Mutti and Akuchie are pictured with Pastors: Randy Raynes, Clinton Hearns, and Jerry Laudermilk
A letter sent by over one hundred clergymen from North Central Ohio to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on January 21, 2017.
This letter pertains to the controversial United Nations Resolution 2334 which states that Israeli’s ownership of East Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Golan Heights, has no legal validity.
According to one of the authors of the letter, Benjamin Mutti, “This letter was written to draw a line in the sand. While this anti-Semitic dictate opposes Israel’s right to the Promised Land, we stand unapologetically with Israel; we give up no ground on this issue. For Zion’s sake, we will not remain silent, for Jerusalem’s sake we will not remain quiet. May the Prime Minister always know that his country will always have friends in North Central Ohio.”
Area pastors believe this letter can help facilitate the reconciliation process between not only the nations of Israel and America,, but also between the GOD of Israel and America.
One of the signers Reverend El Akuchie remarks, “With Holocaust Remembrance Day this past weekend, our hope is that this letter serves notice to the Trump Presidential Administration.”
His Excellency Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
Office of the Prime Minister
3 Kaplan St. Hakirya
Jerusalem, Israel
91950
January 21, 2017
Re: Apology from Ohio clergymen regarding Obama Administration betrayal
Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,
You are a man of great valor and the welfare of your nation lays heavy on our hearts. It is our honor and privilege to send greetings to you from the state of Ohio. Even so, it is with heavy hearts that we are writing to you…..
In May of 2015, one of your patriots, Mr. Eeki Elner, shared a message at our National Day of Prayer assembly on the public square in downtown Mansfield, Ohio.1 Mr. Elner, the son of a Holocaust survivor and now the Founder of the Israeli Leadership Institute, spoke about how his hometown of Sderot, Israel has been targeted by more than 13,000 rockets and missiles since 2001. He spoke to us about not giving up on our faith founded on the promises in the Bible.
Now after almost two years, we want to reciprocate those same heartfelt sentiments to you and your countrymen.
It bears worth noting that Ambassador Danny Danon spoke with great eloquence to the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council after the egregious passage of U.N. Resolution 2334. He waved the Bible in the air and asked “This book holds 3,000 years of Jewish history in Israel, and no one can dictate or change that fact. This decision will join the list of shameful and anti-Israel decisions made by this organization.” 2 Suffice to say, we wholeheartedly agree.
Based on our understanding, the UN Security Council Resolution 2334, ratified one day before Hanukah, states that “the establishment of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 have “no legal validity,” and constitutes a ‘flagrant violation’ under international law.” The Council also underlined that it will not recognize any changes to the June 4, 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem. 3
With that being said, as clergy representing over one hundred congregations in North-Central Ohio, we officially oppose U.N. Resolution 2334. We want to formally apologize to you, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and the citizens of Israel for the shameful actions of the Obama Administration and his State Department that have jeopardized the security of Israel and betrayed its trust.
More specifically, we sincerely ask your forgiveness for the inexcusable words by Secretary of State John Kerry suggesting that your nation of Israel cannot be both a Jewish state and a democratic state.4 Mr. Prime Minister, these words are extremely hateful and inaccurate considering that your nation is the only Jewish state in the world, and a Jewish state that happens to have seventeen elected Arab members in your legislative body, the Knesset.5
Nonetheless, we acknowledge your nation’s humanitarian measures that have been taken6-10 and the value for human life your country has shown11-12 despite living adjacent to neighbors who denounce your existence as a people13-16 and denounce your existence as a nation. 17-18
It is no small matter that the Obama Administration gave its approval to Iran, which calls for the extermination of Israel; 19-20 to build nuclear reactors, 21 gave its pledge to defend these nuclear reactors, 22 and yet decries the building of Jewish apartment buildings inside Israel’s own sovereign territory as an international crime.
These actions of the Obama Administration do not represent the will of the governed; furthermore, this Administration has now been deposed. Most assuredly, we believe that the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob gave all the land of Canaan to Israel as an everlasting covenant just as 1 Chronicles 16:15-18 states; with Jerusalem as its eternal undivided capital.
In closing, please be reminded Prime Minister Netanyahu, even though nations conspire against Israel, these people plot in vain. Even though the kings of the earth band together against you and your country, the One enthroned in the heavens laughs. He will make the nations your inheritance; He will be your salvation.23-29
Since our destinies are intertwined together, you will always have friends in Ohio. What affects your country affects our country.30 Beyond a shadow of a doubt, your GOD and His people are fighting and praying for you.
