Media confab defends Israel from fake news

Christians who promote the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel were chastised last week at the International Christian Media Convention of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB).

“There is no place in the Bible … that any of these people can hang their hat on,” Laurie Cardoza-Moore, founder and president of Proclaiming Justice to the Nations, told the gathering in Orlando. “It is fake theology, like it is fake news!” she said to thunderous applause.

“The DNA of NRB is pro-Israel, because it is a biblical DNA,” said NRB President Dr. Jerry Johnson. “If you’re a scriptural kind of a [Christian] believer of any kind, you’re going to be pro-Israel.” 

This love for the Jewish state was apparent in NRB’s exhibition hall, which featured hundreds of vendors representing a number of Christian media organizations and ministries. Pilgrimages to Israel were marketed to Christians, along with the sale of Jewish ritual items such as tallitot and shofarot.

As part of its resolutions for 2017, NRB’s board of directors was unequivocal in its support of Israel. The board called on NRB members to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” and affirmed Israel’s adherence to democratic principles. The board also urged the U.S. to “continue to stand by Israel,” and called on all Christian organizations and denominations to reject and guard against the BDS movement.

“We’re one of the first states in the United States to support Israel with resolution after resolution. In fact, Tennessee believes Israel should be the 51st state!” said U.S. Rep. Judd Matheny (R-Tenn.). 

Another major theme at this year’s NRB conference was Israel’s distinction as the only place in the Middle East where Christians can prosper and practice their religion without fear of discrimination. An Israeli Greek Orthodox priest, Father Gabriel Naddaf, was the special guest of PJTN. Naddaf advocates for the integration of Israeli Christians into all of Israel’s state institutions, especially when it comes to the military and national service programs.

Naddaf added that Middle Eastern Christians are becoming more open about their support for Israel, despite the threat of retribution by Islamic extremists. In 2013, Naddaf’s eldest son, Jubran, was beaten up in Nazareth due to his father’s outspoken support for Israel. Despite the head and body injuries he sustained in the beating by a young Arab with an iron rod, Jubran proceeded to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces the next year, making his father proud.

“As children of [Israel], we are obligated to defend her,” said Father Naddaf. “Israel is the only country that stands for Christians in the Middle East. No one else is standing against the eradication of Christians.” 

Bradley Martin is a fellow with the Haym Salomon Center news and public policy group and deputy editor for the Canadian Institute for Jewish Research.