for an excellent event. CUFI is on the map in Mississippi in a big way.

Fresno, California Night to Honor Israel- September 9, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
Last night, I gave the keynote address at the first annual Night to Honor Israel in Fresno, California. Over 1,000 people came out to a beautiful, outdoor amphitheater to show their support for Israel. New Mexico’s Susan Sandagar brought righteous gentile Corrie Ten Boom to life with her uncannily accurate impersonation. And the band Wild Branches, fronted by California State Director Victor Styrsky, kept spirits high with their wonderful musical interludes. Money was raised to help reinforce the schools in the Israeli town of Sderot, which is under weekly missile attacks from the Gaza Strip.

Congratulations to Fresno City Director John Sommerville for a job very well done. Thanks also to John’s close partners in the Fresno Jewish community, Dr. Linda Halderman and Stuart Weil. Together, they did something very special.

Phoenix, Arizona Night to Honor Israel- June 25, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
On Sunday night, CUFI State Director David Friend and Pastor Eddie Paul Morris held their first Night to Honor Israel in Phoenix. Arizona. They filled the beautiful Phoenix Symphony Hall with 1,400 people from many local churches and the local Jewish community. Pastor Hagee gave a stirring keynote address that shook the rafters. And the local Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary touched us all with their quiet, sincere words of love for the Jewish people. The night raised over $50,000 for the local Jewish Federation's project to assist the absorption of Ethiopian Jewish immigrants in Israel. Deep thanks to Pastors Friend and Morris for giving CUFI such a fantastic start in Arizona

Carlsbad, New Mexico Night to Honor Israel- June 25, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
On Friday night, Pastor Rick Ketterling held the third annual Night to Honor Israel in Carlsbad, New Mexico. I had the pleasure of giving the keynote address. Carlsbad is a small town, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with heart. Hundreds came out to Pastor Rick's Carlsbad Family Fellowship, and they gave $20,000 to the Migdal Ohr orphanage in Israel and to Exodus Two, which funds Jewish immigration to Israel. When viewed on a per capita basis, the people of Carlsbad demonstrated enormous love and generosity. Congratulations to Pastor Rick Ketterling for a truly impressive night.

Everett, Washington Night to Honor Israel- June 18, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
On Thursday, June 14, CUFI Washington State Director Pastor Jason Martin hosted a Night to Honor Israel in Everett, Washington, an hour outside of Seattle. Over 1,000 people filled the hall with their cheers, applause and enthusiastic support for Israel. Pastor Hagee gave a rousing keynote speech which brought the crowd to its feet time after time. Rabbi Daniel Lapin, a longtime friend of the Christian community, gave a moving benediction. And Joel Alperson, the United Jewish Communities' National Campaign Chair, was there in person to receive a generous offering to be used to bring more Ethiopian Jews home to Israel. Congratulations to Pastor Martin and his wife, Ramona. Their dedication to Israel and their community's love for them were on clear display that night. Congratulations also to Regional Director Pastor Larry Huck, who years ago planted the seeds that bore fruit that night.

Arvada, Colorado Night to Honor Israel- May 21, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
Last night, CUFI Regional Directors Pastor George and Cheryl Morrison held their 29th -- yes 29th -- annual Night to Honor Israel in the Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, Colorado, outside of Denver. A crowd of approximately 2,500 people had the pleasure of viewing a multimedia drama presentation entitled "Jewel of the Ages" about the history of Jerusalem. Having seen prior productions by the Faith Bible crew, I believe everyone who's told me that this was one of the most sophisticated and touching dramas about Israel that they've ever seen. Following the drama, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Dore Gold gave the keynote address about the current threats to Jerusalem and what Christians can do to help defend her. Ambassador Gold will also be one of our featured speakers this July at our Washington, DC Night to Honor Israel. Funds were raised for the Jewish Federation's program for assisting Ethiopian immigrants in Israel and for the Ariel Child Development Fund.

Alexandria, Virginia Night to Honor Israel- May 21, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
Last night I had the pleasure of attending and addressing the first annual Night to Honor Israel in Alexandria, Virginia, outside of Washington, DC. The event was organized by CUFI Regional Director General Jim Hutchens and his wife Patty. An enthusiastic crowd came to lend their support to the event, including Minister for Domestic Political Affairs Martin Peled-Flax from the Israeli Embassy, local rabbis, and many local pastors. Speakers included Arab Christian Zionist and World Net Daily Editor Joseph Farah and David Rubin, an Israeli who survived a harrowing terrorist attack in Israel.

Jim Hutchens closed the night by most eloquently summarizing the purpose of the evening, and of CUFI, by reminding the Christians in the audience that they should pledge to the Jewish people the same pledge that Ruth made to Naomi so many centuries ago:

Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.
You're people will be my people and your God my God.
Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.
May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely,
If anything but death separates you and me.

