Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Oct 9: Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, has warned of what he described as an organised campaign against Israel, the Jewish people and Western society, calling on supporters to recognise and counter the threat.
Addressing around 2,000 Christian and Jewish leaders, influencers and diplomats from 117 countries at the Friends of Zion Ambassadors Summit in Jerusalem on Wednesday, Adams said anti-Israel demonstrations began in several major cities on October 8, 2023, while Israelis were still mourning those killed in the October 7 Hamas attack.
“The world’s oldest hatred, antisemitism, was back with a vengeance, although the sad reality is that it had never really left,” he said.
The summit was organised by Friends of Zion founder Dr Mike Evans in cooperation with the Israeli Foreign Ministry and was held at the Davidson Center near the Southern Wall in Jerusalem. The gathering also included around 550 Christian leaders from 53 countries, organised by Eagles’ Wings and its founder, Bishop Robert Stearns.
Adams alleged that the demonstrations were not spontaneous but part of a well-funded and coordinated campaign, accusing Israel's adversaries, particularly Qatar and other countries he described as hostile to the West, of supporting such efforts. He claimed that universities, religious institutions and social media were being used to spread anti-Israel messages.
“We Jews are only the first in their crosshairs,” Adams said, warning that other communities could also face consequences if Israel's adversaries succeeded in their objectives.
He also thanked evangelical Christians for their support following the October 7 attack, recalling their visits to affected communities, prayers for Israel and public opposition to antisemitism.
“When we were mourning, you mourned with us. When our country was under attack, you defended us,” he said, acknowledging the support extended by Christian leaders when many others stayed away.
Adams, whose parents survived the Holocaust, said the establishment of Israel had transformed the future of the Jewish people by enabling them to defend themselves in their own country.
Despite his warnings, he expressed hope for greater regional peace, saying he wished to see more Arab countries join the Abraham Accords and Iranians participate in future peace gatherings in Jerusalem.
The event also featured testimonies from former Hamas hostages, bereaved families and wounded soldiers. Former hostage Agam Berger performed “Hallelujah” on the violin, while Bishop Robert Stearns led the delegation of Christian leaders from 53 countries.
Adams concluded by thanking the Christian community for standing with Israel during a difficult period, saying their friendship and support would not be forgotten.