Terror attack fears have forced organisers of Britain’s largest pro-Israel event to scrap plans for this year’s edition of A Night to Honour Israel. Sponsored by the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) organization, the evening of celebration was scheduled for June 22 at an undisclosed venue in Westminster.
Organisers said that despite selling more than 1,000 tickets for attendees to enjoy an open, public affirmation of ties between Christians and Jews, security experts urged cancellation in the wake of this week’s terror attack on London Bridge and last month’s Manchester bombing. All ticket holders will now be fully refunded.
Confirmed speakers included Texan pastor John Hagee, journalist Melanie Phillips, and CUFI executive director Des Starritt. Thirty-year British Army veteran Colonel Richard Kemp was also due to address the event.
In a statement posted online, devastated CUFI leaders outlined their reasons for the move:
“Having assessed the current situation and received independent advice we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the event.
“Islamic extremists have called for the specific targeting of Christians and Jews during the month of Ramadan, during which our event was set to take place.”
The group, which describes itself as “a national grassroots movement focused on the support of Israel,” added that it was cancelling “with wisdom and not fear” for the “protection” of attendees from two faiths which are facing a terror threat. It said:
“We are determined that the impact of Islamic extremism will not win. The roots of the threat currently facing this nation is the same that Israel has faced for years.
“Our standing with Israel against radical Islam is crucial at this time, as is standing with our country as it comes to terms with its impact.”
In contrast, a pro-Palestinian event, Palestine Expo, organised by the Friends of Al-Aqsa is still set to go ahead unhindered at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster next month.
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