Redding, California Night to Honor Israel- May 21, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
Last Monday, May 14th, Redding, CA city director Dick Haak hosted that city's first annual Night to Honor Israel in the Redding Calvary Church. CUFI Berkeley city director Rosemary Schindler, having just returned from Israel hours before the event, shared the critical need for everyone there to attend the CUFI 2007 July Washington/Israel Summit. CUFI California State Director Pastor Victor Styrsky and his band, The Wild Branches, provided the musical entertainment and as always set a high emotional tone for the night. Local Rabbis and Jewish leaders shared their appreciation for what the Christian community was doing to stand with Israel at this critical juncture. As Pastor Victor put it, after that one night, "the relationship between the Redding Jewish and Christian communities will never be the same." A special thanks to Calvary Pastor Brian Blank and his congregation for opening their hearts and church to this event.

Madison, Wisconsin Night to Honor Israel- May 7, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report

Last night CUFI Wisconsin state director Pastor Joel Kitsemble held a Night to Honor Israel in Madison, Wisconsin. The seats in both the main hall and the balcony of the beautiful Capitol Theater in the Overture Center were filled with an extremely enthusiastic crowd of Christians and Jews who come together for the first event of this kind in their city.

CUFI Regional Director Billye Brim and CUFI Executive Director David Brog brought the audience to their feet with their messages of solidarity between Christians and Jews.

CUFI Regional Director Pastor Mac Hammond closed the evening by reminding the audience of how very much Christians and Jews share. An offering was taken for the Israel Emergency Campaign of the United Jewish communities.

Madison, Wisconsin, like Berkley, California, is a college town with a strong anti-Israel constituency. The evening drew protesters and controversy. Yet Pastor Joel and the Spirit of Faith Church crew orchestrated their event with courage, poise and good cheer, and by the end of the evening a very strong bond of brotherhood between local Christians and Jews was forged.

Congratulations to Pastor Joel Kitsemble and his team on a job very well done.

Minneapolis, Minnesota Night to Honor Israel- April 29, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
Pastor Hagee and Diana are returning today from Minneapolis, MN, where they attended last evening’s Night to Honor Israel at the Living Word Christian Center hosted by CUFI Region 8 Directors Mac and Lynne Hammond. Pastor and Diana report that the night was an enormous success. The event was attended by an overflow crowd which filled the main sanctuary as well as two overflow rooms. Over 56 local churches participated in the evening along with over 400 guests from the Jewish community. Pastor Mac, Pastor Hagee and Billye Brim brought the crowd to their feet with rousing speeches. In fact spirits ran so high that when the evening was over, no one wanted to leave -- most people stayed for an additional hour of singing, dancing, and reveling in the company of their new brothers and sisters. The event raised $147,000 for Israel, which will go primarily to assist in the immigration and absorption of new immigrants.

Like other NTHI around the country, this evening was not without its critics, detractors and protesters. Yet it’s worth emphasizing that everyone who had an open enough mind to at least attend the event and listen left transformed and encouraged. Only the critics, outside in the cold, returned home that night without more love and understanding in their hearts. Congratulations to Pastors Mac and Lynne for their excellent leadership and accomplishment.

Report from The Living Word Christian Center on their first Night to Honor Israel- April 29, 2007
The first Night to Honor Israel held at Living Word Christian Center on April 29, 2007, was revolutionary. Jews and Christians gathered together under the same roof and celebrated God’s goodness and faithfulness to the land of Israel.

Mac and Lynne Hammond opened the night, welcoming us to this monumental occasion by reminding us, “We’re here to honor the Jewish people and we’re here to honor the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

The celebration began with Living Word’s band playing and choir singing. Every seat in the sanctuary as well as two overflow rooms were filled with Christians and Jews waving Israeli flags and singing in Hebrew and in English, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in oneness” and “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”

After a final chorus of “Sha’alu Shalom Y’rushalayim,” Mac Hammond took a moment to acknowledge the visiting guests, which included Senator Rudy Boschwitz, Senator Warren Limmer, and Senator Sandra Pappas, as well as leaders from various organizations that helped make this event happen.

Mac also acknowledged the Israeli Defense Forces and US forces. “I want to thank you all for serving God and country.” The applause of the audience echoed his sentiments.

A special moment was set aside to acknowledge two heroes—both to America and Israel—with the Hero of the Creation of Israel award. Dr. Marvin (“Bucky”) Bacaner served as part of the heroic group of US veterans who broke the British blockade of Jewish immigration and brought thousands of Jewish refugees to pre-state Israel after World War II. Mr. Leon Frankel flew 25 combat missions in the Pacific during World War II and was awarded the Navy Cross for valor. After his discharge, he went to Israel in 1948 as a volunteer pilot in the new Israeli air force during the war of independence.

Both gentlemen’s stories were a touching reminder of the courage and humility of true heroes.

Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, was the first speaker of the evening. Laughter punctuated his speech as he told stories about the first A Night to Honor Israel held 26 years ago on September 10, 1981. “I said I’d like to have a night to honor Israel, and they looked at me like I had a contagious rash because nothing in our town had ever been done for the Jewish people—not by Christians anyway.”

