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Christian Advocates for Israel (CAFI) - About
Who Are We?
Christian Advocates for Israel (CAFI), is a coalition that emerged from North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley in 2007 in response to the growing international hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people, and the growing desire among many in the Christian community to stand as an advocate for Israel and the Jewish people in this volatile time.
CAFI seeks to honor Israel and the Jewish people for the heritage received, and explore opportunities of practical advocacy in prayer and intercession, in humanitarian relief, in community outreach, and in governmental and political advocacy by helping to connect, inform, and mobilize the Christian community in areas of shared burden or passion as we together seek the welfare of Israel and the Jewish people.
CAFI is also intentional about undergirding, supporting, and helping other Christian and Jewish Pro-Israel advocacy organizations and ministries where opportunity, and assist people in discovering where passion, gifting, mission, and expression align.
Why?
Why do Christians support Israel and the Jewish People? It can very simply be summed up in the following:
Honor - The desire to give honor where honor is due. It is right (and biblical) to do so. Israel and the Jewish people are the "root" and "wellspring" from which we came.
Gratitude - It is always right to give thanks. There is no nation or people through whom more has come to us (whether the world in general, or Christians in particular). For they are Israelites, to whom pertains the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the service of God, the promises; whose are the patriarchs, the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), and of whom Christ came to us.
Biblical Mandate - Whether Ps 122:6 or Isa 62:1 or Gen 12:1-3 or any number of other passages, it is scriptural to honor and bless Israel and the Jewish people. With this comes promised blessing in return, but more than this the motive is to obey the scripture by doing what would honor and please the LORD.
It is Right - Aside from the above it is the right thing to do. So much could be shared here, but particularly in seeking to fulfill the biblical principles of Justice - "to defend the right or cause" of another. It is both needful and timely (with growing international hostility) to defend the right and cause for Israel to exist as a Jewish state and homeland. This comes from the motive like that of Nehemiah - seeking the welfare of Israel and the Jewish people, including her security, prosperity, and blessing.
Love/Affection - When you love someone, their affections become your affections, for you desire to honor and please them and pursue what would fulfill and bring delight to their heart. As Christians, we have a deep and profound love for the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, the one true God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. His special love and affection for Israel and the Jewish people is clear and evidenced throughout scripture and history (even when Haman, or Hitler would exterminate, He still preserves a seed). So with His beloved Israel, as we are drawn to Him, His special love and affection for Israel and the Jewish people cannot help but become our own as well.
Each of these could be further expounded on, but the hope is this will help bring a bit more clarity as to "why" so many Christains have a heart for Israel and the Jewish people.
To Our Dear Jewish Friends - With a history filled with dishonor, ingratitude, and hate toward you, it may be difficult to believe the sincerity when honor, gratitude, or affection are expressed - but we encourage you to dare to believe it; to prove it, weigh it, test it. It is real, it is genuine, and time will reveal the hearts and motives as we walk together. May the LORD hasten "that" day!
Who Are We? • Why? • Pro-Israel?
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