2-4 October 2012
International Chairman s Conference 2012 The Israel Allies Foundation exists to coordinate the pro-israel initiatives of legislators worldwide through the establishment of Israel Allies Caucuses. With operations based in Washington, DC, Brussels, Belgium and a headquarters in Jerusalem, Israel, the Foundation is committed to providing legislators with the tools they need to produce effective, pro-israel legislation in their governments and countries. The Caucuses are committed to the future of a united Jerusalem under Israeli sovereignty and secure, defensible borders for the Jewish State. There are currently 19 Caucuses worldwide with several more under development.
The Knesset Christian Allies Caucus was established in 2004 as an official entity within the Israeli government to reach out to Christian leaders and parliamentarians worldwide. The Caucus is multi-party and is chaired by MK David Rotem. ISRAEL ALLIES FOUNDATION
Chairman s Conference 2012 Welcome Welcome to Jerusalem ברוכים הבאים
Israel Allies Foundation Rabbi Benny Elon, President Dear Friends, Shalom and welcome to the 2012 IIACF Chairman s Conference here in Jerusalem, Israel. I am so pleased that you could join us for this historic occasion as we gather together in support of the Jewish State of Israel. Your participation and presence at this conference as Parliamentarians from governments around the world is vitally and strategically important, as the fate of the Middle East stands uncertain. In light of recent developments in the Middle East as well as the unilateral actions taken in the UN, this conference presents an opportunity to show the world a unified international voice in support of Israel. People may ask why we think it is so important to stand in support of Israel at this time. There are many answers one could give, security interests, trade, etc. but I believe the most important bond we have is our shared Judeo-Christian heritage and values. We are gathered here because we share this connection with Israel. However, although Israel stands for all that we believe to be good, Israel has few allies in the world. Unfortunately some global institutions and especially the UN have become venues for launching diplomatic attacks on Israel. As a coalition of parliamentarians representing a host of countries, this event sends a strong message that Israel is a respected member of our community and that we will stand by her in her time of need. At this conference we will discuss the most current, important issues that are being addressed worldwide including: Israel s right to exist within defensible borders The recognition and security of a unified Jerusalem as the capital of Israel The threat Iran poses to the region The destabilization resulting from recent changes in the region Your attendance and contributions at this conference will reinforce the international network of lawmakers who stand on the front lines in defense of Israel. I trust that the conference events will be enlightening and enriching for you and that the legacy of this conference will be an ever-stronger movement of support for Israel. Shalom, Binyamin Elon President, IIACF ISRAEL ALLIES FOUNDATION
Chairman s Conference 2012 Welcome International CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM Jürgen Bühler, Executive Director Dear Honourable Guests, Welcome to the annual Chairman s Conference of the International Israel Allies Foundation being held here in the beloved city of Jerusalem. It is our privilege to partner this year with the Foundation, the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and the World Jewish Congress in hosting this strategic gathering in conjunction with our annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration. Jerusalem is a city of great spiritual inspiration for Jews and Christians alike, and indeed it has impacted entire civilizations and many prominent world leaders with its eternal message of light and hope. Our modern societies and even the international movement for human rights are based upon the framework of the Judeo-Christian value system, which first emanated from the Hebrew Bible and assigns worth to every human life. Even agnostic philosophers like Jürgen Habermas of the Frankfurter Schule had to admit that the biblical concept of man being created in the image of God gives dignity to all persons and thus forms the ultimate foundation for human rights. Today, Israel remains the custodian of these ancient and eternal oracles of God. Yet within less than 65 years, Israel also has become a world leader in advanced technology, agricultural development and medical science. Israel s scientists and entrepreneurs have become global leaders in the usage of non-fossil energy. Israeli inventions influence and improve much of our daily lives. Many developments in communication technology like cell phones and internet communications would have been not possible without Israeli discoveries. Finally, on the geopolitical level Israel has become a beacon of freedom and democracy in the challenging region of the Middle East. My hope and prayer is that your time in this city will inspire you more than ever to defend the very right of the Jewish people to live on their ancient homeland in peace and security. I also pray that the God of Israel will confirm within you that he has placed you in a position of authority over your own country for such a time as this. Again, welcome to Jerusalem! Dr. Jürgen Buhler
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARTNERS world Jewish congress Ronald S. Lauder, President Dear Friends, We are honored to welcome you in Jerusalem the eternal capital of the State of Israel! The World Jewish Congress is proud to partner with the International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation and the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem with the goal of strengthening the State of Israel. You have come to the holy city at a special time. As you know, the Jewish people are now celebrating the holiday of Sukkot - the Feast of the Tabernacles. Sukkot is one of the holidays Biblically mandated as a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Since the days of the ancient temple as far back as 2000 years ago the Hebrews would travel for days from all over Israel to make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem. Today, you, like the ancient Hebrews, are making the holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem. As the prophet Zechariah says, And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. (Zech. 14:16-19) Today, dear friends our mutual embrace of Jerusalem, our love of Israel and our commitment to a shared, Judeo-Christian tradition is more important than ever. For it is under threat by unrelenting adversaries.. Every day, the Iranian regime boasts of its intention to destroy this wonderful country. Sanctions and diplomacy have failed to stop the Mullahs and their messianic Revolutionary Guard from producing nuclear weapons. Incredibly, even the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon legitimized the murderous regime by attending this summer s conference of non-aligned countries in Teheran. While G-d has his plan, let us all do our part. Let s support Israel s rights to defend itself. Let us pray for the health and wellbeing of the Jewish people and their nation-state of Israel. Now is the time to join hands and act together. How fitting it is that we gather in Jerusalem to defend our shared Judeo- Christian values, our history, and our right to be free. Welcome to Yerushalayim! Ronald S. Lauder ISRAEL ALLIES FOUNDATION
Chairman s Conference 2012 Schedule Tuesday, 2 October Breakfast at guest s convenience 10:00-12:00 Strategic Briefing Tour of Jerusalem 13:00-14:00 Lunch (Mamilla Hotel) 14:00-17:30 Opening Session (Conference Room, Mamilla Hotel) 17:30-18:45 Opening Dinner (Mamilla Hotel) 19:00-19:30 Bus to International Conference Center Jerusalem 19:30-22:00 Feast of Tabernacles Opening Night Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Jurgen Buhler Yuli Edelstein, Minister of Public Diplomacy & Diaspora Affairs Binyamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Dan Diker, Secretary General of the World Jewish Congress Rabbi Binyamin Elon, President, IIACF Bus back to Mamilla Hotel Wednesday, 3 October 8:00-9:00 Breakfast (Mamilla Hotel) 9:00-10:30 Issue Presentations 10:30-12:30 Conference Resolutions Session 12:30-14:30 Lunch (Mamilla Hotel) 14:30-15:00 Bus to the Shalom Jerusalem Center 15:00-16:00 Work Plan for the upcoming year
16:00-17:00 Press Conference at the Shalom Jerusalem Center 17:00-17:30 Bus to the Hotel 18:00-19:30 Closing Dinner (Mamilla Hotel) 19:30-20:00 Bus to International Conventions Center Jerusalem 20:00-22:00 Feast of the Tabernacles Bus back to Mamilla Hotel Thursday, 4 October 2012 8:00-9:00 Conference Closing Breakfast (Mamilla Hotel) 9:00 Jerusalem March (optional) Map of Jerusalem Shalom Yerushalayim Center Convention Center Mamilla Hotel ISRAEL ALLIES FOUNDATION
Conference Partners We are proud to host this year s Chairman s Conference in the eternal capital of the Jewish people and of the State of Israel, Jerusalem. We are honored to host this year s event together with our generous sponsors: