Day Two Of Jerusalem Parliamentary Conference (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 03/21/22

Jerusalem, Isrsel - Mar. 21, 2022 - The second day of the eighth International Allies Foundation (IAF) Chariman's Conference, was based at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, Israel on March 21, 2022

In the morning, Minister of Religious Affairs Matan Kahana spoke to the foundation members concerning the situation in Ukraine. In response to British Parliament Member, Mark Prichard asking: “What is your government going to do to help refugees in Ukraine?” Minister Kahana answered: “Israel is working to receive Jewish refugees and refugees of Jewish descent from Ukraine. But it is important to understand that this is a unique situation because Russian troops are at our borders (in Syria)." Further, Kahana explained. "Israel has the law of return. According to it, anyone who is a son or a grandson of a Jewish man or woman can come to Israel and become a citizen. Many of the refugees belong to this status. We are opening the door to all of these refugees who want to come to Israel. As of yesterday, 13,000 refugees came to Israel. In Britain, for example, only 3,000 came. That said, we also have to take care of our own interests, we can’t just let 14 million Ukrainians into Israel."

The international conference members serve as Chairman of the Israel Allies Caucuses in their parliaments, advancing a pro-Israel agenda and legislation. IAF's worldwide focus is on legislation against antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and de-legitimization of Israel around the world. This year's conference is focused on combatting anti-Semitism, the Iranian nuclear deal, construction in Jerusalem, and the situation in Ukraine.

Former Israeli intelligence officer retired Brigadier General Sima Vaknin Gill served as the Chief Censor of Israel. Sharing insights with her vast knowledge of antisemitism and hate on various social media platforms, she warned of the "soft power" delegitimization of Israel which has grown greatly over the past two years. 

Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Ze'ev Elkin attended and spoke during the lunch session. After showing a replica of the seal of the Minster of Jerusalem from 2,800 years ago, he presented the seal to US Congressman Doug Lamborn from Colorado who serves on House Armed Services Committee. Most notably Lamborn authored the Taylor Force Act in 2018. Also, active for over ten years, Lamborn is the longest-serving chairman in the Israel Allies Caucuses in the global network. 

Also featured during the lunch meeting, Congressman Fidel Reyes Lee an economist from Guatemala spoke proudly of his country being the second to vote in 1947 at the UN to establish Israel.  Further, he added, Guatemala was the second country to move its embassy to Jerusalem, the United States was first.

IAF President Josh Reinstein summed up the goals of the conference: "This year, the Jerusalem Chairman’s Conference will prepare legislators from all over the world to tackle rising antisemitism. While meeting with ministers and leading political figures in Israel, we will also focus on the war in Ukraine and strengthening our united capital of Jerusalem. We will continue to empower faith-based diplomacy and will use all the means at our disposal to fight antisemitism globally and make the world a better place."

The IAF Chairmen after lunch went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get first-hand information from Minister Yair Lapid, one of the long list of government officials they are meeting during their three-day conference in Jerusalem.