Sunday was a big day for Christians United for Israel. Not only was it the first CUFI Sunday in more than 900 churches in all 50 states, but the group also sponsored its 100th "Night to Honor Israel" at a church in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Among the speakers at number 100 was CUFI executive director David Brog, who said getting to that number in just three years is "eloquent testimony to the depth and breadth of Christian support for Israel."
"It is an enormous understaking for a church or Christian community to sponsor this event," which usually features speeches from Christian and Jewish leaders and musical performances of Israel-related songs. It "demonstrates that Christian support for Israel is growing and spreading across the country."
CUFI Sunday, which took place in more than 1,100 churches in 49 countries,varied from church to church but included a sermon about the Jewish state and a request to sign the group’s "Israel Pledge," which states that the Jewish people "have a right to live in their ancient land of Israel" and that Israel has the right to defend itself from terrorism.
The event was scheduled weeks before it was known that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be in Washington the very next day — it was timed to be close to Israel’s 61st birthday, but Brog said it was a fortuitous coincidence.
"It was a very nice birthday present for Israel," to see "such widespread support," he said. "We see this as confirmation that in Israel’s time of need, America’s churches are standing with her."
