Hundreds of Polish Christians and Jews march in solidarity with Israel in Warsaw. (Photo: Edward Ćwierz/ Facebook)
Hundreds of Polish Christians Rally with Jews in Support of Israel [VIDEO]
“And yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break My covenant with them; for I am the Lord, their God.” (Leviticus 26:44)
With anti-Semitism on the rise in Europe, a pro-Israel rally made its way through the streets of Warsaw on Sunday in solidarity with the Jewish state, reported Jewish.pl.
Waving the blue-and-white Star of David flag along with the Polish flag, Jews and Christians danced and sang side-by-side as they marched to Grzybowski Square and the Israeli Embassy.
Israel’s ambassador to Poland, Anna Azari, addressed the crowd, stating, “I’ve never seen such a large demonstration of support for Israel.”
The stated purpose of the march was to protest growing anti-Semitism in Europe as a result of the rise of Islam, and the numerous and “unjust UN resolutions” against Israel.
The gathering, organized by a group of pro-Israel churches and organizations, was intended to show support for Israel in the face of ongoing terror attacks, which they dubbed the third intifada. One of the lead religious organizations behind the rally was The Church of the Community of the Tent of David organized the rally, led by their pastor, Edward Ćwierz.
Christians who took part in the public pro-Israel display explained that their presence was to show “support that the covenant between the Jews and God is still in effect” as is written in the Bible:
“I will make of thee a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great, so that will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Genesis 12: 2-3)
Pawel Czyszek, editor of the Polish Jews Forum, told JTA, “When Polish and European media report on events in Israel, it is often unreliable and negative for Israelis. I walked in the march, carrying the flag of the State of Israel, to demonstrate my support for the country and convey to Israelis that they are not alone.”
There was reportedly a small counter-demonstration led by the National Rebirth of Poland (NOP), a far-right political group formerly associated with Poland’s Christian National Union. The NOP is notoriously homophobic and proudly flaunt their ideal of fascism. They are a fringe element in Polish politics and have no seats in the parliament. The counter-demonstration did not disturb the rally, which remained peaceful and joyous.
The march was also supported by the Christian Church “Cenacle” in Kielce, Foundation “Polania” Krakow, the Church of Evangelical Christians, the Church “New Jerusalem”, the Church Mission “New Beginning”, and the Movement “Poland for Jesus”.
Jews have lived in Poland for over 800 years and at one time the country hosted the largest Jewish population in Europe. Nonetheless, it was also the scene of some of the most virulent anti-Semitism, culminating in the almost completely genocidal destruction of Polish Jewry during the Holocaust.
