At this year’s event, slated for Oct. 14 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, they hope to see double the turnout, said Helen Burke director of Christians United for Israel.
Christians for a United Israel, is a grassroots organization started in San Antonio to join together Christian churches interested in the state of Israel. It has since grown to become the largest pro-Israel group in the nation, according to its website. The group holds bi-annual rallies and quarterly conference calls, urging government officials to support Israel.
'We want to promote an understanding between Christians and Jews,' Burke said.
A Night to Honor Israel is a non-controversial tribute to the nation of Israel and the Jewish people throughout the world, Burke explained.
'We’re trying to focus on more that we have in common than our differences,' she said, 'and to stand in solidarity with Israel.'
Meir Shlomo, consul general of Israel to the southwest, based in Houston, will attend the conference, Burke said.
Last year, no representatives from Congregation Shaareth Israel, Lubbock’s one synagogue, attended the conference, and Burke said she had not been contacted this year.
Rabbi Vicki Hollander declined to comment on the event, but temple members have hosted and participated in interfaith events in the past.
Each year, Congregation Shaareth Israel hosts an educational Passover event in which members of Hillel, Texas Tech’s Jewish students, host a sedar for anyone in the community, including those interested in learning about the Jewish faith.
They also participate in a swap with Second Baptist Church in which members of the church are invited to a service at the synagogue and vise-versa.
The issue of Christian Zionist, or Christians for Israel, is a controversial one among the Jewish community nationally. The Union of Reform does not have a statement on the subject." (source)