Thankfully, they agreed to give it a chance. After 26 years of A Night to Honor Israel events held throughout the nation, it’s clear that their agreement was beneficial—to Jews and Christians alike. As Hagee put it, “What Christians and Jews have enjoyed over the years and have in common is far greater than the things we’ve allowed to separate us over the centuries.”

The next speaker was Rani Levy, the chairman and founder of Israel La’ad, a nonprofit organization that reaches out to those in need in Israel.

When Rani spoke, the faith of the Jewish people could be heard through his words. “To my brothers in Israel who always question how come all the riches of the world—mining, oil, diamonds—all these great things are in abundance everywhere and all Israel has to offer is sunshine and sand, I want to tell you, I thank the Lord every day for that. Because if Israel would have had these treasures in abundance, I’m sure somebody would have suspected that we love our country so much because of that reason. Thank God there is nothing else there but the covenant, which is why we love our country.”

That unshakeable faith in God’s covenant is why we continue to celebrate and join forces with the Jewish people—the apple of God’s eye.

Billye Brim introduced For Zion’s Sake, a teenage singing and dancing troupe from Ariel, Israel, and reminded us that these singers are a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. “God brought most of them from Russia. They came to Ariel and they sing and dance there just like the Bible says” (Jeremiah 31).

Dina Shalit, the leader of For Zion’s Sake, spoke for a moment before the dancers began. “Many of the dancers, in fact, that are going to come out on stage right now were born in the former Soviet Union, and they brought with them to Israel their love of culture, of theatre, of music, and of dance.” The dancers performed a traditional Russian folk dance with their own teenage twist—Rock ‘n’ Roll Kazachok.

Following the energetic dance, Mac Hammond came to the stage again to take an offering for Israel. “What we’re doing is honoring the Lord by honoring Israel through our giving.” The offering raised over $147,000 for two local Jewish organizations who received the funds in support of their Israel-related programs. What an opportunity to bless Israel!

The audience was next treated to two history lessons. One came when For Zion’s Sake singers sang a beautiful rendition of Psalm 137, which describes the Israelites in the middle of captivity as they longed for their beloved Zion. The second came through the mayor of Ariel, Mayor Ron Nachman, as he told how the city Ariel, Israel, came into existence.

In 1978, Mayor Nachman led forty pioneering families to live atop a rocky hill. The conditions were difficult; they lived in tents without running water and no grocery stores were nearby. But it was the tenacity and conviction of this group that established a Jewish presence in this strategic area and grew the city into what it is today.

Currently, the city is an esteemed city of over 18,000 residents. It is bursting with opportunities for housing, education, and healthcare, and is home to the largest public college and one of the fastest growing academic institutions in the country, the College of Judea and Samaria.

He explained some of the questions he faces, even now. “Why did I do it? What takes you as a young guy leaving your home town moving to a barren hill? I ask myself, ‘What brought you there?’

“Maybe after hearing all of the speakers here, I think I might have the answer. The answer that from above, Somebody guided me.”

Following Mayor Nachman’s speech, For Zion’s Sake took the stage. The dancers and singers performed together the final song entitled Bring Them Home, which was written and choreographed especially for them—Jews who have settled in their home country, Israel.

The final guest speaker of the evening was Mr. Barukh Binah, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. As official representative of the government and of the people of Israel to the Midwest,

Mr.Binah began by bringing greetings from Jerusalem, the “eternal capital of the state of Israel and of the Jewish people.”

He pointed out that the Six Day War took place forty years ago, and it forever altered the mindset of those in the Middle East. “We were surrounded by over 2,500 tanks when we had about 500-600 tanks. Forty years ago, there were over thousand aircrafts against us. We had a few. But we came out victorious. And that watershed of the Six Day War really changed the Middle East. Now nobody really thinks in the Middle East that they can take out Israel. Oh they can speak. But we are there and we’re strong and we are powerful in our faith, in our belief, and we will make sure that these desires will remain just empty and vain dreams never to be fulfilled. Forty years have passed and now we’re celebrating the 59th anniversary of our country.

“We are very proud of our country.”

Mac Hammond provided some final comments about the importance of unity between Christians and Jews. When believers from the old covenant and new covenant come together in harmony, “It’s something that transcends the natural. It literally taps into the anointing of God.” Mac declared, “In these days, there has never been a greater need for us to realize the anointing or the power of God in our efforts to see the will of God unfold in this earth.”

After his final comments, Mac presented a check from the night’s offering to the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and the United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul. Another guest, G’Sharim, sang a beautiful song before Rabbi Norman Cohan, a friend of Pastor Mac, eloquently wrapped up the evening with the closing benediction.

The air was electric as the Living Word choir and band ended with one final song. Jews and Christians filled the front of the sanctuary singing and dancing before God almighty. The atmosphere was so exciting that many people stayed for 15-20 minutes beyond dismissal, simply to celebrate their love for God and for Israel.

As everyone left that evening, they truly knew that the celebration of Israel, God’s chosen people, hadn’t ended. It had only begun.

