Pastors, rabbis gather to support Israel in face of challenges
By Jewish Review
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Christian and Jewish leaders gathered last month to share views on the challenges facing Israel and the world as a consequence of the assault by radical Islam and related Arab forces on Israel and the institutions of Western Civilization.
“Let’s come to our senses and understand the real sanctity of the state of Israel,” said Charles R. Schiffman, executive vice president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, when he spoke before the Pastor and Rabbis Lunch Feb. 19 at Congregation Shaarie Torah.
The event, sponsored by the local chapters of Americans for a Safe Israel and Christians United for Israel, brought together some 34 people, including rabbis and Protestant pastors among others.
Schiffman said the world is engaged in “a battle of evil against good” and that “decent people need to mobilize.”
In urging the world to come to its senses, Schiffman characterized radical Islam as driven by a “raging blood lust” that has first targeted Jews but plans also to turn on Christians when they are done with the Jews.
He chastened foes of evil for naiveté and shortsighted expediency.
“Our own government has pandered to the oil interests,” he said, adding, “The army of the lord is mighty, but it sleeps a lot.”
Schiffman adjured his audience to call on the world to “come to its senses and provide effective defense for Israel.”
He quoted Deuteronomy: “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live…”
Pastor Sherwood Vegsund of the Victorious Faith Family Church in Oregon City also spoke and, like Schiffman, pointed to the presence of good and evil in the world.
“I watch what this country is doing and I want to call up somebody and tell them I think they’re crazy,” said Vegsund.
Whatever America’s government and other governments may do or fail to do in regard to facing up to the threats coming from the Middle East, Vegsund expressed confidence in the outcome.
“No matter what the politicians dream, the Lord said “I will do it,’” said Vegsund. “We think we have to trust the politicians, but God has made plans.”
He said, “There is going to be a shedding blood…God’s going to wrap this up one way or another.”
Rabbi Arthur Zuckerman of Shaarie Torah, who lived in Israel for eight years and served in the Israel Defense Force, expressed his gratitude for the many Christians who came to Israel during both intifadas—“More Christians than Jews,” he said.
AFSI member Brad Wannamaker spoke on behalf of Oregon AFSI Chair Inez Weissman who was unable to attend due to illness.
He read from a letter from Weissman in which she called for continued cooperation among Christians and Jews on behalf of Israel.
“We need the fellowship of one another,” she wrote.