A CALL FOR COURAGE
The floodgates have opened and it is difficult to see how this torrent of antisemitism fermenting our world can be held back. Just as anti-Semitism prevailed on the streets of Nazi Germany in the 1930’s where fear took most people captive, so we are rapidly moving in a similar direction. But can we do something?
WHAT IS ANTISEMITISM?
According to the Anti Defamation League, “antisemitism refers to prejudice, discrimination or hostility directed at Jewish people. It is generally based on negative stereotypes, myths, or misinformation about Jews, Judaism or Jewish identity.
Antisemitism can range from offensive or biased comments and behaviour based on that person’s Jewish identity (or perceived identity), to language, rhetoric or actions that demonise, delegitimise or apply a double standard to the Jewish state, Zionism and Zionists. It can also include physical aggression or acts of vandalism targeting Jewish people or institutions.
Antisemitism sometimes targets Jews not as individuals but as a collective – whether that is Jewish organisations, movements like Zionism or the Jewish State of Israel.” A tool that can be helpful in understanding antisemitism is the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance or IHRA definition.
A CALL FOR DISCERNMENT
Today many well intentioned believers are being conned into antisemitic ideas, especially through social media. In recent times our representatives have had conversations with people feeling overwhelmed with concern about loved ones falling for anti-Israel/Antisemitic beliefs. Whether it is on social media, or the mainstream media, within gaming platforms or at the family dinner table, antisemitism can often raise it’s ugly head.
This calls for discernment and deep conviction as it relates to our response. It requires an understanding of the deeper issues at play and what is behind such thinking. Some examples of recent conversations included a man from an Irish Catholic background whose family has become deeply divided over Israel. Those members who have left their Roman Catholic past and take a biblical view of God’s promises to Israel that will provide a future restoration and redemption are in complete contrast to the historically deep-seated beliefs by many Irish Roman Catholics who see the Jews as “Christ killers”. Another lady lamented her sons sudden anti-Israel position he started vocalising after October 7 having been influenced by voices on social media. These influencers can be extreme in their views about Jews and Israel being responsible for all the worlds woes, that they are “oppressors” of the poor Palestinians, and they are committing “genocide”. In this instance, it is usually that the individual being influenced has little to no knowledge of the historical journey of Israel or the Arab populations in the Middle-East and tend to base their views purely on what they hear and perceive to be popular. A third situation has been where a well-meaning Christian has not been exposed to biblical teaching about Israel, nor read widely on the subject and therefore accepts the negative narrative constantly given by their nightly TV news broadcast they have trusted all their lives. When asking their local pastor about what to think, they are told the Jews and the nation of Israel has no relevance any longer because the church is the “new Israel”.
Olivier Melneck writes, “Older antisemitism was aimed at the Jew as a Jew, but contemporary antisemitism is aimed at the Jewish state.” One of the dangers of this new antisemitism is that “it does not pretend to be racial” rather, it creates a veneer of social justice and tolerance that a postmodern generation aligns with. At a personal level, Jews are also still being targeted wherever they go. Whether it is to be hunted down and beaten by muslims at a football game in the Netherlands, or attacked at restaurants, and have their synagogue set alight in Melbourne, sadly Jews are now having to exercise much greater caution as to their identity.
Much of the antisemitism aimed at Israel is presented under the label of “anti-Zionism” which is to deny the Jews a national homeland and instead accuse them as being perpetrators of oppression against the Arab minorities. The “Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions Movement” (BDS) aims to harm Israel economically and through cancellation of anything Israel does either at a national or individual level has less to do with finding solutions to reconciliation and more to do with demonisation of Israel. Equally, “Christian Palestinianism” seeks to delegitimise the Jewish connection to the land and corrupt the biblical narrative that clearly provides for a future restoration of Israel in light of clear promises God made to the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Paul Wilkinson rightly states in his book, For Zion’s Sake, “historical revisionism has inverted biblical truth”.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Know God’s Word: As a Christian mission that seeks to proclaim biblical truth about Israel and the Messiah while bringing comfort to the Jewish people, we believe the starting place is to understand what the Bible says about the identity, history, and prophetic plans God has for Israel and the Jewish people. So, the starting place on this topic is the Scriptures and then there are some helpful Bible Resources and FOI Online Learning.
