At the 13th “Night to Honor Our Christian Allies” on Wednesday, January 29 in Jerusalem, March of Life founder and president Jobst Bittner was awarded the “Tourism Award” for promoting tourism and supporting the State of Israel.
The prize was awarded by the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus (KCAC), together with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. At the same event, the American pastor Larry Huch (USA) was also honored for his life’s work of tireless commitment to Israel. In his speech, the Israeli Minister for Aliyah and Integration Yoav Galant (Likud) expressed his sincere thanks to the recipients of the award and stressed the importance of friendship between Christians from all over the world and Israel. Also, the members of Knesset Sharren Haskell (Likud) and Orit Farkash-Hacohen (Blue and White), who have both participated in Marches of Life, addressed some very personal words to the audience. Haskell said: “Your project, the March of Life, is an incredible opportunity also for us Israelis. It has shown me that we really need reconciliation and that our young generation also needs to talk about the past.”
“The honorees at this year’s event are heroic leaders who have bravely fought for and contributed to the State of Israel because of their personal convictions and faith. They have inspired like-minded Christians around the world to join in their efforts and stand together with Israel. It is an honor for the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus to partner with these great leaders in protecting our shared roots and values,” said KCAC Director Josh Reinstein.
Jobst Bittner sincerly thanked the organizers for the award and emphasized the importance of not stopping to take to the streets together for Israel: “Antisemitism and hatred against Israel is showing its ugly face again in Germany and worldwide. This award is a great but also a motivation and obligation to continue the work.” He invited everyone to join the international Marches of Life and the March of the Nations, which will take place from May 12-14, 2020 in seven cities in Israel.