Top

Tulsa, Oklahoma Night to Honor Israel- April 23, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
Tulsa, Oklahoma hosted an incredible Night to Honor Israel last Monday evening under the leadership of Pastor’s Billy Joe Daugherty and Kenneth Hagin. Pastor Hagee was the keynote speaker and he brought back rave reviews for what he described as one of the best pro-Israel events he has ever attended. Over 120 churches came together to express their unity on behalf of Israel packing the house and overflow rooms with over 8,500 people! Our thanks to Billy Joe and Sharon and their staff for hosting an beautiful evening which gathered over $85,000 for charitable causes in Israel.

Ridgway, Colorado Night to Honor Israel- April 23, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
On Saturday, April 21st, I had the pleasure of speaking to a packed house at the Night to Honor Israel at the Ridgway Christian Center in beautiful Ridgway, CO. Victoria Hearst, the founder and director of Ridgway Christian Center and Praise Him Ministries presented a most beautiful and touching event. Cheryl Morrison inspired everyone with her passionate explanation of why Christians need to support Israel. The Ariel Dance Troupe, a group of high school students from the Israeli town of Ariel, touched our hearts with their enthusiastic performance and appreciation for what Christians are doing for Israel. Congratulations to Victoria Hearst for her inspired leadership!

Philadelphia, PA Night to Honor Israel- April 23, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report

Last night I had the honor of addressing the Night to Honor Israel for greater Philadelphia in Bechtelsville, PA. The evening was organized by CUFI's Pennsylvania State Directors Steve and Liz DeFrain and CUFI Regional Director Robert Stearns. Over 25 local churches participated in this evening, and over 1,000 people filled the Morningstar Fellowship Church with their singing and loud applause. As usual, Robert Stearns explained in stirring terms why Christians must stand with Israel and the Jewish people. And Senator Arlen Specter came to thank CUFI for its efforts to defend Israel and America at this critical juncture. Over $27,000 was raised for charities in Israel. Congratulations to Pastor Steve, Liz and Robert for an excellent and important evening.

Oklahoma City'- January 8, 2007
On January 8, 2007, the historic down town Civic Center Music Hall played host to Oklahoma City's maiden "Night to Honor Israel" event. Over 2,400 enthusiastic participants, from more than 75 Oklahoma cummunities packed the auditorium to stand in solidarity and send the message, "Together we stand for Israel!" It was a moving tribute as Christians and Jews alike stood shoulder to shoulder and sang the national anthems of the United States and Israel.

The evening was highlighed with lively Israeli music and dance, and special messages from Pastor John Hagee, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty, featured speaker Billie Brim, Rabbi Ovadia Goldman, Rabbi David Packman, and many others. Oklahoma's support of Israel was backed up with action when the Greater Oklahoma City Jewish Federation was presented a check for $40,000 to help with relief efforts in the border areas of the war-torn Jewish state. We give God all of the glory.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State for Multiculturalism & Canadian Identity, read a letter from Prime Minister Harper. The Israeli Consul General, Amir Gissin, represented the State of Israel, and Monte Kwinter, M.P.P., read a letter from Premier McGuinty.

Our friends from the Canadian Coalition For Democracies helped to arrange for Ms. Caroline Glick to be our keynote Speaker for the evening. Ms. Glick is the Deputy Managing Editor of The Jerusalem Post newspaper, and a weekly Columnist in the Post, as well as in the Makor Rishon newspaper. Caroline was named, in 2003, “the most prominent woman in Israel”, and she has international political influence. Caroline spoke brilliantly and passionately about Israel’s right to exist in peace, and the right to defend herself.

Caroline was so overcome by the love and solidarity and support of the organizations and Christians present, that several times she got choked up during her presentation. In fact, after the event was over, an elderly Jewish Holocaust Survivor came up to Dr. Charles McVety, President of CCC and National Co-chairman of CUFI-Canada, and said to him, “This is the greatest day of my life.” Many, many members of the Jewish community told us that they had never experienced any kind of support for them and Israel by Christians; or that they never dreamed they would ever see a day like this!

A free-will offering was received for this year’s “Israel Project”, after it was announced that Canada Christian College was instituting a new and unique Chair of Israel Studies. Dr. Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’Nai Brith Canada, was introduced as the Chair and Professor of this new department.

Twelve organizations and ministries had display tables set up, and made their materials available for the attendees. After the event, kosher and non-kosher desserts, finger foods, and refreshments, were provided for everyone.

What a glorious opportunity it was to stand with Israel together with our Jewish brothers and sisters; and to fulfill God’s Word according to Genesis 12:3, where God says, “I will bless those who bless you (Abraham, and his descendants), and curse those who curse you.”

Sacramento, CA- March 13, 2008
On Thursday, March 13, 2008 over 2,000 people from the Christian and Jewish communities attended the gala event in California's Capital city. The event's speakers, including Pastor John Hagee - Founder and National Chair of Christians United For Israel, and Nonie Darwish - Author and Founder of Arabs For Israel addressed the enthusiastic audience. Special music by Wild Branches was both worshipful and celebratory and people smiling, weeping, standing and clapping.

