This is who we are and what we do
Over the past ten years, ECI has established a credible Christian voice in European and international institutions, such as the EU and the UN, and in many government circles.
It is absolutely essential that we engage with the decision makers of this world so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past by withdrawing from the public sphere at the same time that anti-Semitism is resurging.
It is important that Christians learn about Israel in special church conferences and events, but we also need to be where the decisions are made and opinions are formed. Although it would have been easier for us to stay in our Christian circles, we have consciously decided to go where the battle is fought - in government circles and international institutions.
At ECI, we will do what we can – with your help – to fight anti-Semitism through the ”spiritual lawfare” of prayer, education and advocacy.
With your help, we have already made a difference (see video by clicking HERE) but in the days to come, Israel and the Jewish people will need even more from us, as anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism grow stronger in Europe and around the world. Now is the time to step up our efforts – together. Let us learn from history and take a stand while there is still time.
This is also a good time to consider becoming a regular supporter of ECI or giving a one-time gift for the work of 2014. Our suggested annual membership fee is 100 Euros for an individual and 500 Euros for a church, but you are of course free to choose your own level.
These are some of our priorities for 2014:
- Holocaust remembrance and raise awareness of new forms of anti-Semitism
- Defend the legal rights of the Jewish people by opposing EU sanctions against the disputed territories
- Pray and Vote: campaign to pray and mobilise Christians to vote in the European elections
- Campaign to mobilise more support for Israel at the UN and in Europe by stressing the positive contribution made by the Jewish people to the international community
- Media work through the televised European Report from the European Parliament and other means
- Training and mentoring of young leaders
ADVOCACY
UN ready to work with ECI
While in New York just before Christmas, ECI was received by the right-hand man of the Chairman of the UN General Assembly, Director Ion Botnaru. Mr Botnaru had been delegated to meet with us by the Deputy Secretary General, Jan Eliasson, who we met last year. In a friendly and constructive meeting, a number of practical solutions were suggested as to how the Jewish high holidays could be recognised by the UN. The UN Secretariat is happy to assist, although the initiative will have to come from the 193 member states.
In separate one-to-one meetings with Permanent Representatives from a record number of UN missions representing the member states, we received support for the idea. One government currently represented in the UN Security Council, openly announced that they had recently changed their policies to reflect the line of the new government, which is also the line of ECI. The same government has expressed its desire to work with ECI and our legal experts, to get balanced background briefings.
Many nations face the same dilemma as, historically, their state departments have been more anti-Israel than the elected leaders. Even in governments where the Prime Minister is pro-Israel, he (or she) may have to face a whole state department bureaucracy which is anti-Israel. One such government told us recently that they need organisations such as ours to offer them a fresh perspective outside of their own structures.
As a small organisation, we are deeply honoured by this level of appreciation and trust. It is easy to stand aside and curse governments and international institutions, but by engaging directly with them we can make a difference.
EDUCATION
International Holocaust Sunday 26th January
This year we are once again teaming up with New Zealand photographer and designer, Perry Trotter, to make available video testimonies of Holocaust survivors. These testimonies are some of the best ways to honour the victims of the Holocaust and raise awareness of the deadly poison of anti-Semitism. Please make plans to show at least one of these short but powerful videos at your own Holocaust event on Sunday, 26th January.
For more information click HERE.
For a recent study on anti-Semitism in Europe click HERE.
ECI Ecumenical Holocaust Memorial in Brussels and other ECI events
Dr. Surjan is responsible for the European Parliament dialogue with the religious communities and he encouraged the Christian communities to become more involved in the EU. One such example is Holocaust Remembrance. At the meeting, it was agreed that ECI would organise an Ecumenical Holocaust Memorial in Brussels on Monday, 27th January, under the patronage of Vice-President Surjan and in cooperation with the Pentecostal European Fellowship and other Christian organisations. Please send us a note if you would like to receive a personal invitation to this event. There will also be other events organised in London, Berlin and Helsinki. Please send us an email for more information: info@ec4i.org
PRAY
European Prayer Summit in
Hotel Silken Berlaymont, Brussels,
21st -23rd March, 2014
The ministry of ECI has always been ”prayer driven”, meaning that we believe in the power of prayer to stand in the gap for our nations and for Israel.
The conference is a time for us as a leadership team to share what we sense are the greatest challenges and opportunities of the year and then pray. The leadership team includes among others Rick and Patti Ridings, Harald Eckert, Tomas Sandell, David Adeola, Bedros Nassanian, Lennart Fjell and Antti Hamalainen.
Our new venue for the Prayer conference is Hotel Silken Berlaymont, just a stone's throw from the European Commission. More information on the Prayer Summit will follow shortly in a separate email.
Editor Tomas Sandell tomas.sandell@pp.inet.fi