International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) is an extremist pro-Israel lobby group headed by Malcolm Hedding who told members of the European Parliament attending a special meeting hosted by the European Coalition for Israel that Europe should not differentiate between people and their democratically elected governments. "Otherwise, what is democracy?" he asked. "At the end of the day, people have to be responsible for the people they put in power."

History

The ICEJ website provides the following description of the organisation's beginnings:

During the late 1970s the Lord began stirring the hearts of believers across the world concerning the nation of Israel and its prophetic role in modern times. Then, in the summer of 1980, the Israeli Parliament declared the city of Jerusalem to be the undivided, eternal capital of the State of Israel, established as such by King David almost 3,000 years earlier. Protest resounded across the international political spectrum, resulting in the closure of thirteen national embassies in Jerusalem.

A number of Christians living in Israel were then hosting a Christian celebration during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. They sensed Israel's deep hurt over the withdrawal of the foreign embassies and felt the call of the Lord to open a Christian Embassy in this, the City of the Great King. They called it the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and it represents Christians from around the world, speaking words of comfort and support to Israel. Ever since, the Embassy has provided a "servant's heart" ministry to the people of the land.

From its inception the ICEJ has had two dominant goals; first, to serve as a conduit of comfort and blessing through which believers in the nations could show their love and support to Israel. Second, the ICEJ stands as a prophetic voice to this generation concerning God's unwavering plan to fulfill His covenant promises to the fathers of Israel. Namely, that He would ultimately restore the children of Israel to their rightful land and sequentially to a right relationship with their God, the God of Israel.

Activities and Projects

One of the projects of the ICEJ is 'ICEJ Arise' a consciousness raising organisation which seeks to promote a favourable opinion of Israel amongst young people:

At ICEJ ARISE, we are entering the midst of this battlefield with a message that is far from popular and often very misunderstood - the restoration of Israel. The media is feeding the masses with huge doses of a message which far too often derides the Jews and demonises Israel. This agenda is also making inroads in public school systems - from grade school up to university level. This has had tragic conscious and non-conscious effects on young people's attitudes when they relate to Israel.

The fact that the majority of young adults have never read the entire New Testament, not to mention the Old Testament, adds to the challenge for all pro-Israel Christians. In these times when "humanism" is invading churches and undermining the credibility of the word of God, it is time for truth-loving believers to step up and answer back.

This does not mean moralising, patronising or introducing complicated theological equations, but loving and serving them as Jesus did. If we want the next generation to immerse themselves in Jesus and understand Israel, it is time to engage fully in the battle and not run away from it. If we want to see a change, we need to be the change. The information junkie generation needs guidance and they are screaming for it with silent voices. We must become their guide or the world will.

People

• Dr. Jürgen Bühler - Executive Director

• Malcolm Hedding - former Executive Director

Resources

• Rightweb International Christian Embassy Jerusalem