WRAPPING UP a two-week visit to Israel, controversial US broadcaster Glenn Beck last night held a rally in Jerusalem’s old city, vowing to stand by Israel forever.
“In Israel you see courage. In Israel there is more courage in one small square mile than there is in the whole of Europe,” he told the enthusiastic crowd of about 1,000, mostly American fundamentalist Christians who had flown to Israel for the event.
The “Restoring Courage” rally, held outside Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, a site holy to both Jews and Muslims, was brought forward to avoid clashing with Ramadan prayers at the compound, revered by Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, the noble sanctuary.
Beck’s solidly pro-Israel stance has won him the admiration of the Israeli right. During his visit he spoke in favour of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and warned of the dangers of a peace agreement with the Palestinians that would require territorial compromise in the biblical land and Jerusalem.
Ahead of the event the radio and former Fox News host had already angered many Israelis when he spoke disparagingly of the social protest movement sweeping the country. He likened the protesters to communists, and asked if they were financed by international left-wing organisations. He also suggested that they might be linked to Islamic groups.
Left-wing protesters held a demonstration close to Mr Beck’s rally, complaining that such a blatantly right-wing political gathering was being held close to Jerusalem’s holy sites. One protester held a placard reading, ‘We have enough fanatics here.’ Welcoming Beck, Jerusalem’s mayor, Nir Barkat, vowed that the city would remain united under Israeli sovereignty forever.
Danny Danon, a Knesset member from prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s ruling Likud party, who helped facilitate the trip, dismissed criticism, saying Israel had enough enemies and true supporters should be welcomed. “Glenn Beck represents dozens of millions of people who support him and his opinions. We are proud of this relationship and not embarrassed by it. Anyone who supports Israel in such a brave way must be supported.”
There was also criticism from some religious Jews who are wary of fundamentalist Christian backing for Israel, believing that such support may be a cover for missionary activity as such groups believe Jews must be converted to herald the second coming of the Messiah.