In the wake of the horrific and senseless slaughter of Israeli men, women, boys and girls killed in the latest Beersheba bus bombings, we extend deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the victim’s families and the people of Israel. In addition, we pray for the healing of the many wounded and send a message to Israel that Christians across Canada support them in their quest for peace and security. Israel you’re not alone.
Today we appeal to the Prime Minister and government of Canada to fully support Israel. We are afraid of Paul Martin’s many attacks on people of faith. Mr. Martin’s decision to appoint a reported anti-Semite, Yvon Charbonneau, as Canada’s representative to UNESCO, is very disturbing. History makes it clear that all societies that mistreat the Jewish people also abuse the freedoms of others and eventually decay and collapse. As Evangelical Christian leaders we petition the government to reverse this course and stand with the Jewish people, the nation of Israel.
In contrast to the Presbyterian General Counsel in the United States, Canadian Christian leaders encourage people of faith and goodwill to tangibly support the nation of Israel. It is unconscionable for the American Presbyterian leaders to disavow Christian support for Israel and reward suicide bombing and terrorism with their investments. In the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America press release of July 2 the General Counsel announced their intentions of divesting from companies that directly or indirectly work with Israel. They also announced new plans to invest in the Palestinians. Such actions send a message that is clearly contrary to the commands of the Bible and the teachings of Christianity. Numerous passages of scripture such as Genesis 12:3 and Psalm 122 instruct us to bless the nation of Israel and denounce teachings of hatred and violence.
As Evangelical Christian Leaders we vow to stand with the Jewish people and support them according to the commands of scripture. The Jewish people have given us the Bible, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Disciples, the Apostles, Prophets, Priests and Kings. How can someone worship the God of Israel and disavow support for God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel? It is unquestionably Biblical for every Christian to support the nation of Israel. It is indisputably humane to support a democratic nation attempting to provide security for its citizens from the ravages of ruthless terrorists. In an effort to encourage Christians to support the nation of Israel we are announcing the public phase of the campaign Israel, You’re Not Alone. The Israel, You’re Not Alone documentary will be aired nationwide on several television networks. In addition DVDs will be distributed to more than 5,000 churches for congregational viewing. It is our prayer that the 2 million Canadians that may see the documentary will tangibly and effectively express their support for the nation of Israel. Canada will be a blessed country if we bless the nation of Israel as they pursue a just peace, security and liberty living peacefully with their neighbours in the land of their fathers. We encourage Canadians to actively support Israel with investments, tree planting and most importantly, travel to Israel. As the nation of Israel goes through times of tragedy we weep with them and stand with them. We will stand shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm and support the Jewish people and having done all we will stand.
Dr. Charles McVety
President, Canada Christian College
Another female suicide bomber blew herself up in Jerusalem (Sept. 22).
One has to hand it to these terrorists groups — they have become equal opportunity employers. Actually, I think the men have decided they want to live a little longer. Maybe someone faxed them from Six Feet Under (TV series, seen in Canada on TMN) and told them life was hell. Now we see more hooded girl bombers.
The sadness lies in the fact that no matter who blows themselves up, they take more and more innocent civilians with them. The terrorists admit it to all who will listen. They love death, like we love life. They are one crazy bunch and poor Israel has them as their neighbours. Mr. Rogers would have been a much better neighbour, I am sure. Those terrorists should have watched Mr. Rogers and his neighbourhood when they were little, but instead, they watched Mr. Arafat telling them how he values the shaheed (martyr). Always those 72 virgins are mentioned. With health care as it is today, who could afford all that Viagra? Enter the women with belts.
When will those Arabs smarten up? They claim they are religious. They decipher the Koran for their convenience. To many true and devout Muslims, the suicide bombers desecrate the Koran. They must know that only Allah gives them life and only Allah has the right to take it away from them.
Vardit Zafri
Toronto
In your excellent front-page article (Sept. 15), writer Gil Kezwer blithely states that “Terror has become the universal weapon of choice of the weak and disenfranchised in the Muslim world.” This is standard Arab propaganda but we should not buy it.
Terrorism is funded by very rich Saudis, plannned by the well educated and usually carried out by the teenage or twenty-something-year-old children of the middle class. Terrorism isn’t the result of poverty but of ideology. It is, therefore, the latter that must be addressed and defeated.
Jonathan Usher
Toronto
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