By Peyton Majors
Christian Action League
October 13, 2023
Displaying rare bipartisan agreement, the North Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution this week backing Israel and urging the U.S. Congress to offer “full and unequivocal” support for America’s Middle East ally.
The resolution passed 104-0 and was one of several gestures across the Tarheel State of leaders standing up for Israel.
North Carolina Speaker of the House Tim Moore labeled the attack on Israel by Hamas “terrorism.” More than 1,000 Israeli citizens died in what was the most significant attack on the Holy Land since 1973. At least 100 Israelis were taken hostage.
Israel subsequently declared war on Hamas.
“Just in the way we as a nation were attacked in 9/11, so, too, Israel has been attacked,” Moore said in a floor speech. “And we owe it to a freedom-loving democracy to stand with them in their time of need.”
No representative opposed the resolution, which calls it an “unprovoked attack” and notes that ‘innocent men, women, and children have been captured and killed by Hamas terrorists.” It also notes that “Israel and the United States of America are close friends and allies thanks to the 75-year partnership between our two countries, built on mutual interests and shared democratic values.”
“The United States Congress is urged to offer full and unequivocal support of Israel financially and otherwise for as long as it takes for Israel to bring justice in light of the unprovoked attacks on innocent Israeli civilians,” the resolution says.
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general signing a statement expressing outrage at the attack.
“The carnage, perpetrated by Hamas and its supporters, has directly led to the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and horrific kidnappings,” the statement from the attorneys general said. “We grieve with our Israeli siblings, and with the loved ones of all those innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza because of this surprise attack. The targeting of civilians by Hamas as well as the thousands of rockets it has fired indiscriminately at civilian targets are acts that cannot be tolerated or rationalized. Violence and terror are not the ways to achieve a lasting and meaningful peace in this conflict.”
In Raleigh, a crowd of several hundred people gathered with Jewish leaders to express support for Israel.
North Carolina’s U.S. Rep. Kathy Manning, a Democrat and a member of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, posted a statement on her website standing with Israel.
“We … reject dehumanizing rhetoric, false equivalencies, and double standards targeting the Israeli people and the Jewish state,” the statement by the task force read. “Tragically, when Israel is under attack, we witness a major increase in antisemitism and hate-filled violence against Jews around the world, and we have already seen an increase online. That is why we must remain vigilant towards any threats to the safety and security of the Jewish community in the days to come. Standing with our ally Israel, we reaffirm our commitment to countering terrorism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate.”
In a statement released to the media, Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, said Christians — no matter their theological perspective — must stand with Israel.
“The Scriptures teach that one of the most significant signs of the return of Christ is the coming to life of the nation of Israel. I respectfully submit that although theological perspectives among Christians regarding Israel and the Church vary, those who would deny she is specially chosen by God and that she will play a pivotal role in Christ’s coming kingdom, are either uninformed or misinformed concerning Bible prophecy.
“God revealed himself primarily through these chosen people, the Jewish nation,” Creech added. “Through them came the Bible, the Word of God. Through them, the world was given a moral and ethical framework, exemplified by the Ten Commandments and other biblical teachings. These principles continue to shape ethical thought and behavior today. Most importantly, through them, came the Messiah of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was a Jew. As a nation, they sinned against God and were scattered. Nevertheless, God is not finished with them.”
God made “promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, their fathers, which still must be fulfilled,” Creech said.
“He promised to regather them and we witnessed the fulfillment of this promise by the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948,” Creech added. “The devil hates them because they are the apple of God’s eye. He plans to subvert God’s promises, not only to them as a people, but the prophecies related to them which are pertinent to the return of Christ. The Jewish people have endured relentless attempts at their annihilation and destruction. This most recent attack by Hamas has evidence of being demonically inspired.”
Creech applauded North Carolinians for standing with Israel.
“As a lobbyist for the Christian Action League, I have personally seen North Carolina lawmakers on the wrong side of some very important issues, I am relieved to know they are not on the wrong side of this one,” he said. “I am thankful for the resolution the House recently passed in support of Israel. We should steadfastly oppose every antisemitic ideology, especially those that translate into acts of terror that perpetuate horrific horrors and sufferings.
“Moreover, Israel is a beacon of freedom and liberty surrounded by nations characterized by authoritarian rule. Perhaps there is not a clearer picture of the difference between freedom-loving people and those who would rule by fear and despotism. Our state and nation must show unwavering support for those who fight to maintain their existence by democratic principles. Israel has a right to defend herself – a God-given right – a right based on the Just War concept. As the Apostle Paul taught, she has the right to ‘bear the sword.’
“Because Christians believe Christ died for the sins of the world,” Creech concluded, “we commit to praying earnestly for peace.”