November 15, 2005 - For Immediate Release

“A Night to Honor Israel” Proclamation Stands With Israel; Condemns Iranian President’s Remarks

Lake Mary, FL:  In response to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s recent declaration that Israel should be “wiped off the map,” a proclamation signed by participants of “A Night to Honor Israel” will call on the U.S. government to stand with Israel in its battle against global Islamic terrorism.

The event, scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Thursday, November 17, at Altamonte Springs, Fla., located near Orlando, has “one purpose only—to show Christian love and support for Israel—both the land and its people,” says Stephen Strang, publisher of Charisma magazine and sponsor of “A Night to Honor Israel.”

“Israel’s battle with terrorism is America’s battle with terrorism.  We stand united together!” the proclamation declares. The signed proclamation will be sent to U.S. officials and the United Nations, Strang says.

The keynote speaker for the event is John Hagee, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church, an 18,000-member nondenominational congregation in San Antonio, and an ardent supporter of Israel who has visited the country regularly since 1978.

“A Night to Honor Israel” is modeled after Hagee’s annual pro-Israel event, which has been held for 24 years and has raised millions of dollars for various Jewish charities, including those for resettlement to the Holy Land.

Other guests for the Central Florida event also include Yitschak Ben Gad, the consul general of Israel in Miami, and David Brog, author of the forthcoming FrontLine book Standing With Israel. Brog is chief of staff for Sen. Arlen Specter, R-PA, and the cousin of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.

“A Night to Honor Israel” seeks to raise $75,000 to purchase an ambulance to help those who have been injured by frequent suicide bombings in Israel.

“We believe love is something you do, not just something you say,” says Strang, who notes that money raised will be given to the Red Star of David, the Israeli equivalent of the American Red Cross.

Approximately 800 people, including rabbis and Jewish leaders as well as Christian pastors and their congregations, are expected to attend the free event. 

Rabbi Aaron Rubinger, who leads Congregation Ohev Shalom in Orlando, says he is looking forward to attending “A Night to Honor Israel.”

“While I understand that there are supporters of Israel who feel differently than I do, I would urge fellow Jews to be there that night, alongside of me, other rabbis, and Orlando Jewish leaders to express a loud and clear thank you to those Christians who have remained loyal and vocal advocates of the state of Israel,” Rubinger says.

Proclamation for “A Night to Honor Israel”
November 17, 2005

As Christians and Jews of Central Florida, we sign this petition to denounce the maniacal and Hitlerian rhetoric of Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, stating that Israel should be “wiped off the map.”

Those who do not remember the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them in the future. Hitler called for the death of the Jews, and the world stood in silence while 6 million were systematically slaughtered. Iran’s president is the new Hitler of the Middle East, and our generation refuses to keep silent. 

Therefore, we urge the United Nations to expel Iran from the community of nations for developing nuclear arms for the expressed destruction of Israel, which is a member state of the United Nations. 

As Christians and Jews we reaffirm our love and absolute support for the State of Israel.  We call upon our president and our government to stand with Israel in her battle against global Islamic terrorism. Israel’s battle with terrorism is America’s battle with terrorism.  We stand united together!

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Contact: Ginger Jackson, (407) 333-0600, ext. 1448