Hertog: To what degree do American special
interests like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Evangelical
Christian lobby influence what’s happening in Israel?
Magid: Evangelical Zionist groups such as
John Hagee’s Christians United for Israel have a tremendous influence. Many
Evangelicals have decided, largely as a result of 9/11, that the Jews are going
to be on the front lines of the Christian war against Islam. It’s all about
dispensationalism [Evangelical teachings that claim we are nearing the End
Times—Ed.]. Part of that theology is the belief that the Jews must return to
Israel before the Second Coming of Christ. According to their interpretations
of the Book of Revelation, Jews will be given the opportunity to convert, and
if they don’t, the earth will open up and swallow them. For many Evangelical
Zionists, Jews play a utilitarian role; they are a tool of the Second Coming.
There’s no love there for Jews. These Evangelicals want to use Jews to bring
about this event that they believe will ultimately destroy the Jews.
Anti-Semitism is deeply embedded in Evangelical Christianity, and John Hagee
himself has said some pretty anti-Semitic things. Yet when he comes to Israel,
he gets to meet with all the dignitaries and officials because his organization
gives millions of dollars to Israeli and Jewish charities every year.
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