Netanyahu to Christians: You have been with us through thick and thin
Speaking at Christian Media Summit, prime minister thanks Christians for support that they've given to Israel all along
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Christian media at Israel's fourth annual media summit on Sunday night noting that the signing of the historic Abraham Accords marked a course change as the Arab world acknowledged "for first time, the full acceptance of Israel’s legitimacy."
"These agreements will not only bring us the blessings of peace, but they will bring us also the tangible benefits that will flow from new cooperation in trade, in commerce, in investment, innovation, transportation and tourism and so much more," he said. "I think this is a remarkable page in history that speaks also to the ingenuity of the Jewish state."
"But this is something I need not tell you about - if anyone has been there all along, through thick and thin, it is you," Netanyahu said, calling Christians "extraordinary champions" of the State of Israel.
Normally, some 200 Christians come to Israel for the Christian Media Summit, but with the borders closed this year, the Government Press Office moved the summit online. The fact that underscores the importance of the Christian relationship to the Jewish state that even in the midst of a pandemic Israel has found a way to maintain, and even strengthen the connection.
GPO Director Nitzan Chen told All Israel News that some 250 representatives from 30 countries have registered for this year's event which is also being broadcast on Christian television stations.
Netanyahu lamented the fact that he wasn't addressing in person the hundreds of attendees that usually come to Israel each year.
"You have understood the historical imperative and the great odyssey of the Jewish people coming back to their land, building up their state, building their capacity to create and defend their present and their future."
He also said he signed these agreements that he signed with the Gulf state he did so not as a prime minister, but as a proud citizen, "as a proud son of the Jewish state."
"Israel has no better friends than our Christian friends around the world," he said.
"Keep raising the torch of truth because sooner or later everyone will see it."
Nicole Jansezian was the news editor and senior correspondent for ALL ISRAEL NEWS.
