Senator Ted Cruz was booed at a conference yesterday held by a pro-Middle East Christian group for saying he defends all religions, including Christians and Jews. Hostility from the In Defense of Christians crowd came raining down when Cruz went outside the box and stood in defense of religions outside of Christianity.
“Tonight, we are all united in defense of Christians,” Cruz stated. “Tonight, we are all united in defense of Jews. Tonight, we are all united in defense of people of good faith, who are standing together against those who would persecute and murder those who dare disagree with their religious teachings.”
He added, “Christians have no greater ally than Israel.”
That’s when the crowd turned against him, prompting Cruz to end the night by saying “If you will not stand with Israel, then I will not stand with you.” He then said, “Thank you, and God bless you” and walked off.
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You would think that here in America, the foundation of religious freedom for all would be a staple – especially for a group that stands against persecution of one particular religion.
The group In Defense of Christians features Middle Eastern leaders that seek to raise awareness about the threats to Arab minorities from ISIL.
Perhaps though, Cruz and his staff should have vetted the event more thoroughly. As the Free Beacon pointed out earlier yesterday, the group is “funded by a controversial Clinton donor” and featured “pro-Hezbollah and pro-Assad speakers.”
The IDC President issued a statement on the incident, but did not apologize or mention Cruz by name. The statement brushes off the incident, saying “At every wedding, there are a few wedding crashers.”
