The annual NRB Breakfast to Honor Israel at the NRB 2025 Convention in Grapevine, Texas brought together faith leaders, Israeli representatives, and supporters of Israel during an especially critical moment in history.
Chris Mitchell, Christian Broadcasting Network’s Middle East bureau chief, emceed the event.
“It’s an honor to welcome you to this year’s Breakfast to Honor Israel, which I believe is one of the most meaningful gatherings of this year’s convention,” Mitchell said. “Especially as Israel goes through one of its most difficult times in its history.”
With the weight of current events heavy in the room, attendees paused for a time of silence and remembrance for the Bibas family—four-year-old Ariel, nine-month-old Kfir, their mother Shiri, and their surviving father, Yarden. Just hours before the breakfast, more than 100,000 Israelis lined the streets to honor the family as they were laid to rest.
Bishop Robert Stearns, founder & executive director of Eagles’ Wings, led the gathering in singing the national anthems for the United States and Israel.
“My family and I were in Jerusalem on October seventh,” Stearns shared. “And we were there again when the rockets fell from Iran. Singing these national anthems has never been more important as a declaration of hope.”
The morning continued with a prayer for peace, led by Jim Scudder, Jr., senior pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church and host of “In Grace” on TBN. His words lifted up the region of Israel, calling for the safe return of all hostages and lasting security for the nation.
The breakfast was sponsored by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), and Magen David Adom (MDA). Assad Joe Haddad, a training instructor with Magen David Adom, spoke about the organization’s work in the midst of ongoing crises.
Bringing words of gratitude and encouragement, Ohad Tal, member of the Israeli Knesset, emphasized the resilience of the Israeli people and gratefulness for Christian support.
“All eyes are on Gaza in this war—the war between civilizations and between ideals,” Tal said. “We will win not only through the might of our soldiers, but through our unwavering spirit, the spirit of the Jewish nation, the eternal flame of Israel. … I can only say that the Jewish people will never forget those who stood with us in these challenging times.”
The Honorable Livia Link-Raviv, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest United States, followed with a reflection on the extraordinary story of Israel’s survival and revival, calling the region “a blooming oasis of democracy and hope.”
“The return of the Jewish people to our ancestral homeland after 2,000 years of exile is nothing short of remarkable,” she said. “The rebirth of Israel in the Promised Land embodies the unbreakable connection between the land and the people.”
Link-Raviv acknowledged the dual reality that Israelis have faced during the more than 500 days since October 7—grief and pain, but also remarkable strength and resilience.
“There is a profound sense of resolute determination and resilience as we fulfill our fundamental obligation as a sovereign nation to assure the security and the safety of all Israeli citizens by eradicating Hamas, among others, and of course, to bring back all hostages as soon as possible,” Link-Raviv said. “And let me tell you, these two conditions, eradicating terrorism and bringing back hostages, are the only way in which Israel and Israeli society could start the healing process. And I believe each day brings us closer to achieving these goals.”
With unwavering conviction, Link-Raviv spoke to the spirit of the Israeli people:
“Although we are not large in number, we are mighty in spirit,” she said. “We stand on the shoulders of kings and prophets with a history that spans more than three millennia. And we are determined not only to prevail, but to thrive, and to flourish.”
The morning continued with a time of worship led by Yair Levi, filling the room with melodies of faith and hope.
EJ Kimball, director of Christian Engagement for the Combat Antisemitism Movement, which also sponsored the event, reinforced the critical need for solidarity in voicing support for Israel.
The gathering continued with a firsthand account from Ilan Isaacson, security chief for the Eshkol Regional Council, who recounted the harrowing events of October 7 in a fireside chat with David Parsons, vice president & senior spokesman for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
“My personal family was scattered in four different communities in the region,” Isaacson said. “Of course, I wanted to help, but I had no way of helping them.”
His story was a sobering reminder of the realities of war, but also of the courage and sacrifice that define Israel’s people.
Dr. Susan Michael—president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem’s U.S. Branch, who also sponsored the event, and director of the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) —shared a closing word of encouragement, calling on attendees to sign the ACLI resolution they unveiled at the NRB Convention and sent to the White House the following day.
“We are the privileged generation to be alive today,” she said. “I want to thank you and challenge you to stand up to the moment in history that we live in and make a difference. … Right now, there’s an open door of opportunity to have our voice in the White House on the issue of Israeli sovereignty, over the issue of Judea and Samaria.”
“We stand with Israel because we have a biblical obligation to do it,” said Troy A. Miller, president & CEO of NRB. “If you’re a Christian, that is clear as day. But we also stand with Israel because we have a humanitarian obligation.”
Miller welcomed Nitzan Chen, director of the Israeli Government Press Office, to deliver the closing remarks. Speaking to the room full of Christian communicators, Chen referenced Ecclesiastes 3:7, emphasizing that there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak”—a reminder to approach their role with wisdom and responsibility.
“The media is facing unprecedented challenges, and we are fighting to break through the storm of lies…inflicted on journalists everywhere,” Chen said. “We have to be responsible. If we do not go out and show the world the fiction and lies being spread, …then we are just as accountable as those who have committed the acts.”
The morning’s testimonies, prayers, and songs served as a stirring call to action—a reminder of the importance of standing with Israel in both prayer and deed. The NRB Breakfast to Honor was a gathering that left hearts full and emboldened, inspiring those who attended to continue being voices of hope and solidarity.
About the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM). CAM is a global coalition uniting over 700 partner organizations and engaging three million individuals from diverse backgrounds to combat antisemitism worldwide. Learn more at their website.
About the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). Established in 1980, the ICEJ is a Christian Zionist organization based in Jerusalem, aiming to express Christian support for Israel and the Jewish people through various humanitarian and advocacy initiatives. Learn more at their website.
About Magen David Adom (MDA). MDA serves as Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, and blood services organization, providing emergency care and blood donations to save lives across the country. Learn more at their website.
The NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention will take place in Nashville, Tenn. from February 17–20, 2026. For more information, go to www.nrbconvention.org.