# Israel Empowerment Lobby

Israel Empowerment Lobby (IEL) is a public organization, supported by a parliamentary lobby, focused on promoting Israel's interests within the Christian community, especially among Christian lawmakers, government leaders, and officials.

## History
### Creation

The founder of the lobby is attorney at law Eli Nacht. During his time as an advisor to the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Hamed Amar, a public organization in support of Israel was created, as well as a parliamentary lobby of the same name, which was led by Hamed Amar and later by Tali Ploskov. The lobby operated with the support of Knesset members, mayors, and other high-ranking officials.

### Activities

The Israel Empowerment Lobby operates in the U.S. Congress, promoting a bill to end U.S. funding for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), as well as offering financial incentives for Palestinian families wishing to emigrate from the Occupied Palestinian territories.
The Israel Empowerment Lobby played a key role in establishing diplomatic relations between Kosovo and Israel, leading to the subsequent opening of the Kosovar embassy in Israel.
Efforts were made in the European Parliament, particularly in the Foreign Affairs Committee and Security and Defense Subcommittee, where the European Union's financial support methods for the Palestinian Authority were discussed.
The lobby actively participates in organizing international conferences with the involvement of political Christian leaders, public figures, and businessmen. Additionally, it has regularly arranged pro-Israel conferences and legislative delegations to the parliaments of the other countries.
As part of its work with the Christian world, the Israel Empowerment Lobby has repeatedly organized Israeli parliamentary delegations that participated in the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington (an annual event where leading global politicians, business elites, diplomats, and religious leaders meet), with the participation of Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
As part of the organization's activities, Israeli delegations have met with heads of state from countries such as Canada, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Ethiopia, and others.

## Projects

* Compiled from website Israel Empowerment Lobby
Finland: A delegation headed by Eli Nacht and Lia Shemtov, the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, visited six locations in Finland as part of the lobby's collaboration with the Christian embassy, conducting explanatory work in support of Israel.
Greece, Cyprus: With the help of the lobby, the first-ever International Holocaust memorial day ceremonies were initiated, supported by Israeli embassies and local Christian communities, with the participation of spiritual leaders and government officials from these countries.
South Africa: The lobby played an active role in organizing an international conference in Jerusalem, which included business representatives from South Africa and other African countries.
Taiwan: The lobby was part of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation to Taiwan, where they were hosted by the Taiwanese parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Delegations from Russia and Mongolia also participated in the meeting.
South Korea: The lobby was part of a delegation to South Korea, invited by the International Youth Fellowship (IYF), led by Ock Soo Park. Ministers of education and youth affairs from 14 countries participated in the meeting. Meetings were organized in the parliament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government institutions.
United States: The lobby organized a conference in the Capitol in support of Israel, with the assistance of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski.
Canada: The lobby took part in a prayer breakfast with the participation of Justin Trudeau. The Israeli delegation included Knesset members Hamed Amar and Robert Ilatov. Several meetings were held with Canadian parliamentarians Mark Adler and Harold Albrecht. Meetings were also held with the head of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Shimon Fogel, regarding cooperation in lobbying Israeli interests in Canada.
Poland: The lobby organized a meeting between the heads of Christian communities supporting Israel in Poland and the Director General of the Knesset, Ronen Plot.

## Books

Attorney Eli Nacht presented his book ''Breaking Stereotypes'' on October 31, 2016, at the Moscow International Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism — “Protect the Future''. In order to overcome religious alienation and bring nations together, the book examines the experience of public diplomacy and the efforts of civil society organizations.