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By Mildred Devins, Adult Leisure Chairperson Published in the Shaarey Zedek Shofar in December 2005
There was a “HAPPENING” at the September Adult Leisure meeting. Members of the First Nations Family Worship Centre, under the leadership of Reverend Raymond McLean, were invited to join us for an ecumenical program and to “break bread” together—a symbol of friendship and reaching out for better understanding between our peoples.
Little did we know that this group of First Nations people, amongst others, have already reached out to the Jewish people. Reverend Raymond related his experiences of leading groups to visit Israel. The latest mission took place in August. Allan Yusim, B’nai B’rith Canada Midwest Regional Director, was invited to travel with the group. They had an audience with Prime Minister Sharon and many other dignitaries. To quote the Reverend, “We were treated like kings and queens, something we don’t usually experience.” Their love and respect for the Land of Israel and its right to exist are very sincere. Reverend Raymond has been invited to establish a “World Indigenous Embassy” in Jerusalem by Israeli Foreign Affairs.
We were entertained with musical selections in English and Native languages. Our Rabbi Green took part in welcoming our guests. He read a beautiful story which exemplified respect for each other’s religion and the similarities there are in reaching to the same Almighty. Rabbi Green also demonstrated and explained the wearing of tefillin.
I am including the Mission and Mandate of the Stand with Israel Mission. We wish Reverend McLean every success with his wonderful and ambitious mandate.
Stand with Israel Mission Tour 2005 Mission and Mandates:
As a new Allied Christian Caucus for Israel, the First Nations Family Worship Centre in partnership with the league of First Nation leaders, B’nai Brith of Canada, and all Christian Caucus’ support and stand with Israel as follows:
· To stand with Israel as a new allied Christian Caucus that prays for the peace of Israel based upon the teaching of the Holy Scriptures Psalms 122:6. · To stand with Israel for her right to co-exist and operate as a sovereign nation with the nations in the Middle East and the rest of the world. · To stand with Israel’s right to freedom of commerce and trade with Canada (our Aboriginal inheritance) and the rest of the world without limitations and restrictions. · To stand with Israel as an allied Christian Caucus against the rise of anti-Semitism in Canada and internationally. · To form a coalition of First Nations and all Christian Caucus Allies for Israel to make a stand against anti-Semitism and destroy the seeds of anti-Semitism sown by two First Nation leaders amongst our First Nations. · As an Allied Christian Caucus for Israel and in league with First Nation leaders we stand with Israel to fight against the injustice committed against any minority nation(s) within a nation. Our coalition will make an appeal to the international community and its laws for violation of human rights committed by organization(s), institution(s), or governments. · The Christian Caucus in league with First Nation leaders will make an appeal to our Canadian Government to take a more prominent stand and participate in the affairs and welfare of Israel. · Our delegation will act as ambassadors for Israel for the purpose of promoting tourism to Israel and therefore increase Israel’s economy. · Our First Nation coalition for Israel will encourage other First nation tribes from the United States and from Latin America to begin their pilgrimage to Israel. · Our endeavor is to seek ways to create awareness to all Canadians and First Nations that Israel is a sister democratic country (the only one in the Middle East). · We will seek to pave a way to exchange with Israel our rich and diverse cultural heritage as First Nations and vice versa. · We will stand with Israel by educating our First Nations children with the help of Israeli educators of Israel’s rich history, land, language, culture, and people into our First Nation educational curriculum. · Our new Allied Christian Caucus for Israel with the league of our First Nation leaders will seek to broaden the way for Israel support here in North America.
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