The evening was hosted at the beautiful Trinity Life Center, and coordinated by a team of leaders representing several area congregations, with oversight from Christians United For Israel Northern California Director Pastor Victor Styrsky.

We trust that God will pour out His blessings, as promised in Genesis 12:3, upon the generous individuals who collectively gave $118, 000 towards special needs in Ashkelon, Israel. (Ashkelon now contends with ongoing rocket fire since Hamas acquired Iranian made missiles).

Several dozen attendees indicated a desire to attend the CUFI DC-Israel Summit in July. Special thanks to the Christian and Jewish leaders in Sacramento who tirelessly sought to bridge the communities for the sake of Israel's safety, sovereignty and security.

Top
Prescott, AZ March 6, 2008
Thursday, March 6th marked the first Night To Honor Israel in northern Arizona.Hundreds from both the Christian and Jewish communities attended the event at the historic Prescott Opera House. Christians United For Israel's Executive Director David Brog gave a keynote message that challenged both communities to continue to work together, and a number of other speakers offered thought provoking comments. The successful event was coordinated by Pastor Frank Robinson, Senior Pastor of Sedona Christ Center and Sedona City Director for CUFI in cooperation with Christian and Jewish congregations from Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff Arizona.

The audience responded throughout the evening with applause and standing ovations, and donated over four thousand dollars for assistance to disabled veterans of the IDF. Feedback from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with several suggesting a larger venue for next year’s NTHI and many indicating they intend to go to Capitol Hill for CUFI’s Washington DC Israel Summit in July.

Special thanks to Laura Aronson, John Hart and Beverly Miller for their tireless efforts behind the scenes, and to Rabbi Philip Cohen of Temple B’Rith Shalom for his input and assistance.

Anchorage Alaska February 28, 2008
On Thursday, February 28th, 2008, hundreds from the Christian and Jewish communities braved the Alaska winter and joined together at the Anchorage Performing Arts Center to attend the area’s first Night To Honor Israel. A team of Christian leaders from several area congregations coordinated the event under the leadership of CUFI’s Anchorage City Director, Pastor Gary Morton, Senior Pastor of Anchorage First Assembly, and the Palmer/Wasilla Valley Director, Pastor Mark Campbell, with cooperation of several local Jewish leaders.

The event, which was emceed by Pastor Dennis Hotchkiss, Senior Pastor of Crossroads, and directed by Kathy Conn, was a model of success as it connected the two communities in their common love for the nation of Israel, and their hope and commitment towards its’ safety and security. Speakers included Rabbi Yosef Greenberg from the Alaska Jewish History Museum, “Captain” Jack Johnson , who served on the refugee transport ship Exodus, CUFI’s Western Regional Coordinator Randy Neal, and Keynote Speaker, Elliott Brandt, Western States Director for the America Israel Public Affairs Committee. Over fourteen thousand dollars was raised and awarded to the United Jewish Community’s Parents and Children Together campaign, which provides for the critical needs and assistance for Ethiopian Jewish families in Israel.

At a kosher reception that followed attendees unanimously expressed how the evening had been so inspiring and that they looked forward to future Night To Honor Israel events and many indicated that they felt compelled to attend the CUFI DC-Israel summit in July. Special thanks go to CUFI members Rob Gamel and Candy Sutherland, who endeavored to introduce CUFI’s vision to pastors and leaders in the greater Anchorage area.

Charlotte, North Carolina- February 19, 2008
A packed house at University City Church of God in Christ held North Carolina's first ever Night to Honor Israel. Pastor Michael Stevens hosted this high-energy and celebratory evening. The evening alternated between informative talks and wonderful music by the University City Church choir. Charlotte's Jewish Community Relations Council Chairman, Jeff Epstein, talked about the wonderful unity between the Christian and Jewish communities . Director of Campus Strategy for The David Project Center for Jewish Leadership, Lawrence Muscant, gave a sobering picture of the bias against Israel on American College campuses, and encouraged every Christian to be a "torch" to bring light into a dark world.

In a drive to encourage more participation at the 2008 Washington D.C.-Israel Summit this July 20-24, Diana Hagee took to the platform to let participants know that "your presence in Washington D.C. this summer is a vote for Israel!" Keynote speaker and CUFI Founder and National Chairman, Pastor John Hagee, gave the keynote address with constant interruptions of applause. His call for Christians to "stand up and speak up for Israel" gave yet another city in the United States that difficult but essential challenge.

Funds were raised that night to build bomb shelters for the Israeli city, Sderot, which is being bombarded daily by rocket attacks.

Atlanta, Georgia- February 18, 2008
2,500 attended the Greater Atlanta's Night to Honor Israel at Trinity Chapel in Powder Springs, Georgia. The evening was packed with dance, music, cheering and wonderful speeches.

