Trump to receive top Israel Allies award

The annual Israel Allies lifetime achievement award will be presented to Trump at a gala event in Washington, D.C., in December.

By JNS

The Israel Allies Foundation is awarding U.S. President Donald Trump its top award for his unflinching support of the Jewish state, the foundation revealed on Sunday.

The recognition by the organization which spearheads faith-based diplomacy comes at a time of an historic regional shakeup in the Middle East as Trump seeks to end the two-year-old war against Hamas in Gaza triggered by the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel and expand regional peace, after bombing Iranian nuclear sites during Israel’s 12-day war with the Islamic Republic this summer.

“There has never been a more pro-Israel president,” Josh Reinstein, president of the Washington, D.C.-based organization, told JNS.

During his first term in office, Trump moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, pulled out of the deeply controversial Iranian nuclear deal reached by his predecessor Barack Obama, and initiated the landmark 2020 Abraham Accords which saw four Arab nations make peace with Israel.

“Departing from decades of Washington appeasement policy and status quo, President Trump has reshaped the trajectory of the Middle East,” said IAF U.S. director Jordanna McMillan.

“His bold leadership has strengthened the U.S.-Israel relationship—rooted in shared Judeo-Christian values—and created historic opportunities for peace and cooperation in the Middle East.”

The annual Israel Allies lifetime achievement award will be presented to Trump at a gala event in Washington, D.C., in December.

Previous honorees include U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former President of Guatemala Jimmy Morales.

Founded in 2007, IAF engages in faith-based diplomacy through its network of 62 parliamentary caucuses around the globe, encompassing more than 1,600 legislators.

Trump faith adviser tops annual listing of ‘Christian Allies’ for second time

Meanwhile, Trump’s faith adviser Paula White-Cain heads the organization’s annual list of Israel’s top 50 Christian Allies for the second time.

The advocacy group, which largely works with evangelical leaders around the globe, released its sixth annual listing—which does not include political leaders who currently hold office—on Sunday.

The release coincides with the weeklong Feast of Tabernacles.

White-Cain, an evangelical pastor who leads the White House Faith Office, is a “steadfast advocate for Israel” who was previously listed as Israel’s top Christian ally during Trump’s first presidential term in 2020.

“Her influence extends to her role as President Trump’s pastor, where she has used her platform to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations,” according to the IAF.

The listing posthumously recognizes Charlie Kirk, a prominent American conservative activist and Israel advocate who was assassinated in September.

“Kirk was a vocal and passionate supporter of Israel, frequently affirming the nation’s right to self-defense and encouraging young conservatives to stand with the Jewish state,” the organization said.

“His legacy of leadership and advocacy continues to inspire a new generation of pro-Israel activists.”

Other repeat honorees include Daystar television founder and president Joni Lamb, multi-campus pastor Jentezen Franklin, world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, co-founder of Christians United for Israel Diana Hagee and Gaza Humanitarian Fund Director Rev. Johnnie Moore.

The survey also comes at a time of growing concern over a drop in support for Israel among young evangelicals due to the fallout from the war in Gaza.

“This year’s list reflects the extraordinary commitment of Christian leaders who have stood with Israel, particularly during the challenges of the past two years,” said the IAF president.

“Their support is a testament to the enduring bond between the Christian and Jewish communities, rooted in shared Judeo-Christian values.”