Category: Press Releases

(12/04/23)

WASHINGTON / LONDON – On Monday, the leadership of Christians United for Israel (CUFI) and CUFI U.K. released the following statements calling for the U.S. and U.K. governments, respectively, to follow Germany’s lead in suspending aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which operates in partnership with Hamas. 

CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee said:

“CUFI applauds the clear-eyed moral courage of the German government to recognize that UNRWA helps Hamas maintain its grip over the Palestinian people, infect children with antisemitic lies, and divert resources toward building and maintaining the most significant terror infrastructure in the world. President Biden should follow Germany’s lead by ordering a suspension of U.S. taxpayer dollars to an organization that provides in-kind contributions to murderers and hostage takers. Not one penny should flow to UNRWA from Americans until the U.N. reforms itself to ensure it helps, not hinders, the Palestinian people.” 

CUFI U.K. Executive Director Des Starritt said:

“The Foreign Office should take note of Berlin’s actions and follow suit. London was late to proscribing Hezbollah; must we also persist, at this tragic moment, in sending money to one of the entities most responsible for fueling war and hatred in the Middle East? Certainly the British public does not want to see our money flowing to those who teach hatred and glorify violence.”

With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.

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(06/28/23) WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, announced plans to welcome special guest Governor Ron DeSantis to address the group’s annual Washington Summit as the morning session’s keynote speaker. Governor DeSantis will be speaking at noon on Monday, July 17th.

The Summit is open to the media, but space is limited. Journalists wishing to request press credentials are asked to please follow this link and fill out the associated form. 

“Governor DeSantis has a long history of standing with Israel and the Jewish people. We look forward to hearing what the Governor has to say about the importance of the U.S. – Israel relationship, combating antisemitism, and standing up to Iran,” said CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee. 

In addition to the Governor, CUFI has announced that Vice President Mike Pence and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley will serve as the keynote speakers during the Summit’s Night to Honor Israel on Monday evening. 

Additional Summit speakers include Senators Joni Ernst and Tom Cotton, House Majority Whip Representative Tom Emmer, Representatives Claudia Tenney, Mike Lawler, and Pat Fallon, IDF Lt. Col. (Res.) Jonathan Conricus, Walter Russell Mead, and Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, among others.

With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.

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(02/02/23) WASHINGTON – On Thursday, the CUFI Action Fund released the following statement welcoming the House of Representative’s vote to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the House Foreign Affairs Committee:

“Antisemitism has no place anywhere in America, including and especially in Congress. The CUFI Action Fund welcomes today’s vote to remove Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Rep. Omar has a track-record of trafficking in antisemitic tropes and making bigoted claims concerning pro-Israel activists. Moreover, her positions regarding the Middle East defy reason. She has made blatantly false claims about Israel and has even gone so far as to compare the United States and Israel to terrorist groups. An individual espousing such fringe and hateful beliefs has no place serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Just as we did during the last Congress when we supported the vote to remove Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) from her committees because of her own antisemitic comments, the CUFI Action Fund will continue to combat antisemitism in all its forms, wherever it is found.”

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.

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(12/16/22) WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Christians United for Israel (CUFI) founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee and CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker released the following joint statement applauding Congressional passage of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“CUFI and its members applaud Congress for supporting U.S.-Israel missile and drone defense programs, furthering efforts to create a regional air-defense partnership among U.S. allies in the Middle East, and prohibiting the transfer of any funds to the Islamic Republic are essential to U.S. interests in this critical legislation.

“The incorporation of the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses (DEFEND) Act – a core element of CUFI’s legislative agenda – and increased support for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) are particularly gratifying. We look forward to American allies in the Middle East, including Israel, moving closer into entering into a regional air-defense partnership, and for the availability of greater resources to combat antisemitism in America.

“President Biden should sign the NDAA without delay and demonstrate to our allies and adversaries that America is clear-eyed about the threats we face and unwavering in its commitment to defeating them.”

