“Interfaith Leaders Gather on Capitol Hill for Israel Advocacy Day, Focusing on Security, Antisemitism, and Faith-Based Protections”

In a time of heightened global tensions and increasing scrutiny on the US-Israel relationship, hundreds of rabbis, pastors, and faith leaders have gathered in Washington for Israel Advocacy Day. This initiative, developed by Eagles’ Wings, American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI), the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) USA, and the Israel Allies Foundation, seeks to translate interfaith solidarity into direct engagement with policymakers.

Participants are scheduled to hold over 100 meetings across Capitol Hill, engaging with key decision-makers from across the political spectrum. This bipartisan engagement underscores a commitment to meaningful conversations about policy issues in Washington, reflecting a shift from symbolic cooperation to operational partnership. By pairing rabbis and pastors in joint delegations, organizers aim to bring interfaith dialogue directly into the policy arena.

Bishop Robert Stearns, president of Eagles’ Wings, emphasized the initiative’s focus on moving beyond statements of support to ensure that such support is reflected in meaningful engagement with those shaping policy. The advocacy agenda centers on reinforcing US support for Israel’s security, addressing the rise in antisemitism, and advancing protections for faith-based institutions facing threats.

The initiative builds on a smaller effort launched after the October 7 attacks, expanding into a structured, multi-organization effort. Approximately 500 faith leaders, including Eric Fingerhut, president of the Jewish Federations of North America, and Pini Dunner of the Beverly Hills Synagogue, participated in a gala gathering, reflecting the breadth of participation across Jewish and Christian communities.

This concerted effort aims to ensure that interfaith alignment translates into sustained engagement and tangible outcomes, echoing the biblical call for justice and peace as seen in Micah 6:8. As debates continue in Washington, the initiative seeks to uphold the values of truth, mercy, and neighbor-love.

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