North Central Ohio strengthens close-knit bond with Israel

NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — The connection between the Holy Land and the Buckeye Bible Belt just got a little more tighter. Not only did Richland County recently increase its investment in Israel Bonds, local clergy are putting their money where there mouth is.

This week area clergy sent a correspondence to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing support of the Jewish State and its sovereignty.

“As clergy from thirty-three congregations in North Central Ohio, we are declaring our commitment to the Jewish State by personally purchasing Israel bonds,” the letter stated. “We want to formally express our support for Israel and to demonstrate our approval of construction and expansion of Jewish settlements in its sovereign territories.”

This is welcome news to Thomas Lockshin, Executive Director of Israeli Bonds in Ohio and Kentucky. The Executive Director reports that Richland County Treasurer Bart Hamilton purchased additional Israel bonds just several days after the clergy made their commitment.

“Ohio has a long history with Israel bonds,” says Lockshin. “Currently Ohio holds $220 million, the largest of any state in the U.S. thanks to recent purchases by Treasurer Robert Sprague. This Fall eight new Ohio counties purchased Israel bonds for a total of fifteen. This includes Richland County, which now holds a total of $1,250,000.

“It brings me great satisfaction to know that thirty-three Christian congregations in North Central Ohio actively support the State of Israel.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father.” These Ohio clergy are leading the way for advocacy of Israel Bonds. They are an inspiration to clergy everywhere. I am truly thankful for their dedication, fortitude and faith.”

Pastor Anthony Cooper of Shelby Life Church believes purchasing Israel bonds is not only a good investment, it also establishes a personal connection with the Jewish people.

“It is an honor to partner with other area clergy and go on record supporting Israel. Our prayers are for the peace of Israel and for GOD’s favor over her. By investing in Israel bonds, we get to be a part of this prayer. According to Genesis 12:3, GOD says ‘I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee, and in thee shall all the families of the Earth be blessed.'”

The clergy letter also repudiated the position of the World Council of Churches (WCC) which opposes Jewish construction and settlements in East Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria. “We want to assure you Mr. Prime Minister, the World Council of Churches does not represent our local congregations nor does its unorthodox view on Israel carry any authority,” the letter asserted.

The WCC claims it is not associated with the BDS Movement but publicly admits its longstanding position favoring the boycotting of goods and services from Jewish settlements it considers “illegal” in Israeli lands.

Clergy in the region have gone on record supporting U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, and supporting Israeli sovereignty of the Golan Heights, Judea, and Samaria. Congregations associated with the letter are located in the counties of Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Morrow, and Wayne.

“It is not unusual for numerous clergymen in our area to band together,” says Rabbi William Hallbrook of Sar Shalom Center. “It might be unusual in another part of the country, but for us it is quite common. We tend to stand together in our faith no matter what denomination.”

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“Blessed are those whose help is the GOD of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their GOD.” Psalm 146:5