With highest regards,
Benjamin Mutti Reverend El Akuchie
Coordinator Coordinator
Richland Community Prayer Network Richland Community Prayer Network
[email protected] [email protected]
and one hundred and three (103) North Central Ohio Clergy from the counties of Richland, Ashland, Crawford, Morrow, and Huron:
Rabbi William Halbrook, Sar Shalom Messianic Pastor David Guild,Mansfield Foursquare Gospel
Pastor Jerry Laudermilk, Abundant Life Pastor Jack Hackworth, Cook Road Baptist
Pastor De Wayne Smith, Main St. United Methodist Pastor Doug Tackett, Taylortown Community
Pastor Randy Raynes, Fellowship Baptist Pastor Dave Ferrell, Mansfield Holiness Chapel
Pastor James Strieb, Fusion Ministries Pastor Steve Schag, Shelby Calvary Baptist
Pastor Patrick Bailey, North Bend Church of Brethren Pastor Russell Stanford, All Believers in Christ
Pastor Bruce Philippi, Journey Life Center Pastor Dennis Nezrick, Grace Evangelical Free
Pastor Mike Workman, Caeserea Baptist Pastor Ron Puff, Pleasant Valley Baptist
Pastor Les Vnasdale, Cornerstone Grace Brethren Pastor Dink Porter, First Church of the Open Bible
Pastor Robert O’Brien, Apostolic Faith Assembly Pastor Ronnie Conn, Elm Street Freewill Baptist
Pastor Ted Howard, Apostolic Holiness Pastor Marvin Wireman, Shiloh Pentecostal COG
Pastor James Spencer, Peoples’ Baptist Pastor Walter Keib, Shelby First Baptist
Pastor Larry Hulver, New Liberty Baptist Pastor Michael Stine, Clear Fork Alliance
Pastor William Crank, Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Pastor John Campos, Bowman Street Church of GOD
Pastors Les-Grace Farley, My Father’s House Pastor Darrin Thurber, Mansfield Seventh Day Adventist
Pastor James Marshall, Ganges Community Pastor Joe Smith, Ontario Westside Baptist
Pastor Sylvester Ginn, Hesed Agape Pastor Hank Webb, Belmont Community
Pastor Steve Baldridge, Rome Community Pastor Mark Lee, Father’s Garden Community
Pastor Don Wilson, Mansfield Faith Assembly Pastor Bruce Copley, Faith Chapel
Pastor Dallas Waggle, Lucas Foursquare Gospel Pastor William Jordan, Faith Temple COGIC
Pastor Brian Phillips, Stiving Road Freewill Baptist Pastor Rich Hurles, Plymouth Life Point Community
Pastor Art Kennard, Maranatha Christian Center Pastor Jeff Gray, Ontario First Church of GOD
Pastor Bill Lewis, Butler River of Life Pastor Eric Byrom, Mansfield Grace Fellowship
Pastor Matthew Pond, Shelby First Freewill Baptist Pastor Troy Wooten, Christian Life Center
Pastor Kevin Evans, Shiloh Liberty Baptist Pastor Jody Odoni, Ambassadors for Christ
Pastor Mark Dettmer, Pleasant Grove Community Pastor Ferlie Yates, Hanna Road Church of GOD
Pastor Henry Bradley, New Community Temple COG Pastor Walt Jordan, Mansfield Oasis of Love
Pastor Mark Bailey, Mansfield Freewill Baptist Pastor Paul Staton, Bellville Freewill Baptist
Pastor Bill Howell, Shiloh Messiah House of Prayer Pastor Paul Larsen, First English Lutheran
Pastor George Johnson, Shelby First Church of GOD Pastor Rick Lewis, Shelby Church of GOD
Pastor Larry Hill, Bethel Freewill Baptist Pastor Lester Champer, Shelby Church of the Nazarene
Pastor William Henderson, Bellville First Baptist Pastor Ken Kimes, Eagles on the Mount Christian Ctr.
Pastor Glenn Phillips, Hillside First Church of GOD Pastor Ben Gregg, Plymouth Church of GOD
Pastor Willie Mack, Phillipian Community Pastor Michael Sweeney, Impact Worship Ctr.
Bishop Anthony Cooper, Shelby Life Church Pastor Chris Thomas, Diamond Hills Baptist
Pastor Robert Kurtz, Mansfield Baptist Temple Pastor Caesar Coney, Christ Temple COGIC
Pastor Keith Carlisle, Ontario First Wesleyan Pastor Clarence Sanderfer, New Life Baptist
Pastor George Mays, Living Stone Community Pastor David Howell, Power House Worship Ctr.
