The high-energy evening included an address from Consul General of Israel in New York, Ido Aharoni. Prominent leaders of the evening included Jon Loew, Bishop David Thomas, Dr. Charlotte Frank, Irwin Hochberg, Pastor Juan Rivera and Kathie Lee Gifford.
Culminating the gathering, Aharoni presented Gifford the Ha Tikvah Award in honor of her strong support for Israel. Mrs. Gifford, an author, recording artist and Emmy-award-winning television host of the Today Show, recently traveled to Israel and did a series of segments helping her audience see the beauty of Israel and its people.
"We read in Genesis that the Spirit of God, which is translated in Hebrew as shalom, hovered over chaos before creation," Gifford said. "Each of us has the opportunity to bring shalom to the chaos of our world. Thank you Rev. Stearns for this honor and the great work you are doing to bring shalom."
Event chair Rev. Robert Stearns spoke to the crowd, enthusiastically sharing, "Tonight we are standing together as Jews and Christians united in our love and support for Israel and the Jewish people. Tonight in this room, we can change history."
The event centered on celebrating the legacy of amazing leaders in the Jewish and Christian communities, and equipping the next generation to be strong voices in support of Israel and the Jewish people. Dr. Charlotte Frank, vice president of McGraw Hill Education and chair of the Executive Committee of America-Israel Friendship League, was honored for her life of impact in education, advocacy and strengthening ties between Israel and America. Thomas, senior leader of the 5,000-member Victory Christian Center, whose ministry has touched many tens of thousands around the world, was honored for his years of faithful leadership and his steadfast support for Israel.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing passionate speeches from young Israel Experience Scholars. The Israel Experience which has been dubbed the "Christian Birthright" trains the best and brightest Christian college and university students to be informed ambassadors for Israel in the midst of a rising tide of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment on university campuses. 
Draw closer to God. Experience the presence of the Holy Spirit every month as you read Charisma magazine. Sign up now to get Charisma for as low as $1 per issue.
Has God called you to be a leader? Ministry Today magazine is the source that Christian leaders who want to serve with passion and purpose turn to. Subscribe now and receive a free leadership book.
Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive it by email.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for sharing. Blessings on your head from the Lord Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach.
Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA