1. Support of Pro-Israel Politicians
Going back to Ronald Reagan's Presidency, many American Christian Evangelicals have voted for pro-Israel House, Senate, and Presidential candidates to support the Jewish state and not undermine its safety and security. For many Christian Evangelicals in America, Israel is where the Bible comes alive and a testament to God's promise to Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, centuries ago. While many academics, scholars, and politicians have debated Israel's right to have Jerusalem as its capital, many Christian Americans believe Jerusalem is Israel's Capital and will always be. Christian Americans have voted in numbers for Republican politicians and presidents to move the United States embassy to Jerusalem and recognize this, which occurred under the Trump administration. Many politically active Evangelical organizations and figures have spread awareness of Israel and its presence in the Middle East, praying for the safety and security of the Jewish state, its people, and the Palestinian Arabs who are under the oppressive thumb of Islamic terrorist groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
2. Israel's Defense
Going back to biblical times, Israel has repeatedly been attacked by its neighbors, even after its re-establishment in 1948. Today, the Jewish state faces threats from Islamic terrorist groups ranging from Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. Many of these terrorist groups have also been known to oppress Christian citizens in their country who preach the Bible, defy Islamic teachings, and are pro-Israel. As a result, many Evangelical American Christians have supported efforts to send military aid to Israel, including the Iron Dome, against rockets from Gaza and Lebanon. Christian organizations like the Philos Project, a nonprofit organization that promotes positive Christian engagement in Near Eastern cultures, have spread awareness of terrorist attacks against Jews by Palestinian terrorists, offering condolences and prayers to family members and friends. Some Christian political organizations, figures, and politicians have also rallied behind Israeli leaders like Conservative Prime Minister Benjamin (Bibi) Netanyahu and his opposition to the Iran nuclear agreement, citing the dangers it would have to the Jewish people's safety and security.
3. Defending Israel in the Media
For many Christian Americans, defending Israel in the national media is critical, given the numerous narratives against the Jewish states. Whether in debates, or national or international news appearances, American Evangelical figures have defended Israel's right to exist, Israel's safety and security, and the exploitation of Palestinians against Israel by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Many Christians believe that while Israel is not a perfect nation, the fact that many labels the Jewish state as a "Nazi state" or "Apartheid state" is unequivocally false. Christian news outlets like Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), founded by the late Pat Robertson, have been able to tell the facts about the situation on the ground in Israel, which has helped in the fight against the public relations campaign against Israel. Christian American missionaries in Israel have also been able to expose the oppression committed by Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Palestinian Authority against Palestinian-Christians in Gaza and the West Bank, sharing the stories of individuals like Mosab Hassan Yousef and others who have come to love Israel and hate the Islamic indoctrination of Hamas.
4. Defending Israel on College Campuses
With many college campuses and professors having anti-Israel and antisemitic views, many Christian Americans have been active in defending the Jewish state. In 2016, Groups like Christians United for Israel on Campus (CUFI) brought Kasim Hafeez to speak about his background as a former radical anti-Israel Muslim and the dangers of propaganda and demonization at the University of Texas, Austin, as the college was facing a divestment battle against Israel. CUFI and other groups like it have educated young college students about the anti-Israel boycotts using social media platforms and through their local churches.
5. Sponsoring Biblical Excavation Sites
Today in Israel, many of the biblical sites ranging from the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, and the Mount of Olives, museums, and biblical artifacts have been sponsored by Christian Americans, churches, and organizations. American Christian organizations like the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, hope that by aiding in archeological digs, many will see the Bible come to life and what it was like during the time of Abraham, the Jewish prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles. While the excavation sites bring tourism and financial benefits to Israel's economy, for Christians, it brings a much deeper appreciation for the Jewish state and a love for its people. Despite the terror attacks Israel has faced since its re-establishment, many biblical archaeological sites continue to stand and receive funding from those passionate about biblical history and the Jewish state.
