|
|
October 11, 2002/Cheshvan 5 5763, Vol. 55, No. 7
Christian right will rally for Israel
SHARON SAMBER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
WASHINGTON - Thousands of people will gather in Washington this week in support of Israel, but there won't be many Jews there.
The participants in the Oct. 11 rally are evangelical Christians, gathering in the nation's capital as part of a Christian Coalition of America conference.
According to the coalition, the Christian Support for Israel rally will "tell the world that Christians stand firmly behind the Jewish state and are unalterably opposed to trading land for a paper peace."
Such strong talk is not surprising from a group that, along with other evangelicals, has come out strongly in support of Israel despite growing international condemnation of Israeli policy toward the Palestinians and a worldwide spike in anti-Semitism.
The relationship between evangelicals and Jews for years has been an uneasy one, but it appears to be solidifying as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues and Israel finds itself increasingly isolated.
Nevertheless, many American Jews and Jewish organizations remain wary of the evangelicals, suspecting their motives and disagreeing with them on domestic policy.
Even many of the groups who accept evangelical support for Israel don't see the relationship broadening.
"There is no alliance," said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. "The relationship is based on this one, specific issue."
Rutgers University sociology professor Arlene Stein dismisses the idea that the evangelical community is a natural ally. The alliance with Christian conservatives could alienate large sectors of the Jewish community, she warns.
Foxman counters that the Jewish community ought to appreciate the evangelicals' support.
The American Jewish community also can see how enthusiastically Israel is accepting evangelical support.
In a recent speech to an international group of Christian pilgrims in Israel for Sukkot, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called the evangelicals "friends" and asked them to visit Israel.
Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert will speak at the Washington rally, which is expected to attract thousands of people. Also expected to attend are former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset member Benny Elon and representatives from Israel's Tourism and Foreign Affairs ministries.
|