Become acquainted with Jewish history: The Bible is clear about two things concerning the Jews and the land of Israel. Firstly, they would be exiled from the land and scattered across the four corners of the earth (Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 4:27, 28:64-65), and secondly, they would return to the land before the return of Messiah. (Deuteronomy 4:29-31; Jeremiah 16:15; Ezekiel 34:12, 36:8-12, 38:8).
From the exiles of Israel from 722 BC, Judah from 605BC and later following 70AD by the Romans through to the late 1800’s there is a history of the scattered Jews across the earth that reflects the biblical picture. Through great persecution and suffering there is a well documented history of the Jews finding their way back to the land of Israel and the establishment of a Jewish state we are familiar with today. Through careful study of this people group’s journey in history we can get a more complete picture of how Bible prophecy is being fulfilled even to this day. Learn more about the Jewish history
Speak Up: Your voice can make a difference when it comes to sharing about what God is doing in this world to save people. The gospel message is central to spiritual transformation and as we read in Romans 1:16, The gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”.
Speak up with biblical truth about Israel and the Jewish people by engaging in conversations that firstly present facts. Do so in love with care and concern to bring those you speak to closer to the truth about this important subject. (Colossians 4:6) Defend Israel with facts about the right they have to the land, and defend the Jewish peoples right to live in peace and without demonic hatred that continues to target them as a legitimate people group. Identify the lies being propagated and prayerfully speak against what is false. Encourage those around you to be discerning about what social media they engage with. Finally, invite an FOI Rep to speak at your church or small group to help provide relevant information that can help lift your voice.
Stand Up: Antisemitism calls for our willingness to stand up and show that we disapprove of such hate. Showing support for Israel and the Jewish people will at times be difficult, but if we remember history, then how can we not take a stand.
Today you can make a difference.
Ask your church leaders, where does your Church stand on Israel?
Start a prayer or focus group to pray and learn more about Israel and the Jewish People.
Contact your local member of parliament or a sympathetic politician to register your concern about anti-Semitism. Unless they are a Christian, it is unlikely they will resonate with the biblical basis for supporting Israel and the Jewish people. But history, reason and moral clarity on this issue may help provide a perspective. Highlight the fact that Jews were numbered among those in the first fleet to settle in Australia and who made a significant contribution to our nation and western civilisation more broadly. The Jews helped shape our nation for the better.
Attend or organise a rally in Australia through the “Never Again Is Now” movement or other groups.
Learn about Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism This new initiative by the federal government is a start.
Sign the “Say No to Anti-Semitism Pledge” or the “Never Again Is Now” Christians Pledge.
AUSTRALIAN LEADERS SAY NO TO ANTI-SEMITISM
“Over the last seven weeks, a 482% rise in antisemitic incidents has swept Australia’s shores. We have been alarmed at the offensive language, vandalism and harassment occurring on our streets, university campuses and outside public Australian landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, Flinders Street Station and Parliament.”
A CALL FOR COURAGE
As friends of Israel and the Jewish people, we are calling on you to take a courageous stand against antisemitism where and whenever you are confronted by it. And thank you on behalf of all Jewish people for the stand you are already taking.
In history, courage to care for God’s Chosen People was not common and it often came at a cost. But it was a cost those with conviction were willing to make, believing it was the will of God to stand on the side of righteousness and justice. Today we are calling on you to be people of courage and conviction in bringing comfort to the Jewish people.
“Hate evil, love good, And establish justice in the gate! ” (Amos 5:15a)
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
“For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face.” (Psalm 11:7)
Respond to the Needs that Matter.
We know you are a friend of Israel. Right now, Israel is in the greatest fight it has had since 1948. This is the time to stand with Israel and the Jewish people against their enemies.You can be a shining beacon of hope and bring encouragement to God’s Chosen People in Australia, in Israel and around the globe. Your gift will be used to save & protect lives, provide humanitarian relief in the most basic forms, and build bridges with the Jewish community in ways that foster solidarity and friendship. From medical supplies to food distribution, from clothing to bomb shelters, from fear, loss and hopelessness to security and eternal hope—you are shining a light in the darkness in Israel and beyond. Since 1938, The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry has been ministering to the Jewish people, in Christian love, around the world. Today is no different. Reaching more than 18 countries, especially Israel, The Friends of Israel is proclaiming biblical truth about Israel and the Messiah, while bringing physical and spiritual comfort to the Jewish people.
