Enslaved to a lie and incapable of realizing it.
Attendees hold Israeli and American flags during the "Night to Honor Israel" program held at the Colonnade in Ringgold on Thursday
Gently waving American and Israeli flags, rabbis and pastors, Christians and Jews, politicians and choir members stood in solidarity as the national anthems of each country played.
“The Bible says we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and we need to do that now more than ever,” said Pastor Jimmy Hutto, of Tunnel Hill Baptist Church, who was the master of ceremony for the “Night to Honor Israel.”
The diverse gathering on Thursday night drew a crowd of more than 300 people to the Colonnade in Ringgold, Ga., which was one of many events hosted across the country to show Christian solidarity for Israel.
The event in Ringgold was sponsored by Christians United for Israel, the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States, and numerous local churches.
The “Night to Honor Israel” was a celebration of the things Jews and Christians share in common, said Michael Dzik, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, and an organizer of the event.
Lyndon Allen, a pastor from Nashville, was the night’s keynote speaker. He told the crowd there is an urgency for Christians to advocate for the safety of Israel, saying, “In many ways they are fighting our fight. … We must stand together with Jerusalem.”
Rabbi Bill Tepper, of Chattanooga’s Mizpah Congregation, said the event was held “for the sake of the community, and for the sake of inter-faith relationships.”
Leaders of the event said the intention of the night was not to be political, and Georgia state Sen. Jeff Mullis agreed, saying he attended the event to show his support and remind the audience “how important Israel is to America, and how important America is to Israel.”
The Lee University Symphonic Band and Singers collaborated with several local church choirs to perform intermittently throughout the night. They prepared a special piece for the event entitled “Jerusalem of Gold.”
Lee University sophomore Chris Dehner played in the band and said he did not know meetings like this existed until he was asked to perform and is glad that he was able to be involved.
Steve Mooreland traveled from Fayetteville, Ga., to attend the event in order to gain a better understanding of the current state of Israel.
Jacquelyn Allen, executive assistant to the consul general of Israel, shared with the crowd how Israel remains hopeful despite current unrest and violence.
“Christians’ support in the United States is felt in Israel,” she said.
