Let's hear it for the thousands of Christians who took to the streets of Jerusalem yesterday to proclaim their love of Israel - especially because the event was largely free of the right-wing politics that often mark such events both in Israel and in America. In fact, I think that the reason some folks are so upset by this particular demonstration is that in the absence of such rhetoric, it becomes harder to discredit the demonstrators or to raise people's fears about their apocalyptic fervor.
The site of thousands of people tapping in to the deepest rhythms of their faith in celebration of a free and safe Israel, without imposing a specific political agenda, should be applauded by anyone who is not adamantly opposed to the existence of the state. But it's not so simple. The mere fact that these are largely Evangelical Christians is enough to rouse people's anger and mistrust.
I would be the first to admit that any faith which imagines that all people must ultimately share their views is ultimately problematic. And minimally, such believers should be asked to point to any time in human history when that kind of belief did not ultimately cause real damage and harm. But to assume that all people who believe that are incapable of relating to those who do not share their faith with respect and affection is a gross overstatement -- one that those who loathe Evangelicals love to indulge.
A recent encounter with James Carroll, author of the best selling Constantine's Sword: The Church and The Jews, confirmed this all too painfully. Speaking from the same podium before a packed house at a large New Jersey synagogue, both Carroll and I were asked about Christian Zionists.
Mr. Carroll, for whom I have enormous respect both as an author and a thinker, quickly called out that such people are "no friends of Israel". He spoke about the most extreme position within a far from monolithic community and sowed seeds of real fear amongst the mostly Jewish audience. And turning to me, remarked that "I would certainly agree".
I surprised my co-panelist by telling him that he was 100% correct, but only about 50% of the story. No doubt that there are real theological issues between out communities. And there is no doubt about the dangers of any religious group, Christian or Jewish, mobilizing political pressure behind a messianic vision, especially when it is not their bodies on the front lines.
But what about the fact that those same people, with their problematic views and politics with which I could not disagree more, were the ones riding busses with me and my family in Jerusalem when they were blowing up on an almost daily basis? Where were the Christian peace activists who stood as the Israeli security barrier went up, taping the sometimes truly degrading behavior of the soldiers as they worked, when café's and pizza parlors were blowing up weekly before that barrier was built? They sure were not eating alongside me and my friends. But Evangelicals were. So should that count for nothing? I think not.
So I celebrate both the Christians who marched yesterday in Jerusalem and their decision to focus on their love of Israel rather than a particular political-theological agenda. And unless you really do hate one side or another in the Middle East, that should be a no-brainer for everybody.
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Author, radio and TV talk show host, and President of CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, Brad Hirschfield is the author of 
Everytime something that has to do with Christians, there come the so self proclaimed "orthodox Jews" and start reeling against any demonstration of affection to Israel by Christians...as a Messianic Jew, who proclaims Yeshua as the Moshiach of Israel, I have found that there are some people so filled up with "talmudism and rabbinism" that there is no way that they turn to their Tanach by themselves...Elohim wants a personal relationship with people and salvation has to do with Ben Yusef, Ben David, Ben Adam, Ben Adonay... Daniel 9:26 is part of this reality for "christians" and Messianics...the Temple was destroyed in 70 C.E. and the Moshiach was killed by a foreign prince. The sacrifice of lambs was stopped, the Temple was destroyed and the children of Israel were dispersed all over the globe...is it because Israel commited something that wrong? Ask again, and do not be a fanatical zelous religious people who base their faith solely on what rabbis wrote on the Talmud, making it a book more important that Elohim's Torah itself! Read Y'hoshua 5:13, a man comes to General Y'hoshua and after He reveals Himself to Y'Hoshua "Y'hoshuah fell down with his face on the ground and worshipped Him" this person was WORSHIPPED by Y'hoshua... and tells Y'hoshua to take off his sandals...likewise Adonay told Moshe... this is the first case of Idolotry commited by a Yahudi...if Elohim became a man and was worhipped try to read again the SHEMA... it is not 1 plus 1 plus 1= 3, it is instead: one by one by one= EJAD! Salvation comes from Elohim, and not by religious organizations or traditions made up by MEN. Baruch Hashem, I am free from salvation wrought by mere mortals!
As an Evangelical Christian and a Christian Zionist, my understanding is that the Jewish people are "hands-off" when it comes to preaching conversion. I realize that not all of my "Christian" brothers and sisters feel the same way, but that is their loss.
I've learned quite a bit about the foundations of my Christian faith through Jewish teachings because I now have a deeper understanding of "where we came from", spiritually speaking.
Evangalicals are important in their support for Israel. The United States has formed much of its Mideast policy around their vote.
Let's not forget two important facts:
1. Evangalicals support Israel because Christ's Second Coming will happen only when the people of Israel are established in their homeland. (perhaps that's not the optimal reason to march for Israel)
2. The Second Coming will never happen, so their rationale for their support is moot.
You're right--let's just enjoy their support.
Lucy
B-H
Perhaps we should look at the Messianic visions of both faiths as a common goal--and let G-d decide who the Messiah is! As a Jew, I believe the Messiah is a great Jewish leader, a Sage who upholds the Halacha as written in the Shulchan Oruch, but I also respect the beliefs of my Christian neighbors in the G-d of the Bible, as well as the committment of Christians to living a upstanding moral, family-oriented lifestyle (which is a Jewish principle).
There's not reason we can't work together toward the common goal of the return of Jews to the Holy Land, the rebuilding of our Holy Temple, and establishing G-d's Kingdom to be revealed here on earth. Both Judiasm and Christianity believe in this, don't we?...Joe
Thank you, Rabbi...
When Messiah arrives, we will not have to ask many questions about who believes better or truer. Messiah will come to bless and uplift Israel. I'm a zionist and my belief system is Xian, but Israel is the apple of G-d's eye ... and each one of us awaits the grace and mercy of the L-rd G-d of Israel and His coming kingdom ... Shalom
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