Press Release

A STATEMENT ON THE UNREST IN EGYPT AND OTHER ARAB NATIONS

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:04:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel has been observing current developments in Egypt and several of its neighboring nations with hope, expectation and concern.

President Mubarak has stepped down. Demonstrators have demanded freedom, justice, democratic change, and human and civil rights – a very positive direction for the largest Arab country in the Middle East. Voices on the street have largely called for a peaceful approach and a smooth transition to a more open society. Negotiations are now underway.

This is a critically important time for Egypt and its neighbors. We pray for a transition that will lead to authentic democracy and will not be skewed or undermined by radical or extremist factions that pose a threat to civil harmony and to all of Egypt's neighbors.

We have particularly strong concerns that the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty continue in full force as an anchor for peace in the region; that the Gaza and Sinai borders remain secure denying Hamas access to arms; and that the Coptic and other smaller Christian communities, who have suffered so painfully from recurring persecution and repression, will achieve full religious and cultural freedom.

Let us all continue to pray for a beneficial and peaceful outcome for Egypt and for all the nations of the Middle East.

BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS: A CONSTRUCTIVE RESPONSE

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:13:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) was founded in 1978 to develop, encourage and strengthen understanding and support for the people, land and State of Israel within the North American Christian community. NCLCI is a broad-based network of Christian leaders – Catholic, mainline Protestant, evangelical and independent – whose goal is advocacy for Israel, dialogue and mutual respect in a non-proselytizing spirit. The following statement was issued at its May 2010 Executive Committee meeting in Minneapolis.

Beginning in the 1960s, mainline Protestant denominations, including the Presbyterian Church (USA), began to engage in constructive dialogue that profoundly altered the Christian-Jewish relationship from misunderstanding and antagonism to one of growing understanding and respect. This dialogue led to the adoption of theological positions that acknowledged and repented of views that denied God’s ongoing covenant with the Jewish people and fostered antisemitism.

Unfortunately, recent proposals considered by some major church bodies are now threatening to undermine authentic dialogue and mutual Christian-Jewish understanding. If implemented, these proposals pose a real threat to the security and integrity of Israel and Jewish peoplehood; the credibility of our churches; and the long-range prosperity, security and independence of the Palestinian people.

Specifically, a number of proposals found in the PCUSA Middle East Task Force report, Breaking Down the Walls, contain serious flaws that would cause great harm.

These include:

Alluding to democratic Israel as an apartheid state – an unjust and toxic slur. Such language ignores the broad diversity of peoples and nationalities whose human and civil rights and opportunities are guaranteed by Israeli law. At the same time this charge demeans the tragic and inhumane suffering of South Africans under apartheid.
Highlighting the “occupation” as the root cause of the conflict in Israel/Palestine and in the region, while minimizing the constant threat of terror and Arab rejection of a Jewish State in the Middle East. In the process Israel’s repeated and well-documented willingness to offer major concessions for peace is ignored.
Recommending the adoption of the Kairos Palestine document of December 11, 2009, that would effectively end the viability of the Jewish homeland in Israel, calling for divestment and economic boycott as well as an open return of all Palestinian refugees.
Calling for an immediate cessation of the “blockade” of Gaza without specifying how the flow of weapons being used against Israel would cease, and ignoring positive Israeli actions such as providing a steady flow of food and medical supplies into Gaza on a daily basis and enabling Gaza produce to reach international markets.
Supporting the establishment of “an international council” for Jerusalem, an arrangement that has never worked in any other venue where it has been tried, i.e. Berlin, Danzig, Trieste and others.

We urge the Presbyterian General Assembly to recognize the complexity of these issues; to reject the highly flawed report of the Middle East Study Committee, Breaking Down the Walls; and to maintain the balanced and sensitive approach to reconciliation that have informed and guided the church’s best decisions in the past.

