For Immediate Release:
Following on from a very special lunch between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur organised by the Zionist Federation of Australia where leaders of a number of Christian Zionist organisations met with representatives of the Zionist Federation of Australia, the ZFA was delighted to co-host a delegation of Jewish and Christian groups in Canberra yesterday for a visit to Parliament House.
The historic day began with a meeting in the Canberra Jewish Community Centre with representatives from the leading Christian Zionist groups from around Australia and the two roof bodies of the Jewish community – the ZFA and the ECAJ. Also in attendance was a leading Christian Zionist from New Zealand as well as international legal expert Andrew Tucker, who is based in Holland and is international adviser to the Christians for Israel.
Altogether, this brought some 22 people together. The meeting was to discuss areas of common interest and the promotion of our common agenda.
The group then moved en masse to Parliament House for a series of meetings with both Labor and Liberal members of Parliament, primarily on the issue of moving the Australian Embassy to Israel’s capital – Jerusalem. This brought a strong message of unity between Jewish and Christian Zionist groups – and was unique in that it is the first time something like this has happened in Australia.
Amongst the meetings held in Parliament House was one with representatives of the Australian Parliamentary Friends of Israel where it was pointed out that they are the largest Parliamentary Friendship group in the Australian Parliament and one of the most active. According to delegates, this was something which was very positive to hear.
Representing the ZFA was Public Affairs Chairperson Noa Bloch and ZFA Executive Life Member Dr. Ron Weiser AM.
Dr Weiser said “it is indeed heart warming to see the tremendous support and love our Christian Zionist friends have for Israel and the Jewish people. Their activism on behalf of of Israel is something to be admired.”
Noting that this week marks 71 years since the global community officially endorsed the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the State of Israel, Ms. Bloch said, “On this occasion, it was fitting to celebrate the cross-communal and bipartisan support enjoyed by the modern State of Israel and appreciate the strong advocacy of the Christian community.”
For more information contact:
Emily Gian, Media and Advocacy Director – 9272 5528, emily@zfa.com.au
