Liberal Internet users were quick to point out on Tuesday the irony in the fact that the seventh annual gathering of “Christians United for Israel” (CUFI) taking place in Convention Center in Washington, DC, coincided with a Israeli MK Michael Ben-Ari demonstratively tearing up a copy of the New Testament he received by mail, and throwing it into the trash. He called it ” an abominable book that brought about the murder of millions of Jews in the Inquisition and autos da fé” and “provocation by church missionaries.”

However, the leadership of the organization that claims 1.25 million supporters in the United States seemed unmoved by this act. “People here say that when they wanted to help Israel, at first they weren’t welcomed with opened arms,” CUFI Executive Director David Brog told “Haaretz”. “Jews are somewhat suspicious toward Christians. So stories like this might disappoint our Christian friends, they might be curious why should anyone who belongs to people that went through such persecution, would be engaged in such destructive task. But I don’t think it will deter them from their task.”

Joshua Ahrens, a student from Portland State University, was not dismayed by Ben-Ari’s act either.

“My support of Jews is unconditional. I was astonished how quickly Jewish people opened their hearts and minds to me, and responsibility is on me to explain my motivations. So one person (Ben-Ari) doesn’t trouble me at all,” said Ahrens.

For more, go to Haaretz.com

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