Israel Allies Foundation

The Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) is a non-governmental organization formed in 2007 by Israeli rabbi and politician Binyamin Elon to encourage cooperation among faith-based supporters of Israel in parliaments and legislatures worldwide.[1] The Foundation supports the work of pro-Israel caucuses in 36 Parliaments worldwide, composed of legislators who endorse Israel's right to exist within secure borders.[2] As of 2019, the President of the Foundation is Josh Reinstein.[2]

The Foundation's headquarters is located across the street from the American Consulate on Nablus Road in East Jerusalem.[3]

The Foundation works on a foundation of Judeo-Christian values to promote cooperation and communication among members of national and provincial legislatures worldwide who support the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and to have secure borders.[4][5][6][7] The Foundation hosts legislators and heads of pro-Israel organizations visiting Israel.[1][8] In August 2015, a group of American Congressmen including Evan Jenkins, Trent Franks, and Keith Rothfus were harassed by Muslim political activists when they were taken to tour the Temple Mount by the Foundation.[9]

Caucuses that work with the Foundation include the Israel Allies Caucus in the United States House of Representatives, the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus in the Israeli Knesset, and Caucuses in Uruguay, the Philippines, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, Australia, Finland, Italy, Canada, Costa Rica, and Malawi.[5][10]

History

The Israel Allies Foundation was created in 2007 by 7 Members of Knesset with the goal of enhancing ties between Christian legislators worldwide, and Members of the Knesset.[11] The Foundation grew out of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, which was established in 2004, after the first international sister organization, the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus was established in the United States Congress in 2006.[12][13]

Issues

An undivided Jerusalem

According to Hannu Takkula, Chair of the European Parliament's Israel Allies Caucus, the group "celebrate(s) Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the Jewish State of Israel."[14] The Foundation supports legislative calls for moving the American Embassy to the eastern side of the unified city.[15]

The Foundation's headquarters is located in East Jerusalem in symbolic support of the Foundation's "theme of a united Jerusalem." According to Foundation President Josh Reinstein, "We believe there should always be a united Jerusalem, and this (headquarters building) is going to be on the frontline of that battle."[3]

BDS movement

The Foundation has been active in opposing the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.[4][16][17][18][19]

Board of directors

As of 2019, the organization's Christian advisory board of directors includes Tim Dunn (chairman), Dave Weldon, Mike Sodrel, Dick Saulsbury, Earl Cox, and Trent Franks.[20]

References
  1. Berger, Yotam (6 May 2017). "Former Israeli Minister and Rightist MK Benny Elon Dies at 62". Haaretz. ProQuest 1895653210.
  2. Fendel, Hillel (28 May 2017). "What Rabbi Benny Elon Did For Jerusalem". Jewish Press. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  3. Lidman, Melanie (1 October 2010). "Christian pro-Israel group opens headquarters in east Jerusalem. Director: 'There should always be a united Jerusalem'". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 843390776.
  4. Gruber-Miller, Stephen (14 October 2015). "GOP candidates defend Israel at forum in Iowa City". Des Moines Register. ProQuest 1721913311.
  5. Hoffman, Gil (16 January 2014). "Israel Allies Foundation names Washington DC director". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1492863214.
  6. "Georgia Becomes 6th State To Pass Anti-BDS Legislation". The Jewish Week. 1 April 2016. ProQuest 1780550336.
  7. Estrin, Daniel (15 October 2015). "Evangelical summit in Jerusalem reflects movement's rapid growth and strong support for Israel". The Hutchinson News. ProQuest 1722145399.
  8. Silverman, Anav (17 October 2014). "International lawmakers join forces to support Israel". Jewish Advocate. ProQuest 1618841816.
  9. Ebert, Joel (12 August 2015). "Jenkins member of harassed delegation". Charleston Gazette-Mail. ProQuest 1708216754.
  10. Hoffman, Gil (6 July 2015). "Costa Rica 33rd country to launch pro-Israel caucus". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1696850443.
  11. Reinstein, Josh (28 January 2013). "Embracing Israel's allies". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1283633501.
  12. Hoffman, Gil (2 October 2012). "Lawmakers from around the world gather in Jerusalem". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1095627063.
  13. "Knesset Christian Allies Caucus celebrates anniversary". Y-Net. 10 January 2008. Retrieved 6 July 2017.
  14. Hoffman, Gil (4 June 2013). "Congressmen, MKs, EU MPs to jointly call for united Jerusalem". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1366304207.
  15. Stoil, Rebecca Shimon (21 May 2017). "Trump risks ire of millions of pro-Israel voters by keeping embassy in Tel Aviv". Times of Israel. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  16. Cortelessa, Eric (28 April 2016). "Iowa General Assembly passes anti-BDS legislation". Times of Israel. ProQuest 1784865993.
  17. Hoffman, Gil (15 December 2016). "Texas legislators learn how to combat BDS. Lone Star State would be 16th to ban pro-Palestinian movement". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1850401938.
  18. Wilner, Michael (5 June 2015). "S. Carolina becomes first US state to take action against anti-Israel boycotts. State law bars public entities from contracting with companies that boycott 'based on race, color, religion, gender or national origin'". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1686967171.
  19. Rosen, Kayla (26 July 2006). "MKs, Christians and Israel supporters unite at Knesset to condemn BDS". Jerusalem Post. ProQuest 1807355712.
  20. "Christian Advisory Board". Israel Allies Foundation. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
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