On the DEFEND Act, CUFI Chairman Pastor John Hagee said:

“In advancing the DEFEND Act and prohibiting the U.S. from following through on offers to provide unprecedented sanctions relief to the oppressive and murderous regime in Tehran, Congress has made clear that the American people expect that elected leaders will confront the Islamic Republic with a firmer hand. It is incomprehensible that Washington would consider throwing an economic lifeline to the regime while brave Iranians risk their lives to destroy the system that has robbed generations of the opportunity to live in freedom, prosperity, and friendship with the international community.

On the NGSP, CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker said:

“Ever since Majority Leader Schumer called for an increase in support for the NSGP, we have been actively engaged in that effort. Every American should be able to worship God as they see fit and free of fear. Jews are unable to do so today in the United States because the threats of antisemitic violence including hostage taking and murder are sadly and despicably real. Americans are being terrorized from within and it is entirely unacceptable and incompatible with our values. From enhancing Holocaust education to state and local adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, more needs to be done, and including support for the NSGP in the NDAA is a step in the right direction.”

With more than 11 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.

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(11/15/22) WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the leadership of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, released a statement in response to reports the Department of Justice has decided to reverse a previous Biden administration decision and open an investigation into the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The Department’s decision comes after an aggressive lobbying campaign in support of the investigation by several anti-Israel Members of Congress.

“It is both shocking and appalling that the Department of Justice has allowed anti-Israel Members of Congress to pressure an allegedly independent arm of the executive branch into this investigation. Israel is a democracy and an American ally, and the Israelis have investigated this incident in a manner befitting both of those titles,” said CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee.

“The Biden Administration’s Middle East policy is nonsensical. Rather than confront adversaries and stand with our allies, President Biden is doing the exact opposite. Instead of allowing his Justice Department to be browbeaten by radical anti-Israel members of his party into going after Israel, President Biden should focus on ending the Palestinian Authority’s pay-to-slay program and supporting Israel as the Jewish state confronts Palestinian terrorism,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker.

“President Biden has left the door open for negotiations with Iran while simultaneously allowing his Justice Department to engage in a politicized investigation into Israel. These are not the actions of the leader of the free world; they are the actions of a man who has completely lost his way,” Hagee added.

With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.

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(7/14/22) WASHINGTON – Next week, Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, will welcome more than 1,000 of the group’s top leaders to its first Washington Summit held in person in the DC area since the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the annual gathering from taking place in the nation’s capital. As arrangements for this year’s Summit were made while significant Covid-19 restrictions were still in place in Washington, this year’s event will be held in Crystal City.

“We had to make decisions about the Summit’s size and location some time ago but concluded that a smaller Summit than usual was far preferable to forgoing the event. It is absolutely vital that our elected officials hear from their pro-Israel constituents in person and in our nation’s capital,” said CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee.

At this year’s Summit, attendees will lobby their elected officials in support of three pieces of legislation: The DEFEND (Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses) Act of 2022 (S.4366/H.R.7987), The Fiscal Year 2023 House and Senate State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Bills, and the COI Elimination Act (S.4389/H.R.7223).

“From countering both Iran’s malign activities and yet another U.N. anti-Israel witch-hunt to ensuring Israel maintains its qualitative military edge in the region, this year’s Summit legislative agenda covers a lot of vital ground. CUFI’s members are chomping at the bit to sit and discuss these important issues with their legislators, and we are thrilled to be able to facilitate those conversations,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker.

Further details about the legislation, as well as a livestream of key Summit plenary sessions, background about CUFI and photos taken during the Summit can be found here.

With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.

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(5/26/22) WASHINGTON – On Thursday, the leadership of the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Action Fund released the following statement in response to the recent antisemitic rant delivered by California Congressional candidate Greg Raths:

(3/10/22) WASHINGTON – On Thursday, the leadership of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, welcomed passage of the long-awaited omnibus spending bill, which includes funding for several pro-Israel priorities.

