INNOVATION AND ACTIVISM

Willem Griffioen

Co-founder and chairman, Israel Allies Foundation

William Griffioen is the co-founder and chairman of the Israel Allies Foundation, a somewhat unique organization in that it advocates for Israel by directly organizing pro-Israel caucuses in the legislatures of various countries.

The organization was founded by the late Israeli politician and rabbi Benny Elon, who helped establish a “Christian Allies Caucus” in the Knesset, leading to the idea of creating reciprocal organizations in parliaments around the world.

Griffioen, who is Christian, says that organizations like his “support Israel because they want to be part of something that God is doing. People are passionate about issues that are deep in their faith. Support for Israel is something that is deeply connected to our faith. This is an issue that Christians can really identify with.”

The group concentrates on advocating for Israel on such issues as recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, combatting boycott attempts, supporting the West Bank settlements, Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons, and others. (Photo credit: Israelallies.org.)