Finding Unexpected Support

It’s interesting how we sometimes search for love in unexpected places.

As a member of the Jewish community, I found myself quite moved at the recent Christian United for Israel (CUFI) Summit held in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The atmosphere was charged with fervent support for Jews from both the speakers and the audience.

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen Jews and Jewish businesses attacked right here in America. It’s a disgrace,” Pastor John Hagee stated passionately from the podium. “We will not stand by and let Jews suffer!”

Just over ten miles outside of Washington, D.C., thousands erupted in applause at the Gaylord National Convention Center, many waving Israeli and American flags.

The 20th Annual CUFI Summit, which wrapped up on July 2nd, turned out to be a three-day celebration of biblical values, culminating in lobbying efforts directed at Congress. CUFI is a substantial political force, boasting around 11 million members nationally, bolstering its staunch support for Israel.

The recent rise of anti-Zionist sentiments presents a challenge, especially as we witness various social justice movements— from environmentalists to activists for choice. This sense of betrayal comes after years of partnership from Jewish organizations and synagogues.

Since Hagee gathered 400 evangelical pastors back in 2006 to rally support around Jewish and Israeli interests, the bond has only strengthened. “This relationship is stronger than ever,” noted Rabbi Shari Dollinger, co-executive superintendent of CUFI. “CUFI remains non-partisan and is unwaveringly supportive of the Israeli government. I’ve been involved for 18 years and never wavered.”

Rachel Goldberg Polin, who tragically lost her son due to Hamas-related violence on October 7th, also shared her story at the conference, highlighting the personal stakes involved.

In many Jewish circles, there’s a lingering anxiety about Christian violence and interpretations that suggest the church has replaced Jews in God’s covenant. These ideas are officially dismissed by many mainstream churches, yet the interpretations vary widely among congregations.

CUFI has always been a firm rejector of replacement theology, and this point was emphasized repeatedly throughout the summit. “The Bible showcases God’s lasting love for Israel and the Jews,” Hagee stated in his address. “Jesus Christ was a Jewish rabbi.”

Following Hagee’s speech, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon remarked that CUFI serves as a crucial voice for Israel, reinforcing its support without caveats.

The summit also faced challenges from anti-Israel protesters who infiltrated last year’s event, although their disruptions were met with chants from attendees, echoing “Israel Lives! Israel Lives!”

It was disheartening to see so many Jewish gatherings interrupted by demonstrators. One notable incident involved two long black banners proclaiming, “CUFI Kills” and “God Bombs Children,” that briefly descended from the balcony until hotel security intervened.

Hagee informed attendees that their security had thwarted thirty determined protesters attempting to disrupt the event. The audience responded enthusiastically.

In light of escalating anti-Semitism in schools and universities, CUFI has doubled its youth outreach team, now totaling eleven members, which seems to be making a significant impact. Over 200 high school students and 300 university students attended this year, marking the event as the best yet.

Uriel Appel, an Israeli-American junior at the University of Maryland, expressed gratitude for CUFI’s support against student-led boycotts targeting Israel. “CUFI has been our strongest ally on campus,” he shared.

CUFI attendees are committed. As Ariana Rossie Burgoin, a student at Texas Wesleyan University, expressed, “Jewish students feel threatened on campus, and as a Christian, I stand with them. We’re not the same people we were during the Holocaust or the Crusades; we’ve evolved, and together we are strong.”

There’s something refreshing about CUFI’s robust Zionism, quite distinct from typical evangelical approaches. Interestingly, a hot pink T-shirt emblazoned with “Zionist” sold out early.

“Jews tend to be more cautious about expressing their beliefs, likely due to a fear of backlash,” Appel shared. “But they don’t share that concern.”

Though participation isn’t officially tracked, many long-time Jewish attendees believe that this year saw an unprecedented number of Jews attending the conference. There was even a significant demand for kosher meals, resulting in an extra lunch for about 100 attendees.

However, if pro-Israel Jews hope to meet pro-Israel Christians halfway, there’s still quite a journey ahead.

After a speech by a former Trump appointee, one sentiment rang clear: Let’s rally together for those advocating for us.

We need to combat anti-Christian bias within the Jewish community in the same manner that CUFI addresses anti-Semitism in Christian circles.

It’s time to move past the unfounded fears that all evangelicals aim to convert or replace us.

And let’s gather—often!—at the next CUFI meeting in 2026. Tickets will go on sale from August to August, starting at $200, with this year’s tickets priced at $550.

We celebrate together, singing “Shalom Aleichem” — peace be upon you — while honoring both American and Jewish anthems alongside our closest allies.

Be sure to wear your new shirt that reads, “CUFI: Game Changer, Planet Shaker, Friend and Defender of Israel.”