CUFI Club aims to build leaders for Israel

By: Owen McCollum, Staff Writer 

On the CCS campus, one club is making use of Scripture for modern-day activism. 

The CUFI on Campus Club has become a hub for high school students interested in integrating their faith with advocacy.  

The club has deep roots within the Cornerstone community. Christians United for Israel (CUFI) was founded by Cornerstone Church Pastor John Hagee in 2006; the CCS chapter was created to work hand in hand with the wider organization. Since then, the group has grown in numbers and has become a place for students to discuss issues like antisemitism and other Israel-related topics. 

For CCS high school teacher and club adviser Michelle Russo, the goal is more than politics; it's about giving her club members the chance to become leaders with a biblical outlook. 

“The goal of our CUFI on Campus high school club is to educate and inspire our CCS students to understand the biblical significance with Israel, stand in faithful support of the Jewish people, promote respectful dialogue, and encourage leadership rooted in truth, compassion, and a strong foundation of Scripture,” Russo said. 

 Allysa Chappell, a CCS junior, joined the club to learn more about the importance of standing with Israel. 

"After attending several October 7th remembrance meetings, I felt called by the Holy Spirt to stand alongside Israel and the Jewish community,” Chappell said. 

Young people need to know that antisemitism, hatred toward the Jewish people, continues to spread throughout the world, she said. 

“It is important that, as Christians, we show support for our Jewish brothers and sisters and let them know that we will always be there for them,” Chappell said.  

Russo explained that the club's motivation and goals are found within the Bible itself.  

“We advocate, pray, and support Israel because the Bible commands us to do so,” Russo said.  “CUFI’s global mission is committed to confronting indifference and combating antisemitism in all its forms wherever it may be found.” 

Throughout the year, members do more than just simple meetings. Student members even have the chance to travel to Washington D.C., for the Student Advocacy and Leadership Training conference and attend the Night to Honor Israel event. 

The club has also found ways to show support for Israel closer to home. This year, the club wrapped yellow ribbons around the campus trees as a symbol of release for the hostages of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Members have also written letters to Israel Defense Forces soldiers and affected families from the attack.  

For Russo, the personal driving force behind club activities is both simple and straightforward. She believes that supporting Israel is an important part of being Christian. “My stance? I 100% stand with Israel and continually pray for Israel,” Russo said. “God commands us, as Christians to bless Israel, Genesis 12:3" 

As the school year is coming to an end, the club remains focused on the biblical connection of their work. It keeps the spotlight on what Russo describes as an “enduring covenant.” 

“We emphasize God’s enduring covenant with Israel, fostering prayerful support, and encouraging members to live out these truths with faith, compassion and understanding,” Russo said. 

Photos courtesy Michelle Russo