Controversial American broadcaster Glenn Becks two-week-long Restoring Courage event in Israel culminated Wednesday night with a pro-Israel rally at the Davidson Center in Jerusalems Old City. One thousand people, primarily American Christians, attended, and the event was simultaneously broadcast live in Jerusalem's central Safra Square, as well as to millions of radio listeners in the United States. My Israeli friends, I have a message: You must not lose hope, Beck told the audience. He went on to describe a new movement that he hopes to launch in an effort to fight condemnations of Israel at the U.N. and worldwide human rights organizations that hold anti-Israel views. When the world turns its back on Israel and the Jewish people, the world turns its back on the source of all human rights," Beck said. "It is the message of the Jewish people to the world, and by their very existence they teach it to us. Becks hour-long speech focused on the theme of his trip: courage. In Israel, there is more courage in one square mile than in all of Europe. In Israel, there is more courage in one soldier than in the combined and cold hearts of every bureaucrat at the United Nations, he said. The speech repeatedly drew thunderous applause and enthusiasm from the audience. Nir Barkat, the mayor of Jerusalem, addressed the audience at the event. A number of Knesset members and U.S. politicians were present, although greater numbers of high-profile attendees were expected. U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman on Sunday pulled out of the event, citing family reasons. Beck's rally drew harsh criticism from both religious figures and left-wing politicians in Israel, who united to shun the controversial conservative figure, saying that Israel does not need his support. Religious Jews feared Beck came to spread the Christian gospel. Left-wing Israelis, including Peace Now activists, demonstrated against Beck for his support of the settlements in Judea and Samaria and his criticism of peace efforts. Following his visit to Israel, Beck intends to tour Africa and South America to persuade leaders there to support Israel.
Glenn Beck tells 'Israeli friends': You must not lose hope
Conservative U.S. broadcaster Glenn Beck praises Israelis' courage in his speech at Jerusalem rally • Beck promises to start a new movement to oppose organizations that threaten Israel.
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