Contact: Joel James, Eagles' Wings, 716-759-1058

NEW YORK, May 29, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The eighth annual Jerusalem Banquet, a gala event gathering influential leaders from both Christian and Jewish communities, was held Thursday, May 23, at the historic Essex House on Central Park West.

This timely and important evening included an address from Israeli Ambassador Ido Aharoni. Prominent members of the Host Committee included Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Fernando Cabrera, Rabbi Yaakov Kermaier, and other religious leaders.

Event Co-Chair Rev. Dr. Robert Stearns spoke to the crowd, enthusiastically sharing, "We are better together, stronger together. We must pass on to the next generation love for Israel and the values she embodies."

Joining Dr. Stearns at the event was an extraordinary leader, whose life has served Israel and the great city of New York for many years, Dr. A.R. Bernard of the Cultural Christian Center in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Bernard was honored for his dedication and service through the establishment of a scholarship which will send college students to Israel as part of the Israel Experience College Scholarship Program.

In response to the evening tribute, Dr. A.R. Bernard addressed the attendees, saying, "I stand with Israel, because Israel is more than just another nation, it is an example of God being a covenant-keeping God. Israel tells me that God is going to be true to His covenant with me."

Several graduates of the program represented those in attendance. Chuka Ikpeze, 2012 Scholar expressed how his life had been profoundly impacted during the 3 week trip, "[This program] was personally life-changing, and provided me a stellar and unparalleled opportunity to become an effective advocate for Israel in my sphere of influence." Catherine Gunsales, 2012 Scholar shared how the Israel Experience gave her the first-hand understanding to help write a resolution adopted by the State of Kansas in support of Israel. She said, "My heart has been educated, my eyes enlightened, and mind trained through my relationship with Eagles' Wings and the Israel Experience."

Support was raised from the evening to scholarship the best and brightest of tomorrow's Christian leaders to participate in the eighth annual Israel Experience Program this summer, a study tour which gives tomorrow's leaders an educated heart for Israel. Each year in perpetuity, students will be sent in the names of key Christian and Jewish leaders, to ensure pro-Israel support throughout the next generation.

For more information, visit: www.jerusalemprayerbanquet.com or call 1-800-519-4647.