I stand with Christians for Israel

My name is Simon Soesan, and I have been living in Israel for 51 years. I have known Christians for Israel for almost 25 years now. My relationship with Christians for Israel started when I was asked to write columns for Israël Aktueel, the newspaper of the Dutch branch of Christians for Israel. During my stays in the Netherlands, I often visit(ed) the headquarters of Christians for Israel, the Israel Center in Nijkerk. In the old days, I had the pleasure of meeting Karel van Oordt, the founder of Christians for Israel, and we had several long and lovely conversations over a delicious cup of soup.

I was honored to be present at some historic moments of the organization, like the opening of the new Israel Center in 2017, and the event where Roger van Oordt (a son of founder Karel van Oordt) was appointed honorary consul for the State of Israel in the Netherlands (2021). And I still love to visit my friends in Nijkerk.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to hand over 5,000 tulip bulbs – together with Leon Meijer (chairman of Christians for Israel International), his wife Janine, and Martin van der Veen (also C4I International) – to the mayor of Haifa, the city where I live.

Working with Christians for Israel it not only an honor and pleasure; it is a ‘must’. It symbolizes the friendship between two religions, a friendship highly valued and cherished. One has to maintain friendships. The Jewish people have more than enough enemies, which makes it more important to appreciate this friendship with Christians for Israel.

Christians for Israel is a beacon for anyone who believes in the goodness of mankind.

This week, I learned that the Israel Center in Nijkerk had been vandalized by violent protestors. Not only was I shocked; I am also saddened. Although the attack was not physical against any staff member or visitor – thank G’d – it shows you have to be careful these days when you stand up for what you believe in. However, I am quite stubborn and voice my opinion quite clearly, without hurting anyone of course, just like Christians for Israel. The support of Christians for Israel for my country, Israel, and the Jews worldwide, the many projects in Israel Christians for Israel supports financially, it is all a huge inspiration for anyone who, besides G’d, believes in humanity. Christians for Israel is a beacon for anyone who believes in the goodness of mankind. Therefore, I stand with Christians for Israel, now and always. The attack on the Israel Center is an attack on humanity, on pure belief in goodness, on solidarity. It is also an attack on good people who have become my friends.

I am not a rabbi, but I take the opportunity to bless Christians for Israel, its board, staff, and the many volunteers, in the Netherlands and abroad, for we are all blessed by this friendship. We are one. No paint, no vandalism, no shouting and no threat can ever change that. I stand with Christians for Israel!

Simon Soesan (2nd left) together with the Christians for Israel team, presents the tulip bulbs to the mayor of Haifa. | Photo: C4I