Joni Lamb, late Daystar co-founder, named Israel's top Christian ally for 2026

The late Christian broadcaster Joni Lamb has been named Israel's leading Christian ally for 2026, topping the Israel Allies Foundation's annual list of 50 Christian leaders recognized for their support of the Jewish state.

Lamb, the co-founder and former president of Daystar Television Network, was placed first on this year's list posthumously following her death in May.

The annual ranking, released to coincide with Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, recognizes pastors, ministry leaders, broadcasters and other public figures whose advocacy, humanitarian work and faith-based activity have contributed to support for Israel around the world.

Lamb had been a prominent supporter of Israel for years, using Daystar's international Christian broadcasting network to advocate for the Jewish state and mobilize its audience on Israel's behalf.

Her work extended beyond advocacy. Through Daystar's House of Hope Israel initiative, Lamb supported Holocaust survivors and other humanitarian projects in the country.

Israel Allies Award winner for support of the country following October 7

In 2024, the Israel Allies Foundation presented Lamb with its Israel Allies Award in recognition of her support for Israel following the October 7 massacre.

Taking second place this year is Paula White-Cain, the longtime spiritual adviser to US President Donald Trump and head of the White House Faith Office.

White-Cain topped the list last year and is the only person to have been ranked No. 1 more than once since the Israel Allies Foundation began publishing the annual ranking in 2020.

Her relationship with Israel and the Jewish community stretches back years. The Florida pastor has repeatedly emphasized Jerusalem's place in the Judeo-Christian tradition and, through the National Faith Advisory Board, has helped mobilize tens of thousands of American faith leaders.

List includes wide range of Christian leaders

The 2026 list also includes figures from well beyond the traditional world of pastors and Christian ministries, among them Pastor Larry Huch, political commentator Scott Jennings, Erika Kirk and Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi.

"In a time when support for Israel is often tested, these Christian leaders have chosen clarity, courage, and conviction," Israel Allies Foundation President Josh Reinstein said.

"They lead not just in words alone, but by faithful action. Their example strengthens the bridge between our communities and advances the cause of faith-based diplomacy."

The list has become an annual Sukkot tradition for the organization and reflects the particular significance that many evangelical and other Bible-believing Christians attach to the Jewish festival.

Christian interest in Sukkot draws in part from the biblical Book of Zechariah, which describes a future in which people from the nations of the world travel to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.

That connection has for decades brought Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem during the holiday and has also provided the backdrop for the Israel Allies Foundation's annual recognition of prominent Christian supporters of Israel.

Type of people on the list has changed over time

The composition of the list has changed considerably over the years.

Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo topped the ranking in 2023, followed by former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and pastors Larry and Tiz Huch. In 2024, Franklin Graham, president of the international humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse and son of evangelist Billy Graham, took first place.

White-Cain headed the 2025 list, with the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk ranked second posthumously.

The foundation's selection also reflects the broader network it has spent nearly two decades building around what Reinstein describes as "faith-based diplomacy."

Founded in 2007, the Israel Allies Foundation works with pro-Israel parliamentary caucuses around the world, seeking to translate support for Israel among Christian communities into political and diplomatic cooperation.

Christian political support impacts Israel's diplomatic achievements

The organization says its network has now grown to 66 parliamentary caucuses representing more than 1,700 legislators worldwide.

The network includes the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and its counterparts in legislatures across Europe, Africa, Latin America and elsewhere.

The foundation has argued that Christian political support has played a significant role in a number of Israel's diplomatic achievements over the years, from the recognition of Jerusalem to legislation combating the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and antisemitism.

This year's list comes at a time when Israel's relationship with Christian communities abroad has assumed renewed importance amid the diplomatic and political fallout of the wars and upheavals that have followed October 7.

For the Israel Allies Foundation, the 50 names are intended to highlight the individuals who have continued to translate that support into public advocacy and practical action.

"The consistent voice of Christian supporters remains one of Israel's most important strategic, diplomatic and moral assets," the foundation said.

To see the full list: https://israelallies.org/israels-top-50-christian-allies-2026