Israeli Minister of Tourism Moshe Kol, called upon the Christian world last night to rally in support of Israel to avert “a new world disaster.” Kol made his appeal after he was honored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews for his efforts on behalf of “increased understanding between Christians and Jews” at the NCCJ headquarters here.
“Cooperation between Christians and Jews is needed more than ever before to prevent a new world disaster,” Kol told more than 40 Christian and Jewish leaders who attended the ceremony. “I call upon the Christian world to remember the events of 40 years ago and to wake up in time to stop this tragic development,” Kol said, citing the “unholy alliance” between the Communists and the Arab Moslem countries against Israel.
“Once again we face a danger of appeasement, Politicians believe it is worthwhile to sacrifice the interests of Israel for a better relationship with the oil countries,” Kol said, warning that all the free world countries “could pay a heavy price” as a result. Kol reiterated Israel’s desire for peace but added that “we will defend our existence and future.” He said that he hoped that the citation given to him was an expression of “readiness” on your part as Christians “to stand up to the religious and human challenges of our time.”
David Hyatt, President of the NCCJ, who presented Kol with the citation, was presented with a Silver Medal of Terra Santa by the Minister of Tourism for his contribution to promotion of understanding between the Jewish and Christian communities in America.
Kol, the first non-American to be selected for citation by the NCCJ, is now making a tour of the United States on behalf of the Israel Bond Organization. He will also be meeting with a number of Jewish and Christian leaders regarding the furtherance of Israel tourism. Yesterday’s ceremony also marked the appointment of Michael Pragai, of Israel’s Foreign Office, as an Advisor on Church Relations in North America of the Consulate General of Israel.
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