The Friends of Israel in Action Jan/Feb 2025
A Proven Love
Ed Kohl, an award-winning Jewish author from Detroit, Michigan, has long been a prominent advocate for Israel and a vocal opponent of antisemitism. His influential writings have been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Detroit-based Jewish News. Ed also played a pivotal role in the engineering efforts that propelled the Gemini rocket to the moon.
Tim Munger, a Friends of Israel (FOI) Church Ministries representative, has dedicated his life to serving the Lord and teaching His Word. Throughout his 37 years of service with FOI, Tim has hosted more than 50 Thank God for Israel events designed to bring together the Christian and Jewish communities. As a regular attendee of these affairs, Ed often has felt inspired by Tim’s powerful messages of hope.
Recently, Ed contacted FOI’s leadership to express his deep admiration for Tim. In a heartfelt letter, Ed emphasized Tim’s profound impact on Michigan’s Jewish community and highlighted the unique and enduring bond the two men have formed over many years.
“These [Thank God for Israel gatherings] are far more than mere events; they are vibrant rallies, filled with hundreds of passionate advocates for Israel,” Ed remarked in his letter. “Tim, alongside his devoted wife and partner, Kay, has been instrumental in organizing these events. Their efforts bring together people from diverse backgrounds, uniting them in their support for Israel. Tim’s speeches, imbued with passion and conviction, resonate deeply with attendees, inspiring them to take action and stand firmly by Israel.”
In addition to planning Thank God for Israel events, Tim has been a vital contributor to Detroit’s annual Walk for Israel, a significant gathering that attracts participants from across the region. “Whether it’s organizing a last-minute rally, coordinating media interviews, or arranging signage and billboards, Tim is always ready to lead and support the cause,” Ed noted.
Tim’s unwavering commitment to God’s Word, Israel, and the Jewish people has earned him the respect and admiration of many in the Jewish community. To Ed, Tim is more than a speaker; he is a true friend and brother who has become an integral part of the Jewish community.
In his letter, Ed emphasized that Tim is a blessing not only to the Jewish community but to all who value justice, peace, and support for Israel. Tim is a wonderful example of a humble servant of the Lord who faithfully demonstrates his love for the Jewish people every day.
You can support Tim Munger and others like him serving in North American Ministries. Thank you for your prayers and financial support!
In Canada, please give here.
Rallies for Comfort
Les Crawford, our Australian field director, lives and ministers in Adelaide, Australia. Here he shares what he recently experienced while publicly supporting Israel:
Imagine you joined a silent vigil to bring attention to the plight of people taken as hostages after a brutal, barbaric attack on civilians. Imagine you were then surrounded by a large mob screaming, “Shame on you!” This was my experience as I stood with a small group of Christians and Jewish people in Adelaide, calling for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.
Pro-Palestinian supporters tried to intimidate us and showed no concern for the hostages displayed in large photos before them. If not for the strong police presence, violence would have replaced words.
I did not feel frightened, but I was deeply saddened by such lack of compassion for the men, women, and children held captive by terrorists. Yet, the pro-Palestinian group tried to make us feel ashamed for drawing attention to the hostages’ plight. Chants of “Free Palestine!” and “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea!” clearly stated the protesters’ hatred for Israel and the Jewish people. It opened my eyes to the extremism in my country.
Later, I attended a much larger rally against antisemitism on the steps of my state’s parliament house. Again, a large mob screamed at us, trying to disrupt the rally speakers calling for an end to hatred against the Jewish community. Not to be silenced, the speakers boldly addressed the crowd, including the pro-Palestinian mob outside. Though such hatred is contrary to our Australian values and, more so, our Christian ones, the police allowed the counter-protesters drowning out voices for love and tolerance to remain at the rally.
At each rally, no amount of discussion or debate made any difference in the pro-Palestinian supporters’ perspectives. Their only purpose was to squash these gatherings and silence our voices. I also knew that Christians—and all Australians—must continue to stand with Israel and the Jewish people.
These opportunities give practical expression to FOI’s mission. Many Jewish participants expressed gratitude for Christians standing with them at the rallies and assuring them that they were not alone. Standing for Israel and the Jewish people truly is necessary in the face of the pain and hatred inflicted on the Jewish community. They have shown me personally the comfort it brings them.
Pray with us for the safety of the Jewish people and that they would realize that their ultimate safety and comfort come from Messiah Jesus.
You can support our Australian team and other FOI International Ministries around the world. Thank you for your prayers and financial support!
In Canada, please give here.
Photos: The Friends of Israel Archives