Israel's Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, Ambassador Reda Mansour, welcomed the celebration of Israel. Earl Cox of Israel Always presented his experience in Sderot where missiles daily land on the southern Israeli city near the Gaza strip. He asked for donations to build more portable bomb shelters for Sderot. Keynote speaker Pastor John Hagee spoke of the important relationship that Christians have with Israel and the Jewish people.

One particularly moving moment of the evening was when twelve Holocaust survivors stood to be recognized by a sincere applause by more than two thousand Christians. CUFI gives special thanks to our host pastor, Bishop Jim Bolin and his wonderful team - Janet Cain and Scott Allen.

Message from Andrew Summey CUFI Eastern Regional Coordinator - January 14, 2008

As Eastern Regional Coordinator, I have seen firsthand the astounding growth of Christians United for Israel. What is it exactly that caused the phenomenal growth and enthusiasm? Last year over 70,000 American Christians participated in "A Night to Honor Israel" in cities across the United States. More than $10 million were donated to Israeli and Jewish charities. And hundreds of thousands more sent emails, made phone calls, and sent letters to the U.S. Government on behalf of Israel. This is no small movement. God is doing something amazing in our time and Christians across America are responding to His call. This is bigger than any one man or woman. This is bigger than any one denomination. It is the tireless work of many Christians from many different backgrounds.

For Christians United for Israel does not represent any one Christian denominational or theological perspective other than an appreciation for Israel and the Jewish people for all they have contributed to Christianity, and in turn, to respond by standing up with Israel and the Jewish people during these difficult days. We Christians need to realize how much encouragement we have given our Jewish friends. While they are understandably cautious at first, in city after city the Jewish community has been bolstered by our strong show of support. At a recent Night to Honor Israel in Miami, Florida, an elderly Jewish woman expressed to me that she would never have dreamed when she was younger that she would be dancing to Latino-style Hebrew music with Spanish-speaking Christians who love Jews. Only in Miami?

No, similar stories are repeated in every city that hold a Night to Honor Israel. The celebrations are wonderful, but hard work still needs to be done to make our love and intentions strong and true. We must not tire in communicating to our government our support for Israel. We must not grow faint in educating others and ourselves on the truth of the ideological attack against Israel. We need to encourage one another to redouble our efforts to hold more Nights to Honor Israel, educate our congregations on the biblical support for Israel, and to make every effort to come to Washington D.C. this summer for the Summit to physically speak to our government where our nation stands regarding Israel. For we, as Christians, will do the right thing and stand with Israel.

Even more than the wonderful charity Israel receives, Israel needs individuals to make her case in public opinion. The support individuals can give by speaking the truth concerning Israel will save lives and make Israel stronger. CUFI is at the center of what Israel needs today. Each member of CUFI needs to commit to winning over the hearts and minds in our communities to turn the tide against those who wish to attack and defame Israel. We need to have prayer groups, bible studies, educational classes, and community outreach events to support Israel. We need to continue to show our support with financial contributions. The stakes are too high if we fail. We are also needed to help give hope to our Jewish friends in every community across the nation and Israel.

For we have much hope to offer! We are confident in the Biblical promises to Israel and the Jewish people. We need not fear those who seek to destroy Israel, but we are Biblically required to stand against evil. Even when God promised that Israel would triumph over her enemies in the Bible, they still needed to march, cross the river, and fight. But, our battle today is for the hearts and minds of Christians. We must give every Christian the opportunity to do the right thing. We must make sure that every Christian has had the opportunity to join with Christians United for Israel for "Zion's sake."

Calvary Assembly, Orlando Florida - January 10, 2008
On a balmy January 10th evening in Orlando Florida, the third annual Central Florida "Night To Honor Israel" was celebrated at Calvary Assembly. Hosted by CUFI's Director, Region 6, Steve Strang and CUFI Central Florida Region Director Bishop Mark Chionna the evening highlighted key speakers such as NY Times Best seller Mike Evans and the former Palestinian terrorist, Walid Shoebat. The local Jewish community fully participated with remarks by Susan Bodner Levine, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, and the beautiful music by the eighth grade Hebrew Day School student, Samantha Trattner.

The overall message of the evening was to continue to support Israel during these difficult days when there is a move to pressure Israel to possibly divide Jerusalem. Having once been a Palestinian terrorist, Mr. Shoebat emphasized that the struggle with the Islamists against Israel is not one over land and borders. It is a struggle of racist hatred against Jews and Christians. Shoebat pointed out that those who point out the true racism and hatred are often called racists and haters. He explained how reality is often upside-down when it comes to what many say of Israel. Funds were raised to help those who are being bombarded with daily rocket attacks in Sderot, Israel.

The Word of Faith International Christian Center of Greater Detroit January 6, 2008
The New Year went off with a bang with 2008's first "Day to Honor Israel" hosted by Bishop & Pastor Keith A. Butler and the entire Word of Faith International Christian Center. This was their second annual "Day to Honor Israel."

