Aqueen of England once asked her prime minister: "What is the primary evidence for the existence of God?" Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli thought for a moment and said, "The Jew, Your Majesty, the Jew."

His answer was profound and insightful. According to the Bible, God has completely associated and identified himself with Israel -- the Jewish people. He calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jacob's name was changed to Israel.

Because history is filled with attempt after attempt of people desiring to hurt or annihilate the Jews, there is no other logical explanation of their continuation as a people other than the protection and favor of God.

So when one considers the blistering threats of Israel's modern-day enemies, like the president of Iran, to "wipe Israel off the map," I am confident his delusional statements will never happen. They and he will fall to the ground like so many of his like-minded delusional predecessors. As will the attempt to pull financial support from Israel.

As an African-American, I identify with Israel. Black America's history has a wonderful, yet strange parallel with Jewish people. We were both slaves for hundreds of years. Many black American slaves likened the end of slavery to the biblical Exodus of the Jews. Some Negro spirituals like "Crossing over Jordan" and "Moses, Lead Your People Out" attested to that fact.

It is no surprise that blacks and Jews stood arm in arm during the civil rights struggle in the United States. Blacks and Jews together founded the NAACP, the Urban League and other civil rights organizations. Fifty percent of all attorneys representing the civil rights movement were Jewish. The deep friendship that existed 40 years ago between blacks and Jews is thankfully rekindling once again.

Unfortunately, the Presbyterian Church USA voted two years ago to explore phased, selective divestment from certain companies dealing with Israel. This summer, the Presbyterian Church USA meets in Birmingham, Ala., with the debate and profound disagreement over these policies intensifying.

The call for "disinvestment" of Israel is nothing more than a modern-day act of racism. Black America will see it for what it is and stand with Israel.

It is not surprising that certain white traditional church denominations have joined the misdirected disinvestment movement. History is unfortunately filled with people who, in the name of Christianity, have been involved with efforts to hurt the Jews. When will we ever learn?

There is a growing movement worldwide among Bible-believing Christians to stand with Israel and the Jewish people. I never forget those Jews who stood with my African-American forefathers when we needed friends.

As a pastor of a Christian church in Metro Detroit, it grieves me that many white Christians and Christian leaders refused to stand with black Christians during the American civil rights struggle. I am deeply grateful for our Jewish brethren who showed themselves to be faithful friends.

In a day when Israel needs friends, I unapologetically declare my friendship and loyalty with Israel and the Jewish people. Shalom.

Glenn R. Plummer is co-chairman and chief executive of a new group called Fellowship of Israel and Black America, which is a partnership with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. He is also senior pastor of Ambassadors for Christ Church in Detroit.