JERUSALEM, Israel -- Nearly 2,000 supporters gathered in the shadow of Jerusalem's Temple Mount on Wednesday evening to attend Glenn Beck's Restoring Courage rally.

While the rally drew criticism from some, other Israelis supported the event - especially in light of the immediate dangers facing the Jewish state.

"We see how many enemies Israel has," Deputy Knesset speaker Danny Danon told CBN News.

"This coming September, there will be a vote in the U.N. against Israel for the creation of a Palestinian state and, for that matter, what we are doing here [at the rally]. We are saying we will not abandon the Jewish people," Danon said.

Pastor John Hagee, founder and chairman of Christians United for Israel, welcomed Beck's message.

"I've been advancing the cause of Christian Jewish relationship for 30 years, but it's good to see other voices pick up the message and spread it to the nations of the world," Hagee said.

Beck warned of dangerous times ahead. 

"Threats are mounting and evil is growing. Darkness is falling," he said.

Beck said Israel and Israelis exemplify courage, but he said in light of nearly universal and constant condemnation, Israel should not lose heart.

"My friends do not lose hope. You must not lose confidence in yourself. You must have courage.  You must draw courage from the knowledge that you were led to this land by God," Beck said.

"Israel is here because the God of Abraham keeps His covenants," he said.

Beck criticized the United Nations and international human rights groups that routinely condemn Israel. He also announced plans to begin a global movement to defend the Jewish state.

"And I will ask them to join me in standing in defense of Israel, the Jewish people, responsibility and the truth," he said.

Beck will address other rallies in South Africa, South America, and then Texas on Sunday about this new initiative.

*Originally aired August 25, 2011.