Pastor James Hill, Paradise Freewill Baptist Pastor Louis Blevins, Latter Rain COGIC
Bishop William Morris Jr., Shiloh Full Gospel Baptist Pastor Tom Zuercher, Ashland Dickey Church of Brethren
Pastor Jeff Mills, Living Stone Community Pastor Joe Maggelet, Ashland Fellowship Christian Athletes Pastor Phil Green, Real Life Community Pastor Ben Roby, Heritage Baptist
Pastor Clinton Hearns, Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Pastor Randy-Mickie Miller, Ashland Bethel
Pastor John Grimm, Shiloh United Methodist Pastor J.C. Church, Victory in Truth Ministries
Pastor Tim Davis, Newville Church Pastor Tom Gruver, Woodlawn United Methodist
Pastor John Bouquet, Bethel Baptist Rabbi Robert Bauer, Beit El Elyon Messianic
Pastor Mark Abel, Southview Grace Brethren Pastor David Mahon, Apostolic Assembly of Galion
Pastor Jake Heskett, Nankin Community Pastor Ron-Darla Ellyson Ohio House Church (Cardington)
Pastor George Swain, Homerville Grace Brethren Pastor David Bates, Unity Freewill Baptist
Pastor Tommy Theisen, Cross Connect Church Pastor Rob Ratcliff, North Woodbury Freewill Baptist
Pastor Paul Tracy, Ashland Lighthouse Pentecostal Sr. Leader Rob Duncan Norwalk Church of the King
Pastor Dan Allen, Ashland Grace Brethren
Cc: U.S. Senator Rob Portman, Ohio
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Texas
Congressman Pat Tiberi, Ohio, 12th District
Congressman Bob Gibbs, Ohio, 7th District
Congressman Mark Meadows, House Freedom Caucus Chairman
Congressman Eliot Engel, House Israel Allies Caucus Co-Chairman
Congressman Trent Franks, House Israel Allies Caucus Co-Chairman
References
1) “Unity, faith encouraged on National Day of Prayer,” by Emily Dech, Richland Source, May 7, 2015, http://www.richlandsource.com/ life_and_culture/unity-faith-e ncouraged-on-national-day-of-p rayer/article_79c6a886-f4e7-11 e4-bf20-976c4af4b895.html
2) “Danon condemns UN Security Council resolution: Israeli UN Ambassador condemns newest UN resolution, dares member states to forbid building in Paris, Washington,” by Uzi Baruch, December 24, 2016, Arutz Sheva 7, http://www.israelnationalnews. com/News/News.aspx/222203
3) UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted on December 23, 2016, http://www.un.org/ga/search/vi ew_doc.asp?symbol=S/RES/2334(2 016)
4) “Kerry to Israel: A state cannot be both Jewish and Democratic,” by Andrew McCarthy, National Review, December 28, 2016, http://www.google.com/amp/s/bc .marfeel.com/amp/www.nationalr eview.com/article/443390/john- kerry-speech-israel-jewish-dem ocratic-one-state-solution-isl am
5) “List of Arab members of the Knesset,” http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki /List_of_Arab_members_of_the_K nesset
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10) “Palestinian medical patients from Gaza find help in Israeli hospital,” By Fares Akram, Associated Press, U.S. News and World Report, May 19, 2015, http://www.usnews.com/news/wor ld/articles/2015/05/19/palesti nian-patients-find-help-in-isr aeli-hospital
11) “Netanyahu on Hamas: “We use missiles to protect our people, they use people to protect their missiles,” by Robert Spencer, Jihad Watch, July 28, 2014, https://www.jihadwatch.org/201 4/07/netanyahu-on-hamas-we-use -missiles-to-protect-our-peopl e-they-use-people-to-protect-t heir-missiles
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13) “’How to Stab a Jew’ taught to Palestinian children: Israel’s UN ambassador,” by Nicole Bitette, New York Daily News, October 17, 2015, http://www.nydailynews.com/new s/world/stab-jew-taught-palest inian-children-article-1.24014 46
14) “’ ‘We are the soldiers of the future’: Palestinian kindergarten holds shocking graduation ceremony with small children performing military-style terrorist drills,” by Darren Boyle, The Daily Wire, July 3, 2016, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/new s/article-3623962/We-soldiers- future-Palestinian-kindergarte n-holds-shocking-graduation-ce remony-small-children-performi ng-military-style-terrorist-dr ills.html