A statement by NCLCI regarding Israel's war on terrorism

Thu, 13 May 2010 02:20:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI), a broad based ecumenical network of Christian organizations and individuals united in support for Israel, continues to be deeply concerned about events in the Middle East. Thirteen members of the NCLCI Executive Committee traveled to the region in January 2002 to assess the situation and to express our support for genuine peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Based on what we saw and heard while we were there and on what we continue to learn about the situation:

NCLCI denounces the armed occupation of the fourth-century Church of the Nativity, one of the most holy sites in Christianity, as well as other churches, hospitals, orphanages and schools.
NCLCI commends the Israel Defense Forces for exercising patience and sensitivity to Christian sites in Bethlehem – firing only when fired upon and readily apologizing and accepting responsibility when mistakes are made.
NCLCI commends Israel for providing food, water and first aid to all non-combatants in the Church of the Nativity and elsewhere when needed.
NCLCI commends Israel for accepting the burden of house-to-house combat in an attempt to mitigate Palestinian casualties and destruction while absorbing significant casualties of its own.
NCLCI denounces the placement of Palestinian military units in civilian neighborhoods and the booby trapping of buildings with explosives that inevitably endanger children. The contempt for civilian populations, whose aspirations the Palestinian Authority purports to represent, is reprehensible.
NCLCI denounces all attempts to manipulate world opinion away from reality. Specifically, we denounce the use of the UN and media sources to accuse Israel of a "massacre" in Jenin – a charge that is widely recognized as false.
NCLCI recognizes the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, but condemns the use of violence that is being used to try to achieve their goals.
NCLCI urges all parties to return to the negotiating process since that is the only way that true peace can ever be established between Israel and the Palestinian people."
NCLCI grieves all loss of life, the shattered lives and dreams of innocent bystanders and the destruction of homes and property. We pray that God will comfort all who mourn and guide all who work for a genuine peace.

NOSTRA AETATE AT 40: Yesterday's Achievement, Today's Challenge

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:21:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) is a coalition of Protestants, Catholics and other Christians who are pastors, priests, professors, writers, broadcasters and community leaders. The coalition exists to encourage and develop understanding and support for the people, land and state of Israel in the North American Christian community.

The Executive Committee of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI), meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking Vatican II document, Nostra Aetate, that opened the door to a new era of Christian-Jewish relations.

We also expressed profound gratitude for the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Rose Thering, O.P., one of the founders and a past Executive Director of NCLCI. Sister Rose continues to serve as a Vice-President of the NCLCI Board of Directors. Her pioneering research on Catholic teaching about Jews and Judaism was a major influence on the discussions at Vatican II and subsequent statements of the Catholic Church. She remains a powerful and articulate advocate for Jews, Judaism and Israel.

We commend the Roman Catholic Church for formally recognizing and establishing diplomatic relations with the state of Israel, culminating in the visit of Pope John Paul II in 2000. At a time when other churches have taken actions detrimental to Israel, such as proposals for divestment and criticism of Israel’s legitimate security measures, we call upon all Christians to join in the affirmative spirit of Nostra Aetate and its later official documents.

For further information contact
David Blewett
NCLCI National Director
(248) 557-4540
(248) 719-0962

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel Repudiates Call for Divestment.

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:47:00 GMT

We, Executive Committee members of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel, express our profound disagreement with recent national and international Protestant Church resolutions that call for selected divestment from certain companies doing business in Israel. These statements treat Israel as the major barrier to peace while ignoring the significant risks for peace that Israel is taking in withdrawing from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. They also do not address the substantial support for terrorism provided by Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and radical elements in the Palestinian society. This approach demonstrates a double standard that is unfair and inimical to Israel and the Jewish people.

Since Vatican II, mainline Protestant denominations have issued documents that acknowledge and repent of theologies that denied God's ongoing covenant with the Jewish people and fostered antisemitism. Following the official adoption of these statements by the appropriate church bodies, Christians and Jews engaged in years of constructive dialogue that profoundly altered the Christian-Jewish relationship – from antagonism to one of growing understanding and respect.

Recent myopic actions taken by several of these denominations include endorsing the idea of selected divestment from certain companies doing business in Israel, condemning the security fence between Israel and the Palestinian territories, and condemning Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people, with minimal reference to the reality of terrorism. These actions threaten to undermine authentic dialogue and mutual Christian-Jewish understanding. If implemented, these resolutions pose a real threat to the security and integrity of Israel and Jewish peoplehood.

Recent resolutions on divestment, Israel’s security fence, and other Israel-related issues are often out of touch with the realities that we have seen for ourselves in the land. Apparently only one side of the debate is being heard:

The misleading references to a “wall” being built by Israel ignore the reality that 95% of the barrier is a high-tech chain-link type fence. Only where the barrier runs through populated areas and along major highways is there a concrete wall (about 5% of the total length of the barrier).

