Full Breakdown
Israel Allies Foundation Names Late Broadcaster Joni Lamb Top Christian Ally for 2026
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Announcement
The Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) released its 2026 “Top 50 Christian Allies” list in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The posthumous #1 ranking went to the late Joni Lamb, co-founder and former president of Daystar Television Network. Paula White-Cain, head of the White House Faith Office and longtime spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump, placed second. The list highlights individuals whose public advocacy, humanitarian projects, and religious support are deemed to strengthen ties with the State of Israel.
Background & Context
Founded in 2007, the IAF coordinates a network of 66 parliamentary caucuses that together involve more than 1,700 legislators worldwide. The organization describes its mission as “faith-based diplomacy,” translating evangelical support for Israel into political and diplomatic cooperation. Since 2020 the IAF has published an annual ranking each Sukkot, a tradition that reflects the significance many evangelical Christians attach to the Jewish festival.
Key Figures
- Joni Lamb – Late co-founder and former president of Daystar Television Network; used the network’s global platform and the Daystar House of Hope Israel initiative to aid Holocaust survivors and mobilize prayer for Israel.
- Paula White-Cain – Leader of the White House Faith Office; longtime spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump; has mobilized tens of thousands of faith leaders through the National Faith Advisory Board.
- Josh Reinstein – President of the Israel Allies Foundation; articulates the organization’s view of Christian support as a strategic diplomatic asset.
Timeline
- 2024 – Joni Lamb received the Israel Allies Award for her support following the October 7 event.
- 2025 – Paula White-Cain topped the IAF list, becoming the only person to rank #1 more than once.
- May 2026 – Joni Lamb passed away.
- Sukkot 2026 – IAF unveiled the 2026 Top 50 list, naming Lamb #1 posthumously.
Data & Statistics
- The IAF’s parliamentary network: 66 caucuses, representing over 1,700 legislators.
- The 2026 ranking comprises 50 Christian leaders from diverse sectors, including pastor Larry Huch, political commentator Scott Jennings, activist Erika Kirk, and Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi.
Why It Matters
The IAF argues that organized Christian political support has contributed to several of Israel’s diplomatic milestones, such as the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and legislative actions opposing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. By publicly honoring figures like Lamb, the foundation seeks to reinforce “the bridge between our communities” and sustain what it calls a “strategic, diplomatic and moral asset” for Israel.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Any true evangelical Christian who reads the Bible understands that the Land of Israel was given to the Israeli people and understands why it is so important that we stand with Israel,” — Joni Lamb — Joni Lamb, Christian broadcaster
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source provides differing figures regarding the size of the IAF’s parliamentary network or the composition of the 2026 list. All outlets report the same set of highlighted individuals and the same quantitative claims.
What’s Next
The IAF plans to continue its annual Sukkot release, using the ranking to promote further collaboration between Christian constituencies and Israeli diplomatic efforts.