15) “Palestinian Authority Pays Terrorists and Their Families $140 Million a Year: Palestinians using foreign aid to reward terrorists for acts that kill Israelis ,” by Morgan Chalfant ,The Washington Free Beacon, July 7, 2016, http://freebeacon.com/national -security/palestinian-authorit y-pays-terrorists-families-140 -million-year/
16) “Your Tax Dollars Fund Palestinian Terror: How do U.S. aid transfers square with laws against funding terrorism? Willful blindness helps,” By David Feith, The Wall Street Journal, Aug. 11, 2016, http://www.wsj.com/articles/yo ur-tax-dollars-fund-palestinia n-terror-1470957628
17) “Hamas will ‘never recognize Israel,’ PM Haniyeh says to 30,000 Iranians,” By Al Arabiya with Agencies, Al Arabiya News, February 11, 2012 https://english.alarabiya.net/ articles/2012/02/11/193908.htm l
18) “Palestinian Dictator: We’ll Never Recognize Israel’s Existence,” by Hank Barrien, The Daily Wire, December 1, 2016 http://www.dailywire.com/news/ 11247/palestinian-dictator-wel l-never-recognize-israels-hank -berrien
19) “The Iranian Leadership’s Continuing Declarations of Intent to Destroy Israel 2009-2012,” by Professor Joshua Teitelbaum, and Lt. Col. (ret.) Michael Segall, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, 2012 © http://jcpa.org/wp-content/upl oads/2012/05/IransIntent2012b. pdf
20) “Twenty threats made by Iran against Israel in 2013: Rhetoric in the Rouhani era: Could the message be any clearer? Iran broadcast its desire to destroy Israel on top of the missile that can strike Israel and fulfill that desire,” by IDF Lt. Col. (ret.) Michael Segall, March 1, 2014, http://www.israelnationalnews. com/Articles/Article.aspx/1433 6
21) “Obama Admin Gives Green Light for Iran to Build Two New Nuclear Plants,’ by Adam Kredo, The Washington Free Beacon, August 12, 2016, http://freebeacon.com/national -security/obama-admin-gives-gr een-light-iran-build-two-new-n uclear-plants/
22) “John Kerry gave a revealing answer on whether the US will help protect Iran’s nuclear program from an Israeli cyber-attack,” by Armin Rosen, Business Insider, July 23, 2015, http://www.businessinsider.com /john-kerry-iran-deal-israel-c yber-attack-2015-7
23) “Former Israeli Commander: God Protected Us in Battle,” by Chris Mitchell, CBN News, September 16, 2013, http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/ins ideisrael/2013/september/fmr-i sraeli-commander-god-protected -us-in-battle–/?mobile=false
24) “Their GOD changes path of rockets in mid-air: Terrorist said to marvel at Israel’s supernatural protection,” by Joe Kovacs, WorldNet Daily, July 23, 2014, http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/the ir-god-changes-path-of-rockets -in-mid-air/
25) “Senior infantry officer describes Divine protection in Gaza, Givati Brigade commander Ofer Winter says a mysterious cloud shrouded his troops during attack,,” by Stuart Winer, The Times of Israel, July 31, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/s enior-infantry-officer-describ es-divine-protection-in-gaza/
26) “The Two Miracles of Nature Some Israelis Say Protected Them During the Gaza Fighting,” by Sharona Schwartz The Blaze, August 5, 2014, http://www.theblaze.com/storie s/2014/08/05/the-two-miracles- of-nature-some-israelis-say-pr otected-them-during-the-gaza-f ighting/
27) “Hand of GOD sent missile into sea, Iron Dome operator: ‘I witnessed this miracle with my own eyes’ ” by Joe Kovacs, WorldNet Daily, August 5, 2014, http://www.wnd.com/2014/08/han d-of-god-sent-missile-into-sea /
28) “The night ‘God worked overtime’: Ex-Israeli soldier recalls 1976 ‘miracle’ hostage rescue in Uganda ,” by George Morris, The Advocate, May 24, 2016, http://www.theadvocate.com/bat on_rouge/entertainment_life/ar ticle_7c1b20c1-0762-55c2-92a9- 39e3fa7e6f9e.html
29) “The Hand of GOD: Bizarre claims massive storm on Israel-Syria border was sent by God as a ‘barrier’ between Israel and ISIS,” by Jenny Awford, The Sun, December 7, 2016, https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/ 2350533/bizarre-claims-massive -storm-on-israel-syria-border- was-sent-by-god-as-a-barrier-b etween-israel-and-isis/
30) “Eye to Eye,” by Koenig World Watch Daily, http://watch.org/eytoeye