Pro-Israel Christian Group Looking to Impact 2016 Elections as Membership Soars Above Two Million
by Shiryn Ghermezian
The pro-Israel group Christians United For Israel (CUFI) is aiming to step up its political activity ahead of the 2016 elections now that its membership has crossed the 2 million mark, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.
CUFI is in the midst of internal discussions about opening a lobby office in Washington or starting a Political Action Committee (PAC) to deepen its relationships with politicians, according to the report. A PAC would raise money for candidates and engage in electoral activities.
“CUFI can talk to the center and the right. But I am worried we are losing self-defined progressives,” said CUFI Executive Director David Brog. “There is room for a progressive case for Israel.”
CUFI has long been the largest pro-Israel group in the US, according to The Washington Post. The organization boasts members from every congressional district in the country.
The organization was founded by Pastor John Hagee in February 2006, who pointed out that Americans for the most part already support Israel, The Washington Post said. Regardless of issues between President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, CUFI’s members believe “Israel will long endure,” he added.
The group’s next challenge is attracting younger Christians. CUFI members are already visiting colleges and bringing young leaders to Israel for tours.