By Nicole Jansezian, AllIsrael.com—
Support for the new Israeli government continues to pour in as Christians of all backgrounds seek to distance themselves from caustic statements made by a major Evangelical leader earlier this month against the incoming government and new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Gathered by the Philos Project, the latest letter to Bennett has a diverse list of signatories that represent “tens of millions of Christians from a wide range of ethnic and denominational backgrounds who all agree on the importance of Christian friendship with Israel based on shared values that come from the Bible,” according to Philos Project President Robert Nicholson.
“Israel is in a transitional moment. Prime Minister Bennett certainly has his work cut out for him. But we will be praying for him and the other members of his coalition as they try to navigate these trying times in search of a better future,” Nicholson told ALL ISRAEL NEWS.
In a message of friendship to Bennett, the signatories – including former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, former U.S. Ambassador Alberto M. Fernandez and ALL ISRAEL NEWS Founder Joel C. Rosenberg – promise to pray for Bennett for “wisdom and strength as you make hard decisions that will affect the lives of millions.”
On the contrary, Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, stirred controversy between Israel and the Evangelical world when he sent a letter laced with profanity to Bennett, declaring that he would withdraw the support of the 77 million Evangelical Christians he says he represents.
“I will fight you every step of the way,” he vowed.
Since then Evans has apologized, but he doubled down on his support and preference for former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
But the damage was already done.
In response, dozens or organizations representing millions of Christians have expressed outrage for Evans’ comments and reiterated their unwavering support for Israel no matter who is prime minister. And this despite many having never heard of Bennett or his coalition partner Yair Lapid.
Several organizations based in Israel such as ICEJ and Bridges for Peace, ministries and ministers from abroad and Evangelicals who recently traveled to Israel, plus many more have lined up to congratulate Israel’s new government, offer prayers and pledge their support to Bennett and the Jewish state.
Nicholson said that his organization works to build bridges of friendship between Christians of all traditions. Continue Reading….