The proclamation came at the 5th annual Christian Media Summit hosted by the Israel Government Press Office (GPO).
By Erin Viner
“We know that we can count on you, dear friends and allies in the Christian world, to stand with us in the fight against terror and to be our partners in the efforts to counter the lies and spread the truth about Israel, as well as to be our partners in promoting the spirit of peace in the Abraham Accords,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the event.
The program was broadcast live from Jerusalem yesterday on the GPO’s Facebook, YouTube and web streaming accounts, as well as on the Christian Media Summit website.
The virtual summit brought 150 leading Christian news executives and public opinion leaders together from around the world for dialogue on key topics relevant to Israel and the Christian world. Participants also included the founders and CEOs of world-renowned Christian media outlets.
The Israeli government views the Christian media as a “vital and professional channel of information to Christian viewers, readers and internet users across the globe,” said a GPO statement obtained by TV7, with the expressed goal of fostering better understanding and strengthen friendship.
“In the Middle East, there is only one place that fully protects Christian life, where the Christian community is growing, thriving and prospering, and that’s in the State of Israel,” emphasized Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, adding that, “Today more than ever, Israel stands united with Christians, we are brothers and sisters, we are united, and we won’t let anyone extinguish our light.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid thanked the “millions of Christians who stand shoulder to shoulder with us” in friendship, as well as for the battle against rising anti-Semitism. “We thank you for making the true voice of Israel heard whenever lies are spread about us,” he said.
Other honored political, civic, cultural and religious leaders to address the conference included former Israeli Prime Minister and current Opposition Head Benjamin Netanyahu, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, GPO Director Nitzan Chen, Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage Director General Netanel Isaac and Ministry of Health Director General Prof. Nachman Ash.