The morning service has wonderful Praise and Worship followed by the sobering and informative talk by Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), James Woolsey. Bishop Butler impressed upon his congregation that at least once per year, it is important to get the facts straight about Israel and the Middle East. Woolsey spoke on the need to limit or eliminate our dependence of foreign oil that provides the financial backing of terrorism from Islamist groups and countries.

That evening was filled with the powerful and beautiful music by the Word of Faith Sanctuary Choir which brought many listeners to tears with a beautiful medley to Israel. Honored guests Rabbi Eric Yanoff of Shaarey Zedek and Todd Mendel, President of the Jewish Community Relations Council in Detroit, gave a wonderful invocation and encouragement pleasant and wonderful it is that Jews and Christians can dwell together in unity.

One highlight was the Cantor, Meir Finkelstein originally from Israel and who has collaborated with Steven Spielberg for music on the award-winning documentary, "Survivors of the Holocaust," gave a magnificent musical presentation.

Keyote speakers Rev. Dr. John Hagee and the former Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) terrorist, Walid Shoebat, immediately moved the audience into the immediacy of the need to support Israel now more than ever. Pastor Hagee gave his renowned call for Christians to support Israel and Walid emphasized the mindset of those who seek to destroy Israel. The evening raised at least $25,000 for the benefit of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan-Detroit supporting those areas in Israel most hit by the daily rocket attacks by Palestinian terrorists.

Top

Uniting Christians to stand with Israel - Randy Neal, Western Regional Coordinator
At the CUFI DC Conference last July a Holocaust survivor was asked how it made her feel to know that, after all she had endured and survived, her children and grandchildren are facing the same thing with the rhetoric from Iran’s President. Her response summed up what motivates us to act. She replied, “It isn’t the same thing, we aren’t alone this time”.

As Israel is drawn ever further into scrutiny and compromise by the international community, it is more important than ever that we remain ready to respond and engage our elected officials as events unfold. One of the most valuable and helpful assets that the enemies of Israel have is the gross underestimation that we as individuals have of the significance of our single voice and vote. That is rapidly eroding as Christians across the US are uniting on behalf of Israel. The Christians United For Israel rapid response team grows larger every day, and as we speak with one voice the impact and inroads we are making with our elected officials grows as well, but there is still much to do.

Your involvement and role is more vital than you realize as we seek to effectively stand with Israel in these dangerous and difficult times. We encourage you to consider how others have utilized CUFI to unite and mobilize Christians in their communities. In cities large and small from New Hampshire to California, Arizona to Alaska, leaders have called on CUFI to offer introduction meetings to share the vision and objectives with other pastors and ministry leaders in their area.

Invariably the gatherings serve to identify a coalition of like minded, pro-Israel Christian pastors that unite to tangibly stand with Israel. Pastors see instantly that the urgency of the hour and Israel’s critical need for support from the Christian community is too important to not be involved. In Phoenix Arizona Pastor Eddy Paul Morris attended one such meeting, eight months later with the support of his Senior Pastor David Friend and several other Christian leaders they hosted a Night To Honor Israel and raised fifty thousand dollars for aid to Israel. The next month they brought a team to Washington DC for CUFI’s annual summit. Now they hold quarterly meetings for area pastors to continue to educate and mobilize others in their area. Leaders have caught the vision in similar ways in San Diego and Sacramento California, Las Vegas Nevada, Salt Lake City Utah, Portland Oregon, Providence Rhode Island, Concord New Hampshire, and dozens of other areas.

If all you are able to do is simply respond to the CUFI action alerts when they are sent, that is huge and appreciated more than you know. If however, you would like to see your community more effectively mobilized and provide an opportunity to invite other leaders in your area to lock arms and join voices together on behalf of Israel, then please consider if a CUFI introduction meeting would be useful. CUFI Regional Coordinators are available to be a resource to you and will work with your CUFI State Director to help you launch a CUFI chapter in your community to gather and unite other pro-Israel Christians to stand with the Jewish nation and people in this trying time.

For more information on hosting a CUFI introduction meeting in your area please email Randy Neal, CUFI Western Regional Coordinator, at randy.neal@cufi.org

Under the leadership of Pastor Thomas Peetz, CUFI’s Region 11 (New England) Director, a standing room only crowd attended this memorable night at Word of Life Christian Fellowship.

These New Englanders enjoyed the music by the Zionist Ensemble and heard the evening’s speakers: the Chairman of CUFI, Pastor John Hagee, the Consul General of Israel to New England, Nadav Tamir, and the President of The David Project Center for Jewish Leadership Dr. Charles Jacobs.

The President of the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, Marc S. Gilman, received a gift of just over $20,000 raised that evening for Nefesh B’Nefesh, which assists Jews who wish to make “Aliyah” (return to Israel to live).

While this was a first for New Hampshire and CUFI, watching the enthusiasm of the attendees, it will not be the last.

Over $24,000 was raised. Half of this total was donated to the Loving-kindness fund of Ohr Torah Stone, which supports humanitarian needs in Israel. The other half was given to the New Haven Jewish Federation to be used to support social services in Israel.

