I knew the night was like no other when I got a call from a stern women with a thick accent who simply said "Who do you know at the Israel Consulate?" After a strict vetting and checking the car for bombs I was in the Skirball Center surrounded by plain clothed cops, suited Israel Security (who win the Hot Cop award), the head of the LA Sheriffs Department, and men in suits that could only be explained 
with 3 initials.The first introduction of the night was to our former "Govenator" Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had warm wishes for his newly split wife Maria. The press had a frenzy with his first public speaking. But it is what he said next that got me, he talked about how his love for Israel developed at a young age, right after his movie "Pumping Iron" circa 1977. Arnold traveled to Tel A Eve with a Teen Magazine and recalled visiting
the historical sights of the Bible on one day and seeing the most technology advanced city the next.The rest of the night was peppered with Spanish Dignitaries, Movie Producers, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Jason Bateman all sharing about moments with Israel that changed their lives. I have always known that Israel was part of my Christian past and future, but I am now realizing how important Israel is to my present.