The misleading insinuation that the security fence is meant to surround and isolate the Palestinians ignores the reality that the only purpose of a security barrier is to keep terrorists out of Israel and protect the lives of everyone in Israel – Jews, Christians, Muslims and all others. Statistics indicate that the security barrier does exactly that: Where a continuous fence has been constructed, the number of terrorist attacks has decreased by more than 90 percent, the number of murdered Israelis has dropped more than 70 percent and the number of Israelis wounded, more than 85 percent.

Neglecting to mention that a serious divestment program will devastate Palestinians ignores the fact that the Israeli and Palestinian economies are closely intertwined. In the late 1990s, due to the relatively easy movement of Israeli goods to the Palestinian territories and Palestinian labor to Israel, the territories enjoyed positive economic growth and unemployment fell from about 26 percent to 12 percent. It is one of the tragedies of recent history that this brief period of peace did not last because increased terrorism demanded tighter border control. A declining Israeli economy, should divestment succeed, would significantly hinder the ability of Israel to maintain the cross-border traffic that still exists and would further decimate the struggling Palestinian economy. Christian churches should be exploring constructive investment in Israel and Palestine, not divestment.

The Israeli-Palestinian dilemma is complex. The church must carefully listen to both sides and critically examine the validity of the claims made on each side. For that reason we call on all Christians to repudiate the calls for divestment and return, in a spirit of humility, to an honest and open dialogue with Jews. That dialogue should include the issue of land, security and ways in which together we can help fashion meaningful avenues for peace.

IN COMMEMORATION OF 350 YEARS OF JEWISH LIFE IN AMERICA . . .

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:56:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Executive Committee of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel, meeting in Detroit, October 2004, adopted the following statement:

IN COMMEMORATION OF 350 YEARS OF JEWISH LIFE IN AMERICA . . .

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) expresses its profound gratitude to God for this gift to our nation.

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) is a coalition of Protestants, Catholics and other Christians that exists to encourage and develop understanding and support for the people, land and state of Israel in the North American Christian community.

During these 350 years, Jews have made incalculable contributions to the common life of our nation, which is out of proportion to their numbers. We see these contributions in the following fields of endeavor: religion and philosophy, literature, medicine, scientific research, business, sports, the arts among others.

We recall, for example, that at least two generations have been spared the horrors of polio due to the discoveries of Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. We also think of legendary sports figures such as Sandy Koufax, Sid Luckman, Hank Greenberg, Marv Levy, Mark Spitz, Kerri Strug and others. Jewish contributions to the arts are legendary.

Jews have distinguished themselves and have sacrificed their lives in military service defending our nation.

Admiral Hyman Rickover is widely recognized as the father of America’s nuclear powered navy.

We honor the many Jewish recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and all other Jewish veterans who have served our country.

Jews have also distinguished themselves in politics, law, diplomacy and public service.

The contributions of Justices Cardozo, Brandeis, Frankfurter and Ruth Bader Ginzburg to the US Supreme Court have enriched this country’s legal system.

Jews have consistently set the pace in America for charity and philanthropy.

We recall Haym Salomon’s generous financial support of General Washington’s army when it was bereft of basic supplies and on the verge of collapse; history remembers him as “the financier of the Revolutionary Army.” We think of noted businesswoman, Estee Lauder and Helena Rubenstein, who have also founded major philanthropic foundations. We call to mind the many medical centers, colleges and universities, and charitable foundations that have been founded by Jews.

Jews have been in the forefront of political and social reform throughout our history.

We recall, for example, the many Jewish freedom riders of the civil rights movement. Among those who gave their lives were Andy Goodman and Michael Schwerner. And we cannot forget the stirring words of Emma Lazarus engraved on the Statue of Liberty exemplifying the American spirit – “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

The presence of Jewish congregations in communities both large and small has contributed significantly to religious plurality and thus has enriched our common life in exceptional ways.

Jewish friends and neighbors have been as brothers and sisters to us all. May we continue, individually and collectively, to be grateful for our shared journey. And may we confidently and respectfully embrace the future together.

