By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

As the country of Israel celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year, members of the Shalom Caribbean Inter-national (SCI) will host its first Judeo Christian conclave in Grand Bahama from October 17 to 18 under the theme "Fortifying the Brid-ges between The Bahamas and Israel, for Peace and Prosperity."

At a press conference yesterday, the SCI announced that this conclave will join Christians and Jews together to give God thanks for Israel's existence.

Alexis Wallace, president of SCI, said that the event will show appreciation to Israel for its heritage and the blessings that the Jews have given to the country and the world.

He noted that the economy of the Caribbean has benefited from Israel with the introduction of the sugar cane, Jewish influences and pioneers of national development.

"Solomon Kerzner who is the biggest employer in The Bahamas has parents who are Russian Jews and Mick Harrison of Carnival Cruise Lines has also descended from Israel," Wallace said.

Tony Gee, president of the Freeport Hebrew Congrega-tion, has welcomed the message of SCI and is focused on fostering a positive relationship with the Hebrew community.

"We welcome all pastors and others from other denominations to join in our celebrations," said Gee.

Sobig Kemp, president of Grand Bahama Christian Council, is in full support of SCI, saying that its role is important to the Christian community because it is committed to establishing communications between Israel and the nation.

"If it were not for Israel's Messiah, we would not be inheritors of the Kingdom to God. We have an obligation to the nation of Israel and we are blessed spiritually."

Kemp admits that those in the community have to have an historical understanding of Israel to know of their "rise to prominence in the last days."

Carmetta Miller, senior manager of the religious market in the Ministry of Tourism, who is responsible for the business of religious tourism, said Israel is an important part of the plan of God and the conclave will bring a better understanding of Israel's impact on the world.

"We see that this linkage will be profitable to those persons to become a part of this move that is happening between Israel and The Bahamas," said Miller.

SCI has also launched a religious television show that carries their message to 40 million people across Europe from Grand Bahama. The show is aired on Faith TV, a channel which features Christian documentaries and biographies, movies, comedy, action and educational programs.

According to Wallace, producers from Atlanta were brought to Freeport by their Ministry and over the course of two weeks, several Grand Bahamian pastors were selected to address, from a biblical perspective, the 'end time' enemies of Judah as they have become "strategically entrenched within our Caribbean."

On Friday, October 17, at the Universal Household of Faith, the conclave will open for a special ceremony, where the president of the South Florida Association of Rabbis, Rabbi Yaakov Nern-berg, will deliver the message to the members and supporters.

At the end of the conclave SCI will officially deliver a DVD and souvenir booklet to the government of Israel to record that The Bahamas has celebrated their historic milestone as it stands in support of Israel.