In this week’s Action Update, we’ll cover topics from Iran to the BDS movement to neo-Nazis, but rest assured, despite it all, we remain unphased, uncompromising, and unabashed in our support for Israel.
Iran Strikes Again
Last week, Iranian-made, explosive laden drones attacked a military base in Syria that houses US troops. According to some reports, the US was made aware of the potential attack and as a result, the troops targeted were moved out of the location and unharmed. The Defense Department has made clear that while the drones were not launched from Iran, the Islamic Republic was behind the attack.
A few days after the attack, Iran’s gas stations were targeted in a widespread cyber attack bringing a new meaning to the concept of “pain at the pump.” As astute readers of the Update will recall, back in 2019, one of the sparks for widespread protests in Iran was the high price of fuel. So, whoever launched this bloodless attack on Iran has made clear that they know exactly how to hurt the Tyrants of Tehran. We’re not going to speculate on who launched the cyberattack, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say we welcome efforts to nonviolently push back against Iran’s continued belligerence.
The Senate Strikes Back
Ever since Ben & Jerry’s announced their acquiescence to the antisemitic movement to Boycott, Divest from and Sanction (BDS) Israel, the news for their parent company, Unilever, hasn’t been great. There’s been bad press (a lot of it). There’ve been announcements that certain states will be divesting from the company while others are beginning that
process. And this week, members of the Senate Agriculture committee – before which a lot of Unilever’s business in Washington is conducted – released a strong condemnation of Unilever’s failure to rein in their wayward subsidiary.
“We find Ben & Jerry’s actions to be concerning, however it is our understanding that under Unilever’s acquisition agreement, you are able to override this misguided decision. With a number of states around the country having passed anti-BDS legislation, it has been reported that several states have been moving closer to divesting from Unilever. We strongly
urge you to use your authority to reverse Ben & Jerry’s decision,” the senators wrote.
At this point, Unilever has two choices: do the right thing and reverse the Ben & Jerry’s decision. Or, Unilever can do nothing and continue to see their reputation cut apart piece by piece. Either way, Israelis will still be able to buy ice-cream and the entire saga has become a cautionary tale for boardrooms across the country.
Neo-Nazis Strike Out
This past week, Cornerstone Church, the home church of CUFI founder and Chairman Pastor John Hagee held its annual Night to Honor Israel. Inside the event, participants heard from a number of distinguished
speakers including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
During a portion of his remarks, Pompeo, like Pastor Hagee, addressed the scourge of antisemitism.
“The world must know that our Jewish friends are not alone… Rejecting antisemitism is central to our understanding of who we are as
Christians… It's because I am a champion of religious faith that I'm here today to tell you that the United States must stand with the Jewish people and Israel in the fight against this oldest bigotry, antisemitism,” Pompeo said.
Pompeo’s words were particularly appropriate given that shortly before the former Secretary of State took the stage, a group of white supremacists engaged aggressively directly outside the venue with church staff and security. For most observers, it was clear the neo-Nazis sought to provoke a fight. What they didn’t realize is that no matter the racial epithets hurled, nor the aggressive body-language displayed, they weren’t going to pierce the poise and professionalism of Pastor Hagee’s staff.
From the church parking lot to the halls of Congress, Christian supporters of Israel are polite, professional, and strong. And no amount of hatred will ever change that. If the bigots had any impact, it was to remind us all of the importance of our work to combat antisemitism and enhance Holocaust education in every state in the Union.
Sincerely,
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