Approved in Detroit October 24, 2004

on Christian Zionism

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:53:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Executive Committee of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel, meeting in Detroit, October 2004, adopted the following statement:

on Christian Zionism

This past summer a number of Protestant denominations issued statements and resolutions that denounced “Christian Zionism.” These did not take into account the long history of Protestant and Catholic statements affirming Jewish aspirations regarding Israel.

It has become fashionable to speak generally of Christian support for Israel as “Christian Zionism.” This is a simplistic view that does not take into account Christian support for the various types of Zionism, which may be based upon social, historical and political, as well as theological foundations. Any references to “Christian Zionism” should not be used to intimidate or silence Christian support for Israel.

Christians in Israel are free to worship and pray in a state that safeguards the freedom of all religions – in stark contrast to the surrounding Arab Muslim countries. Persecution in those countries is intensifying. It is short sighted to criticize Christian support for Israel, the one country in the Middle East that is a true friend to Christians.

We, the members of the NCLCI Executive Committee, will not be intimidated or silenced in our commitment to and advocacy for the people, land and state of Israel.

Approved in Detroit, October 24, 2004

NCLCI calls for Palestinian accountability

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:43:00 GMT

"Springfield, MO – The time has come for Palestinian leaders to stop blaming Israel for hardships experienced by their own people and to assume responsibility for developing their own independent democratic state."

David Blewett, Novi, Michigan, Executive Director of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI), offered that assessment in his annual report presented today (March 8) at a meeting of the organization’s executive committee here.

The 25-year-old ecumenical body represents both Catholic and Protestant scholars and others committed to developing support for Israel.

"For too long, advocates for the Palestinian cause have been allowed to go on blaming Israel for all the real and supposed hardships that Palestinians must wrestle with everyday," Blewett said. "It is about time that we begin to challenge these speakers on their real or benign support of terrorism, homicide bombings, an educational system that perpetuates a culture of hate and antisemitism, and a so-called ‘government’ that is transparently corrupt."

The NCLCI director insisted that Israel cannot be responsible for building a state for the Palestinians. "That is a Palestinian and maybe an Arab responsibility, hopefully with help from other nations," he said. "Reality seems to indicate, however, that Palestinians are not looking for a hand up as much as they are looking for a hand out.

"Sooner or later," he added, "there has got to be some constructive Palestinian effort toward genuine nation building."

While some Christian organizations condemn Israel for building a wall to protect its people from terrorists, Blewett noted: "As unpalatable as this wall may be, it needs to be recognized that the most basic responsibility of any government is to protect the lives of its citizens.

"Israel," he said, "is no exception."

If the re-election of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon proved anything, it was that Israelis "no longer support concessions, let alone territorial surrender, without a complete stop to all terror and fundamental change in the Palestinian culture of hatred that fuels it.

Israel’s voters have said – sometimes shouted – that all terrorism must stop before the peace process can begin again," he added. But reporters seem not to hear that message.

"That was one of the lessons, if not the lesson, of the Israeli elections," he said. "Israelis have gone to the polls twice in the past two years and each time they have given parties on the left a solid whipping."

Blewett insisted that the fact that many of Israel’s detractors continue to refer to Sharon and the Likud party as "right wing" or "extremists" reflects one’s personal bias rather than the reality of Israel’s determination to end terrorism within its borders.

The NCLCI leader claimed that many mainline Protestant churches are "the primary advocates of the Palestinian Authority" in America, even as they "blissfully ignore all the problems and corruption that has been exposed in the Palestinian Authority."

"They regularly speak of ‘occupation,’" he notes, "but say nothing about what brought about the current situation, or how Israel has sought to end the situation."

In other action, the executive committee supported the proposal to honor Hiram Bingham IV, who was censured by his superiors in the State Department during World War II for disobeying the order to stop providing European Jews with visas to the United States.

Secretary of State Colin Powell recently gave Bingham a posthumous award for "Constructive Dissent" for saving some 2,000 Jews during the Holocaust. Efforts are now being made to issue a stamp in his honor.

NCLCI SPEAKS OUT ON RECENT ACTS OF TERRORISM

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:56:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) is appalled at the horrendous escalation of terrorism against Israel, in spite of a cease-fire declared by the Israeli government. The intentional killing of innocent people is especially abhorrent to all people of good will. Our hearts and prayers are with all the victims and their families – may they be comforted in their pain and sorrow.

