In a show of continued solidarity, a group of Pacific faith-based leaders reaffirmed their support for Israel during a meeting held Tuesday morning with His Excellency Alan Roth, Honorary Consul Henri Elliot, and Gael Keren from the Astor Foundation.
The meeting was convened as tensions rise in the Middle East, with global concern growing over the region’s instability. One outcome of the unrest has been the temporary closure of the Israeli Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, which also serves Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and Niue.
Teleiai Edwin Puni, speaking on behalf of the Pacific Covenant Friends of Israel, said that the situation is being closely monitored and that plans to host a meeting with the Israeli Ambassador in July have been postponed. “We remain committed to standing in prayer and friendship with Israel, but we also recognise the importance of exercising wisdom and caution during this time,” he said.
As part of this caution, community members were urged to observe safety guidance issued by the Israeli Embassy, including refraining from publicly displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols, which may attract unwanted attention amid heightened security risks.
Teleiai acknowledged that views on Israel and Middle East conflicts differ among Pacific communities. “We are mindful that not everyone shares the same position on Israel,” he said. “If you do not wish to receive future updates, we respect your choice and will ensure you are not included in further correspondence.”
Those who do wish to remain connected are invited to join the Pacific Covenant Friends of Israel — a grassroots network of Pacific Christians, youth, elders, pastors, and community leaders who share a spiritual commitment to Israel based on Genesis 12:3. “We come from across the Pacific, diverse in culture but united in Christ,” Teleiai said. “We pray for Israel, honour her people, and walk in covenant friendship that brings peace and purpose.”
Teleiai encouraged continued prayer for the safety and security of all Jewish people in Israel and around the world, especially during what he described as a time of “uncertainty and volatility.”
The group also announced their recent participation in a regional webinar hosted by MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation. MASHAV operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and runs a wide range of global training programs aimed at advancing sustainable development.
MASHAV offers fully funded (excluding airfare) capacity-building courses across areas such as agriculture, water management, education, gender equity, and public health. These courses are conducted in Israel and in partner countries, bringing together professionals from across the world to learn and exchange ideas. Training includes expert lectures, site visits, and hands-on sessions designed to empower local leaders with adaptable, practical tools.
Current programs include:
- Sustainable agriculture and climate resilience
- Entrepreneurship and agribusiness
- Community development and gender mainstreaming
- Innovation in education and early childhood
- Public health systems and food safety
“MASHAV is one of the most powerful bridges between Israel and the developing world,” said Teleiai. “We encourage interested individuals across Samoa and the wider Pacific to register for future webinars or apply for upcoming in-person training.”
To learn more about the MASHAV program or to join the Pacific Covenant Friends of Israel, contact Teleiai Edwin Puni at [email protected] or by mobile on 021 618 042.
