Friends that will stick closer than a brother

Submitted by Harvey London (European Union), Oct 18, 2007 at 13:27

Dear Susan,

Thank you for your uplifting words.

Please do not take offence at the stance taken by certain Jewish groups.

It is utterly wrong that they label all Christian Zionists as having a Messianic Agenda. There is also an inherent suspicion and fear that these Christian groups wish to proselytize especially among young and vulnerable Jewish youth.As you are doubtlessly aware ,this has been a source of distress for Jews throughout the ages and it takes a great deal of reassurance that this is not always the case.

Here in the Uk we deeply value the genuine friendship and commitment of the UK Christian Friends of Israel. It is true to that at first I too had deeply ingrained reservations and prejudices concerning their motives. These fears were soon dispelled and I now recognise the genuine heart and soul of these our Christian friends for the Jewish people and Eretz Israel. This coming from a worldly wise cynic!

I can also assure you that it does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated in the wider Jewish community and there our numerous outreach groups which work together under the general umbrella in order to promote strong ties with Israel.

As you rightly say we are facing a new evil today ,one that is unified in a visceral hatred of Christian and Jew alike. We ignore this threat at our peril.

Warm Regards

Harvey Garfield

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