"We are talking about millions of non-Jewish friends around the world who are the most strategic ally of the State of Israel," caucus chairman MK Benny Elon (National Union), the rabbi who spearheaded Israel's efforts to court evangelical support during his tenure as tourism minister, said on Thursday.
"They now have an official address for this friendship over and beyond visiting the State of Israel, while we have a great source of political support," Elon said.
Established in January 2004 amid a wave of Palestinian suicide bombings, the caucus immediately took off, as Christian pilgrims, particularly Evangelicals, stood in the then empty streets of Jerusalem, their moral support conspicuous at a time when many, including American Jews, shied away from visiting Israel due to the terrorist attacks.
The lobby has established 14 "sister caucuses" - in the US, Canada, Uruguay, Brazil, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Malawi, Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Philippines, as well as with the EU. The cross-party parliamentary lobbies are made up of Christians and Jews legislators who support Israel based on shared Bible-based values, with the backing of local Christian groups.
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