“From core support enabling Israel to defend itself against tyrants that seek its destruction, to the vital resupply of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, we welcome Congress including critical aid to Israel within the Omnibus bill, which now heads to the President’s desk,” said CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee. 

The Iron Dome resupply had been held up for months by a fringe member of Congress, Senator Rand Paul, who repeatedly blocked an up or down vote on standalone legislation that would’ve provided the needed support.

“Iron Dome saves lives, plain and simple. American support for the Iron Dome missile defense system is sacrosanct, and the decision by certain anti-Israel members of Congress to obstruct support for a defensive system that protects innocent civilians is reprehensible. We are pleased that in the end, the radicals on both sides of the aisle were not able to undermine such vital American support for Israel,” Hagee noted.

“We are grateful to the Congressional leadership in both chambers and from both parties for moving this legislation forward. In addition to the financial support enabling Israel to defend itself and fight shared American and Israeli enemies like Hezbollah, this legislation also reiterates the importance of the Taylor Force Act and ensures aid falls within the law,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker.

“The American people demand the Palestinian Authority stop paying terrorists to kill innocent people, and until the PA ends this pay-to-slay program, they should receive not one cent of American taxpayer dollars,” Parker added.

With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.

(1/27/2022) SAN ANTONIO – On Thursday, the leadership of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day by emphasizing the importance of efforts to combat antisemitism.

“Antisemitism is alive and well in the United States, and it must be stamped out. Silence in the face of this abomination has never and will never be an option for any person of conscience. On this day, of all days, we should acknowledge that any school, parent, or house of worship that fails to teach their children about the horrors of the Holocaust and the dangers of antisemitism is failing those children and the memories of six million lives lost in the Shoah,” said CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee.

“As one cannot defeat that which they are unwilling to define, we are working with states across the country to ensure that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism is acknowledged and appropriately utilized. In addition, we are working with educators to address the woeful state of Holocaust education in many school districts across the country. We will not stop until every child in America has a firm and personal understanding of the genocide by which all others are measured,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker.

Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming recently announced proclamations commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and acknowledging the IHRA definition.

With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all 50 states and reaches millions with its educational message.

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.

(12/15/2021) WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, the leadership of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, welcomed Congressional passage of the FY 22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including several key provisions relevant to the US-Israel relationship.

“We may often find ourselves frustrated with Congressional discord, but on the NDAA they got a lot of things right. We are particularly pleased to see one of CUFI’s three Summit legislative priorities, The US-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act (Sec. 1551) included in the bill. On behalf of CUFI’s 10 million members I would like to thank Senators Susan Collins, Jacky Rosen, Sheldon Whitehouse and Todd Young, as well as Representatives Andrew Garbarino and Jim Langevin for ensuring this vital legislation was included in the bill,” said CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee. 

CUFI leaders also welcomed the inclusion of an authorization of funds for Israel’s missile defense programs (Sec. 1669) and the creation of an interparliamentary group (Sec. 1316) of four nations, Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the United States, committed to limiting Turkey’s aggression.

“Passage of the NDAA shows that when our leaders set aside their differences on other issues, they can get a lot done. From missile defense to confronting Turkey’s malign activities, the NDAA covers a lot of ground and the leadership in both chambers and both parties should be commended for getting this bill to President Biden’s desk,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker.

“Now is the time to for the Senate to move forward with legislation (H.R. 5323), restocking Israel’s Iron Dome supply. This is a vital matter that has been held up for far too long by fringe members of both parties. Congressional leaders defied the radical elements of their parties on the NDAA, they can, should and must do the same on support for Israel’s Iron Dome supply,” Hagee added.

With more than 10 million members, Christians United for Israel is the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. CUFI spans all fifty states and reaches millions with its educational message.

The CUFI Action Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)(4), nonpartisan organization, is related to the nation’s largest pro-Israel organization, Christians United for Israel (CUFI). The Action Fund is dedicated to ensuring our elected officials hear the perspective of the millions of Christian Zionists across the country.