NCLCI applauds Israel’s restraint but, at the same time, understands that acts of terrorism, such as the bombing of shopping malls, bus stops and beach front nightclubs, cannot go on indefinitely without a response. No sovereign nation can allow its innocent citizens to be shot at, run down or blown up by terrorists.

NCLCI supports the policy of the Israeli government, also endorsed by the United States government, that no negotiations can take place while Israel and its citizens are under attack.

Therefore, NCLCI calls on Chairman Arafat, all Palestinian leaders and everyone in the region to turn away from violence and to work actively with Israel to create a peace that allows all people to live and prosper in a climate of security and well being.

WE ARE OUTRAGED

Mon, 17 May 2010 07:57:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) at its meeting in Springfield, Missouri (October 27-29, 2000) expresses its profound sadness at the loss of lives – Palestinian Arabs, Israelis and Druze -- during the recent hostilities in Israel and areas under Israeli and/or Palestinian authority.

In this United Nations Year of the Child we are particularly outraged at the Palestinian Authority’s exploitation of children and families as part of the machinery of war and we commend people on all sides who demonstrate restraint in the face of provocation.
We demand that all signers of the Declaration of Principles (signed on the South Lawn of the White House on Sept. 13, 1993) live up to their agreement to honor and protect all holy sites, a principle that Israel has declared and upheld since its inception as a State in 1948. Credibility of any political authority depends absolutely on the ability and will to ensure such respect.
We deplore the kidnapping of hostages and call on all parties involved to share information leading to their immediate release.
We challenge all community leaders and clergy of all faiths to refrain from rhetoric that condemns the faith traditions of other peoples and incites their followers to violence. Now is the time to inspire peace and healing and repudiate rage and vengeance.
We express our solidarity with our fellow Christians who are authentically seeking peace and reconciliation in the Middle East in the face of persecution, isolation and discouragement.

NCLCI reaffirms its solidarity with the People, Land and State of Israel as it endures another time of trial and disappointment on the road to a genuinely harmonious relationship with their neighboring peoples and nations.

NCLCI also reaffirms its conviction that Jerusalem should remain the single, undivided political capital of Israel.

A STATEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR ISRAEL (NCLCI) ON ISRAEL’S WITHDRAWAL FROM SOUTHERN LEBANON

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:01:00 GMT

Israel is taking tremendous risks for peace in withdrawing from Lebanon. NCLCI salutes Prime Minister Barak, the Israeli government, the Israel Defense Forces and all Israelis for demonstrating the strength and courage to do what is most difficult.

NCLCI congratulates Israel on its swift and total withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This was not an easy decision for the government or the Jewish people. Withdrawal may be interpreted as retreat. NCLCI does not concur with those skeptics. We affirm with the government of Israel that Lebanon belongs under the control of the Lebanese people and no one else. Lebanese internal affairs should no longer be an Israeli problem; they should be matters of choice for a sovereign Lebanon.

NCLCI commends Israel for its gracious reception of Lebanese Christians, SLA families and others who have recently fled Lebanon, some of whom have been turned away by other nations. We express our profound concern for the lives, safety and rights both human and civil rights for the Christians and other minorities who remain in Lebanon.

NCLCI calls on Syria and Iran to honor Lebanese sovereignty, as Israel as done, by withdrawing and returning Lebanon solely to the Lebanese people so that the country may once again be a vibrant, peaceful nation. All its peoples are entitled to enjoy a normal and productive life, free from all outside interference.

If attacks against Israel continue from Lebanese territory, NCLCI affirms that Israel is fully within its rights in responding by whatever means are appropriate to safeguard the land and people of Israel.

NCLCI letter to the editor

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:05:00 GMT

New York Times
Letters to the Editor
229 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036-3959.

To the Editor:

Recently an ad appeared entitled "Christians Call for a Shared Jerusalem" (NY Times, December 21). One should not get the impression that the statement speaks for all, or even a significant number of, Christians in the United States or the Middle East.

I represent the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI), a nation-wide network of Christian organizations and individuals who encourage support for and understanding of the people and state of Israel. NCLCI believes that the future of Jerusalem can and must be negotiated only by those leaders elected by the two peoples who live in Israel, as well as Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and Gaza. To be successful, such negotiations must take place out of the public spotlight and in an environment that promotes mutual trust and respect.

