Christian lawmakers from 20 nations back Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria

Visiting legislators sign a declaration in support of Judea and Samaria, March 4, 2024. Credit: Binyamin Regional Council.

(JNS) — Following a tour on March 3 of Israel’s Binyamin region, Christian lawmakers from 20 countries signed a declaration in support of the Jewish people’s right to peace and security in Judea and Samaria.

The solidarity trip to Samaria, which was part of the Israel Allies Foundation’s Annual Chairman’s Conference, included a stop at the gas station outside the community of Eli, north of Jerusalem, where a Palestinian terrorist last week gunned down two Israeli civilians.

Legislators met with Aviad Gizbar, owner of a hummus restaurant at the gas station, who managed to kill the gunman.

“We were pleased to host the largest parliamentarian delegation to Israel since October 7, in collaboration with the Israel Allies Foundation,” Binyamin Regional Council head Israel Ganz said, noting that the group included lawmakers from the U.S., Europe, Africa and South America.

The pro-Judea and Samaria declaration they signed during the visit strengthens the Jewish state’s resilience as it fights the forces of evil “on behalf of the whole world,” the regional leader added.

Judea and Samaria saw a dramatic rise in terrorist attacks in 2023 compared to the previous year, with shootings reaching their highest level since the Second Intifada of 2000-05, IDF data shows. The violence has continued to escalate in the months since Hamas started a war with its rampage across the northwestern Negev on Oct. 7.

At a gathering at the council’s offices in Sha’ar Binyamin, Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen thanked the lawmakers for coming to Israel during the war. “This is our land, our ancestral land, so we will continue to fight and we will win… but your support is crucial,” said Cohen.

Founded a decade and a half ago, the Washington-based Israel Allies Foundation has emerged as a faith-based powerhouse, with a global network of more than 50 caucuses around the world that mobilize political support for Israel based on shared Judeo-Christian values.

The three-day conference, which kicked off on March 3, also includes a visit to a hard-hit community near Gaza, as well as meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials.

Following a visit to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where one of the biggest battles took place on Oct. 7, the lawmakers called on their governments to defund and dismantle the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees because of its ties to Palestinian terrorism.

On March 4, the delegation held a lunch with Foreign Minister Israel Katz. According to a presser, Katz called upon “our friends across the globe” to help free the hostages held by Hamas, oppose antisemitism and “bolster Israel’s resilience in the face of adversity.”

“Our legislators are the backbone of the Israel Allies Foundation’s work, said Josh Reinstein, the organization’s president. “Their dedication and advocacy are instrumental in strengthening bonds with Israel worldwide, fostering solidarity, peace, and prosperity among nations.

“We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to standing with Israel,” Reinstein said.