Two ICEJ Leaders Named among Israel’s Top 50 Christian Allies

By Karen Engle, ICEJ USA Managing Editor

To honor this year’s Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot in Hebrew), the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) published its fifth annual list of Israel’s top 50 Christian leaders who have contributed to the Jewish State. This year’s IAF list was unique, considering what occurred on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants invaded southern Israel, massacred more than 1,200 innocent people, and took more than 250 captives back to Gaza. This dark day, known now as “Black Shabbat, was the worst event in the history of Israel since the Holocaust.

Dr. Juergen Buehler, an ordained minister and trained physicist who serves as the president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), was among those listed. Based in Jerusalem, the ICEJ reaches out to more than 170 countries worldwide, with branch offices in more than 90 nations, and works to support Israel in friendship and solidarity while equipping and educating the global church about God’s purposes for Israel and the nations of the Middle East.

Buehler travels extensively around the world to preach on God’s purposes for Israel, the church, and the nations. Since October 7, he has been a strong ambassador to the Christian world by responding to the Israeli people’s continuing needs.

Also on the list is David Parsons, ICEJ’s senior vice president and international spokesman. Parsons—an author, attorney, journalist, minister, and Middle East specialist—has been on staff with the ICEJ in Jerusalem for over two decades. Hundreds of media outlets have interviewed him, and he speaks worldwide about Israel and hosts a weekly podcast that provides insights about Israel directly from the region.

The IAF website noted that each Christian ally listed was “particularly vocal in their advocacy after October 7, positioning themselves as a prominent defender of Israel globally and expressing love and support for the State of Israel through meaningful action rooted in their deeply held faith.” The diverse list includes pastors, former politicians, and organizational leaders. Samaritan’s Purse founder Franklin Graham topped the list, followed by former Secretary of State and CIA Chief Mike Pompeo. Other known Israel advocates include Michelle Bachmann and Mike Huckabee.

“We are honored every year to recognize these incredible men and women of faith from across the world,” IAF Director Josh Reinstein said. “They are Israel’s greatest friends and most loyal allies. It is due to their years of hard work that we are seeing embassies moved to Jerusalem, antisemitism called out, bomb shelters built, pro-Israel policies enacted at the highest levels of government – the impact of their support is truly limitless.”

The IAF was founded in 2007 to educate and empower pro-Israel, faith-based legislators worldwide who believe the State of Israel has the right to exist in peace within secure borders. The IAF coordinates the work of 53 Israel Allies Caucuses comprising more than 1,500 legislators worldwide that work to mobilize political support for Israel based on shared Judeo-Christian values. The IAF actively participates in the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network.