Evangelical Christian Leaders Condemn Hamas as Cause of Violence in Gaza, Unite to Pray for Israel

Jul 25, 2014 02:15 PM EDT

As violence rages on in the Middle East, religious leaders from the Eastern region of the United States are uniting to show support for Israel in its current conflict with Hamas.

The event will feature Dr. Paul de Vries, President of the New York Divinity School, Rev. Robert Stearns, Executive Director of Eagles' Wings, Rev. Dimas Salaberrios, Executive Director of Concerts Prayer Greater New York, Chaplain Marcos Miranda, Commander of the New York State Chaplain Task Force, Rev. Dan Stratton, Pastor of Faith Exchange, Rev. Clem Salerno of Calvary Tabernacle, Rev. Gaspar Anastasi of Word of Life Ministries, and Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York.

The conference will be held on Friday, July 25th, 2014 at the Faith Exchange in New York City.

"This conflict between Hamas and Israel could not reveal a starker contrast," says Dr. Paul de Vries, President of the New York Divinity School. "Israel does all it can to protect the lives of all people in Israel and Gaza, while Hamas intentionally terrorizes men, women, and children in both Gaza and Israel."

Rev. Robert Stearns, Executive Director of Eagles' Wings added, "Israel is defending its civilians from over 2,000 rockets that have fallen in the last several weeks, while Hamas specifically directs innocent civilians into harm's way by launching attacks from, and storing weapons in hospitals, schools, and homes. Clear thinking requires that we not stay silent on this issue of the value of human life."

The men hosting the event come from a variety of theological, political and ethnic backgrounds.

On the first Sunday of every October, Eagle's Wings also hosts the largest Israel-focused prayer event in history, where hundreds of millions of people around the world join together to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

The organization's website states that vision is for "sustained, fervent, and informed global intercession for the plans and purposes of God for Jerusalem and all her people." This year, they hope to have at least 175 participating nations and 300 million believers praying for peace.

"With the current conflict in the Middle East, it is crucial that God's people unite, regardless of their particular theological or racial differences, and pray for peace for Israel," says Alex Wang, who regularly participates in the event.

"Prayer is single the most effective and powerful way of changing even the most violent of circumstances," he continued.

For more information on the event, please contact Stephen Jenks at 716-759-1058 or stephenjenks@eagleswings.to