This was the first Night to Honor Israel in Connecticut, and it was a breakthrough. Over 1,600 people packed the hall, leaving only standing room for the later arrivals. As is so often the case, many of our Jewish guests entered suspicious and wary. But almost all gathered around the kosher dessert that followed the event deeply moved and excited to know they have so many new friends.

Congratulations to CUFI State Director Pastor Brian Simmons and his wife Pastor Candice Simmons. Holding a Night to Honor Israel is a difficult undertaking. But the Simmons made it look effortless.

Davnport, Iowa- October 18, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
On Thursday night, I had the pleasure of addressing the Night to Honor Israel in Davenport, Iowa. This was the fourth annual event held in the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois. It was a wonderful night. After three prior events, the Jewish community has become full partners in the Night to Honor Israel, and they enthusiastically embraced the speeches, singing and dancing that filled the hall. Over 1,200 people came out to the beautiful Adler Theater in downtown Davenport, and they donated over $34,000 to the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities to be used to support Jewish immigration to Israel.

Congratulations to CUFI state director Tom McGovern for his early embrace of the Night to Honor Israel and his continued hard work and excellence. Tom has made the Quad cities an example of Christian-Jewish collaboration for us all to follow.

Top

Shreveport, Louisiana- October 9, 2007- Shreveport, LA Report
“Backing Israel” is what the local media called our event as 1500 gathered for A Night to Honor Israel. Jews and Christians came together to make a statement. “Israel lives!” as American and Israeli flags waved in the air at Shreveport Community Church, it was electrifying and reverence at the same time. The Crowd erupted into a rally as Pastor Hagee took the stand. His message was loud and clear “I speak to millions of evangelicals who have a deep belief to speak up for Israel, to pray for Israel, to financially support Israel until Messiah comes. Israel, you are not alone.”

Pastor Hagee’s reverberation of History.” Where are the nations that have persecuted the Jewish people? Where is Pharaoh? Where is Babylon? Where are the Greeks? Where is the Ottoman Empire? They are footnotes in boneyard of human history.” You would have heard a pin drop as Christians and Jews listen to Pastor Hagee’s compelling keynote address. There were Christians after the event speaking amongst themselves saying: “they never knew so much was done to the Jews in the name of the cross” and one Rabbi who asked not to be identified had this to say; “Thank Pastor Hagee for asking for forgiveness from them. Asking forgiveness for what was done to them throughout history...it truly made a different, because people say- they love the Jews and want to work with them, but not one has ever said: "We're sorry, and please forgive us for what was done to your people in the name of the cross." This statement alone tells the story of what the Jewish people have been waiting to hear.

Belaynesh Zevadia, deputy consul general for the state of Israel told the audience “with our strongest ally by our side, we work for common goals of peace and freedom.” Rabbi Foster Kawaler blew the Shofar and Rabbi Dr. Jana De’ Benedetti led the Israeli national anthem along with both Jewish congregations singing along…it was amazing.

There was standing ovation several times for Eyal Neifield a Israeli solider who flew in from Jerusalem to say “thank you” in person to Christian United for Israel. Eyal story was told by a video presentation that causes the crowd to both cry and cheer. Pastor Denny Duron surprise Eyal by asking the congregations to sing Happy Birthday to him while standing on stage. Eyal turn 25 on October 8, 2007. The $44,980 raised will go to the One Family Fund, an Israeli organization that supports victims of terrorism.

Pastor Hagee remained humble after his speech when the crowd cheered and gave him an standing ovation and then one of the most heartfelt benediction offer by Rabbi Kawaler for all who attended - the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26.

Top

Northern New Jersey Night to Honor Israel- September 16, 2007- CUFI Executive Director, David Brog's, Report
I had the pleasure of participating in a Night to Honor Israel held in Cranford, New Jersey for the North New Jersey metro region. The night was a great success.

The crowd of over 1,200 achieved new heights of enthusiasm. The cheering started the minute the video of Pastor Hagee appeared on the screen, and it never stopped for very long.

In true CUFI style, the crowd poured out their love on the new Israeli Consul General in New York, Asaf Shariv. Ambassador Shariv could barely state his name before receiving an extended standing ovation. And the ovations continued to follow almost every sentence he spoke.

In a way, you've got to feel sorry for Ambassador Shariv. Last night was his first public appearance in his new position. He's in store for quite a let down when he learns that most American crowds don't show such overwhelming love to a representative of the Israeli government.

In addition to the verbal expressions of love, the participants donated over $21,000 to the Loving Kindness Fund of Rabbi Shlomo Riskin's Ohr Torah Stone organization in Efrat, Israel. This fund provides assistance to families and individuals in need in the surrounding communities.

Congratulations to CUFI New Jersey State Director Walter Healey for his excellent leadership. Congratulations also to CUFI Regional Director Robert Stearns and his Eagles Wings team. Robert is a truly eloquent spokesman for the Christian Zionist cause and he's moving the Northeast with his message.

Top

Nights to Honor Israel Reports

Christians United for Israel has held over 100 Nights to Honor Israel in cities across America since February 2006