By Jim Fletcher
A series of programs coordinated by the America-Israel Friendship League is making real headway in changing negative perceptions about the Jewish state.
The AIFL (www.aifl.org), founded in 1971 by a group of influential leaders, including Hubert Humphrey and Henry “Scoop” Jackson, exists to strengthen ties between Israel and America. The organization’s deluxe “delegation” programs bring together a wide range of Israelis with Americans—of all religious, political, and socio-economic ranges.
Earlier this year, a Presbyterian delegation toured Israel, learning in great detail just why Israel is a thriving outpost of freedom in a dangerous part of the world. The group also visited the controversial SodaStream factory in Ma’ale Adumim.
The PCUSA, one of the larger mainline Protestant denominations, has been embroiled in a titanic struggle over BDS (Boycott/Divestment/Sanctions). The AIFL-sponsored trip dispelled many of the media myths surrounding Israel and in fact highlighted the enormous contributions Israel makes not only regionally, but globally.
The Presbyterian Church, some 6 million strong, has at times officially supported boycotts of Israeli businesses operating beyond the Green Line, such as SodaStream.
Read more at http://www.frontpagemag.com/2014/jim-fletcher/pro-israel-activists-change-anti-israel-hearts/