Christian leaders have asked President Aquino to vote NO to a United Nations resolution that would divide Israel and unilaterally declare a Palestinian State within the borders of Israel.
The Christian leaders, led by evangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva, urged the President “to pray and seek God’s will over this historic issue, as you always do pray especially for important decisions concerning our nation” and remember the Philippines’ long history as kindred nations with Israel.
“We write you as concerned citizens of our country, known as the only Christian nation in Asia, over a crucial international development that needs your urgent attention,” the Christian leaders said in a letter sent to Malacanang dated Sept. 14.
At the opening of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 20, a resolution to divide Israel and unilaterally declare a Palestinian State within the borders of Israel will be proposed. According to the Christian leaders, the Palestinian move goes against UN Security Resolutions 242 and 338 that guaranteed Israel the right to negotiate to attain "secure and recognized boundaries."
Likewise, the move will effectively reduce Israel, only as small as Palawan, to a narrow, indefensible strip of land vulnerable to terrorist attacks from all sides. Every Israeli city can be a target, within four minutes, of bomb-carrying planes and missiles from the new borders, the leaders said in the letter.
“The Philippines, being a member state of the UN, will cast its vote. Before we do, we urge you, Mr. President, to pray and seek God’s will over this historic issue… As you pray, we ask you to remember our long history as kindred nations with Israel, and the Philippines’ Judeo-Christian link with the land of birth, death and soon-return of our Lord, Jesus Christ,” the Christian leaders said.
In 2005, the Gaza strip was given to the Palestinians for the sake of peace. Instead, it became a terrorist stronghold for the Islamic Hamas, which fired over 12,000 missiles into Israel over 6 years and which openly denied Israel's right to exist.
“There are already 22 Arab States dominating the vast land area of the Middle East. Jordan, the land allotted to Palestinian Arabs in 1947 can accommodate the refugees. Why build a second Palestinian state for refugees of wars initiated by the Arabs themselves? Is this a strategy to eliminate the Jewish state?” the Christian leaders pointed out.
The said the Philippines’ longstanding relationship with Israel started as early as the administration of President Manuel L. Quezon, who paved the way for the country to welcome Jewish refugees escaping Nazi persecution during the 1st World War.
“Many nations refused the Jewish refugees but not the Philippines. We provided them a safe haven in the midst of war and death. Israel has not forgotten. It has honored the Philippines with an “Open Door Monument” in the Avenue of the Righteous Gentile in Israel, the only nation to receive such recognition,” the Christian leaders cited.
During the administration of President Manuel Roxas, the Philippines distinguished itself as the only Asian nation that voted for the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1947, during a special assembly of the United Nations.
“We were instrumental in the fulfillment of the prophecy, the restoration of the Promised Land after almost 2000 years-- the land where the Holy Scriptures were written, where Jesus Christ gave His life on the Cross to redeem man, and where the gospels says He will return at the end of our age,” the letter continued.
The leaders also cited that as a democratic nation, Philippines should support Israel, the only democratic nation in the Arab world. They said Israel and the Philippines are first democracies - both tiny islands of faith standing for the Bible within huge regions dominated by other religions.
“Through your parents, President Corazon Aquino and Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., the Philippines experienced democracy, a legacy your family will always be known for and stand for… We are pioneers of freedom of worship - Israel in the Middle East, the Philippines in the Far East,” the group said.
“We appeal to you, Mr. President, let the Philippines vote "NO" to the formation of a Palestinian State within East Jerusalem and the West Bank during the United Nations plebiscite this September… Let the Philippines be counted among those who preserve the Holy Land as the center of democracy in the Middle East and as the center for worship for all nations,” the Christian leaders said, adding that the United States, Canada, Australia, and several others have already declared they will reject the unilateral resolution.
The leaders cited biblical passages that said God will reward those who honor God's promise but will also judge those who fight against God’s will.
In Genesis 12:3, God said: "I will make you (Abraham) into a great nation (Israel) and I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse."
On the other hand, in Joel 3:2 God warned: “I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.”
Aside from Villanueva, the other signatories of the letter were Bishop Daniel Balais, chair of the Intercessors for the Philippines; Peter Kairuz, President and CEO of Christian network CBN Asia; and, Nena Benigno, Vice President of Kol Adonai Foundation. (30)