The reality is that one city cannot be governed by two peoples and three faiths. Some one must be in charge. Israel, though not perfect, has proven to be the best steward of the city, its citizens and its holy places when exercising municipal leadership. To divide the city, or "share" sovereignty, would not lead to peace but to more misunderstanding, distrust and bloodshed.

The ad correctly calls for dialogue on the thorny issues of Jerusalem between Jews, Christians and Muslims. The place for dialogue, however, is in the determination of how access to historical holy places and freedom of wor- ship will be guaranteed to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Dialogue could also help define how individual neighborhoods or regions in the city, particularly those comprised of adherents to a single religious tradition, could be allowed as much freedom for self-determination as the general welfare of the city permits. Such dialogue is for all who live there and care about Jerusalem's future. It should enhance, not diminish, the unity of the city.

There is also a significant role for dialogue between Jews, Christians and Muslims in the United States. The goal of this dialogue should be growth in understanding and respect for the convictions and emotions of the other, not the imposition of a "western-style" solution for Israeli-Arab tensions or the manipulation of public opinion toward a specific outcome. NCLCI would be eager to participate in such a dialogue.

Sincerely,

David Blewett
Executive Director

A STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR ISRAEL ON JERUSALEM

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:07:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) reaffirms its conviction that Jerusalem should remain the single, undivided political capital of Israel.

We also express our expectation that within Jerusalem, the overall municipal government will make every reasonable effort to guarantee access to their historical holy places and unfettered freedom for worship by adherents of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions.

In addition, we believe that, insofar as possible, individual neighbor- hoods or other regions within the city, particularly those comprised of adherents to a single religious tradition, be accorded by the municipal government as much freedom for self-determination as the general welfare of the city permits.

A STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR ISRAEL MOURNING VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:09:00 GMT

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) at the meeting of its Executive Committee in Minneapolis (March 1-3, 1996) expressed its outrage over the terrorist bombings in Israel. The intentional killing of innocent people is abhorrent.

Our hearts and prayers are with all the victims and their families. May they be comforted in their pain and sorrow. Such wanton slaughter must not be rewarded by giving in to terrorists whose actions are intended to stop the peace negotiations. NCLCI supports the government of Israel in its determination to continue the negotiations. At the same time, NCLCI recognizes the moral courage of the government of Israel to continue the peace process despite all odds.

At the funeral of Sara Duker, her mother gave the world a message we all must ponder. She said, "Let us remember the way Sara lived rather than how she died." Both Sara Duker and Matthew Eisenfeld, the two American victims of the bus bombing on February 25, devoted their short lives to tikkun olam - repairing the world. In its continued search for peace, tikkun olam is the message of the State of Israel.

DAVID BLEWETT NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:51:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/20/95

The National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel (NCLCI) announces the appointment of David Blewett as its new Executive Director. He succeeds Sister Rose Thering who recently retired but will remain active with NCLCI as one of its Vice Presidents.

NCLCI is a broad based ecumenical coalition of American clergy and laity whose purpose is to deepen Christian understanding of Israel -- people, land and state. Since 1978, NCLCI has consistently stood by the democrat- ically elected governments of Israel and sought to expand understanding and support for the Jewish State in the Churches and Congress of the United States.

Mr. Blewett brings to the job an extensive background in Christian-Jewish relations, specifically in the area of dialogue. With his parents, Robert and Lois Blewett of Anoka, Minnesota, he developed the Interfaith Circles dialogue material. For many years, as the Field Director for Interfaith Resources, Inc., he worked with local pastors and rabbis to develop or expand dialogue groups in their congregations throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain. He also consulted with national church leaders to help them implement their church statements on relations with the Jewish community.

His commitment to the State of Israel began in high school and has grown consistently since. Today, he is a seasoned advocate for Israel in national and state legislatures, church headquarters and local congregations, as well as in schools and community civic organizations.

Mr. Blewett fully supports the numerous statements that NCLCI has issued. Statements that have included calls on the United Nations to rescind its defamation of Zionism, support for the Arab-Israel peace negotiations, support for U.S. aid to Israel, and recognition of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.

Dave has a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Biola College in California, and an M. Div. from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He has also studied at Talbot Theological Seminary in California, and is currently a graduate student in the Department of Jewish-Christian Studies at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.