2022 CUFI Conference Was a Winner!

By: Lorraine Meehan

“Christians have a debt to Judaism that can never be repaid.”

This was the stirring reminder spoken by Pastor John Hagee as he opened the CUFI 2022 Washington Summit. CUFI (Christians United For Israel) is the largest pro-Israel organization in the US, counting over 10 million members. With a national network of activists in all 50 states, CUFI is uniquely positioned to mobilize support for Israel on Capitol Hill, churches, and campuses.

Strong political support for Israel

What followed Pastor Hague’s words were prominent pro-Israel speakers with sobering, yet encouraging, messages for the 1500 Christian and Jewish attendees who love and support Israel.

We listened to Senators Tom Cotton and Ted Cruz about the immediate need for courage and commitment to Israel, noting how the world was amazed how peace among traditional enemies in the Middle East blossomed in the aftermath of the Abraham Accords.

We heard from Senators Tom Lankford and Jacky Rosen, the only Democrat to address the Summit, who launched the Senate Abraham Accords Caucus. This bi-partisan effort encourages partnerships between the US, Israel, Arab states, and other relevant countries and regions. Since the signing of the Accords, Sudan and Morocco have also normalized relations with Israel. The caucus plans to help keep the Biden and future administrations focused on adding more countries to the agreement.

Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome-Sears addressed the frightening rise of worldwide antisemitism. With kudos to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin for establishing a Commission to Combat Antisemitism, she cautioned us “Don’t think if you remain silent you are safe. That is why we are having this conference. If we are silent, we are not safe.” Other challenging words came from actor Nathaniel Buzolic: “Antisemitism is waiting for a generation not to care anymore. Will we be the generation allowing it to live and grow?”

A common thread throughout were warnings about the pending Iran deal and the immediate danger it presents to Israel. The audience stood and cheered for Nicki Haley as she was famously quoted “If this President signs any sort of deal (with Iran), I’ll make you a promise. The next president will shred it on her first day in office!”

Need to support federal legislation protecting Israel and America

The remainder of the Conference focused on federal legislation. CUFI generously arranged meetings on Capitol Hill with the offices of Senators Burr and Tillis, and several House representatives from North Carolina, where we explained the immediate need to pass the following legislation that would protect Israel and America:

• The DEFEND Act of 2022 (S.4366/HR7987): With Iran never more of a threat, the Act requires the Secretary of Defense to provide an assessment of the threat of ballistic and cruise missiles and rocket attacks from Iran, among other military assessments.
• Fiscal Year 2023 House & Senate State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Bills, which approves $3.3 billion in US military assistance to Israel.
• COI Elimination Act (S4389/HR7223): This Act restricts American tax dollars from funding the UN Human Rights Council and specifies funds be withheld until UNHRC has abolished its Commission of Inquiry (COI), which targets Israel with lies and discrimination.

NCCI strongly urges you to contact your lawmakers in support of the above legislation.
Find Your Members in the U.S. Congress | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Main Photo Caption: The audience of Israel supporters at the 2022 CUFI Conference was large and enthusiastic (photo courtesy of Andrew Gluck)