A SMALL Scottish church has been praised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At a Scottish Night to Celebrate Israel, held in the Glasgow Hilton on Sunday, a letter from the PM was read out by UK Deputy Ambassador Eitan Na'eh.
Praising the work of event organisers The Church at Stirling, Mr Netanyahu said: "Thank you for your support. It is heartwarming for the people of Israel to know that we have such staunch friends."
The letter was delivered by his former advisor for Christian Affairs, Rivka Kidron, who said: "The story of every Jew in Israel is the fulfillment of the Covenant with Abraham.
"I've had the pleasure of meeting so many Christians dedicated to supporting Israel. Today we are blessed to have so many friends like you."
Also in attendance were Honorary Consul of Israel in Scotland Stanley Lovatt, Glasgow Jewish Representative Council president Paul Morron, members of the Board of Deputies and Jewish Leadership Council and community youth leaders.
Mr Na'eh said: "I stand proud of my history and that of my people and our achievements. I do not have anything to apologise for.
"You are the ambassadors of Israel here in Scotland, each and every one of you. You can make other people believe in what Israel stands for and what you believe.
"Being here and seeing this outpouring of praise for my country and friends, I can clearly report back to the Prime Minister that we are not alone.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Speaking afterwards, the deputy ambassador told the Jewish Telegraph: "We understand that there's a challenge here in terms of attitudes towards Israel and there is much more for us to do.
"We have to bring people in Scotland to better understand Israel, what it stands for and what we are trying to achieve. The public may have certain misconceptions about Israel and it's our job to amend this.
"We have to help people to understand that it's not all black and white and there are two sides to the peace process.
It's important that the other side is taking it seriously this time and calls for boycotts stand in contrast to these efforts to create an atmosphere for peace.
"Instead of contributing to better understanding, these actions are more likely to make you withdraw.
"We want to break down dogmatic positions and lift the blindfolds to help people to see the bigger picture and build an atmosphere of trust."
Church at Stirling senior pastor Rev Dr Jon Cluett said: "We are completely blown away by the letter from the Prime Minister. Imagine the work of a small, insignificant church here in Scotland being known around the world.
"We are committed to standing up for Israel. We are very much aware that our faith is a Judaeo/Christian one.
"Even if our national church refuses to acknowledge the past, we will not let this happen. Biblical faith is about knowing what is right and acting upon it. Perhaps we have the chance to unify the Christian voice for Israel.
"We are required to do something and I'm proud of those who take a stand for Israel, even when you are a lone voice among your friends. Victories can be won by minorities."
JLC chief executive Jeremy Newmark said: "Imbalanced attitudes towards Israel poison the minds of many members of the Christian church.
"There's the Methodist Church push towards boycotts, the Church of Scotland acceptance of the Inheritance of Abraham report, the Church of England Synod and ministers such as Stephen Sizer.
"It's so refreshing to be here with you tonight to celebrate voices like yours, which mean so much to us. You are the modern day manifestation of the watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem.
"I want to pay tribute to Pastor Jon, who has built a community that punches well above its weight. We wish you well with your United Christian Alliance for Israel."
Religious broadcaster Tim Vince said: "Christian hostility towards Israel has come through misinterpreting the Bible.
"Political Christianity has caused so much horror over the years. In terms of the pro-Israel movement that has grown up, before there wasn't engagement with the Jews and the wider world. Now, we are making friends with the Jewish people.
"We have to communicate to the wider world and win the arguments. We have to communicate that Israel is a tremendous force for good."
Money raised at the event will go to the aliya charity Nefesh B'Nefesh, whose UK director Dov Newmark, together with Church at Stirling member Tim Gellaitry, blew the shofar at the start of the night.
Mr Newmark said: "Life in Israel is by no means perfect, but these new Israelis are contributing so much to the country. "
At a reception afterwards hosted by the JLC, Mr Morron said: "To know that we have so many people here in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people is so important to us."
BoD vice-president Jonathan Arkush added: "Your love for Israel and the Jewish people and the word of God is such an inspiration.
"It is painful to us that there are so many misguided people out there who are hostile to Israel."
Rabbi Moshe Rubin told the Jewish Telegraph: "With so much negativity towards Israel, especially in Scotland, it was very heartwarming to hear a Christian group being so supportive and very humbling to feel so much love and respect towards the Jewish people.
"Pastor Jon is an inspiring leader, who leads through action and stands proudly with Israel and the Jewish people."
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