Antisemitism
Antisemitism is a major problem
Antisemitism is at its highest in decades. In our current world, antisemitism is not something that is secretly believed and hidden. Being openly antisemitic is acceptable in current society and even, at times, admirable. More than ever, Jewish people need believers in Jesus to stand with them against this awful hatred!
This page is designed to help you understand and stand against antisemitism. Click on the links below to help with faster navigation.
What is Antisemitism
Antisemitism is hostility, prejudice, or discrimination directed against Jewish people. Throughout history it has taken different forms and led to many horrible results…
Below are resources to help you learn more about what antisemitism is
Evergreen version of David and Levi’s videos
https://www.lifeinmessiah.org/jewish-evangelism-training/history-of-christian-antisemitism
How Does Life in Messiah Respond to Antisemitism?
How to Fight Antisemitism
Pastor Martin Niemoller: “In Germany they came first for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”
1. Acting on a personal level
Do a “heart check” for any hidden prejudices.
Spend time with Jewish friends, learning their sensitivities, and demonstrating Yeshua’s love.
If you hear derogatory ethnic jokes or slurs, speak up! [“Would you say that same thing about Jesus? He is Jewish.”]
Post a sign in your yard or on your car opposing racism and/or standing with the Jewish people (see ideas below).
Write letters to the editor of your local paper; post messages of solidarity on social media; ask local politicians to act against incidents of antisemitism.
2. Acting with your family
Emphasize the special place in God’s plan for the Jewish people, and His enduring love for “the apple of His eye” as taught in the Scriptures (e.g., Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 7:6-7; Isaiah 43:4; Jeremiah 31:3; Zechariah 2:8).
Pray for God’s protection for Jewish people who are suffering persecution and hatred (especially Western Europe), and for the “peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6).
Visit a Holocaust museum, watch an age-appropriate video (Diary of Anne Frank, Fiddler on the Roof).
3. Acting with your congregation
Ask your church leaders if they would be willing to meet with leaders from your Jewish community for the purpose of increasing understanding and building relationships, and facilitate the introductions.
Arrange an invitation for a rabbi or Jewish community spokesperson to speak to your congregation on what can be done to assist the Jewish people.
Post a sign on church property or take out an ad in the local paper in support of the Jewish people and/or opposing antisemitism (e.g., “Antisemitism is Anti-Jesus” “We Stand with the Jewish People”).
Host a movie night (suggested titles below); invite the community to view and discuss.
4. Acting with the Jewish people
Express your concerns – and remorse for hateful acts done in history by those identified as Christians. [See LIFE’s Video “Letter to our Jewish friends.”]
See what public meetings (e.g., seminars, classes) your local Jewish community center or synagogue offers that will further your understanding.
When an antisemitic attack occurs (e.g., a swastika is painted on a building, a synagogue window is smashed, or a Jewish cemetery is desecrated), offer to help with restoration.
Contribute to the welfare of Holocaust survivors or other Jewish people in need (we can suggest organizations worthy of support).
Suggested resources:
Books:
Brown, Michael. Our Hands Are Stained With Blood. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, 1990.
Flannery, Edward H. The Anguish of the Jews. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1965.
Lutzer, Erwin. Hitler’s Cross. Chicago: Moody Press, 1995.
Rausch, David. A Legacy of Hatred. Chicago: Moody Press, 1984.
Schoenfeld, Gabriel. The Return of Anti-Semitism. San Francisco: Encounter Books, 2004.
Films:
Denial
Life is Beautiful
The Devil’s Arithmetic
The Pianist
Diary of Anne Frank
Son of Saul
Fiddler on the Roof
Ida
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Books:
Brown, Michael. Our Hands Are Stained With Blood. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, 1990.
Flannery, Edward H. The Anguish of the Jews. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1965.
Lutzer, Erwin. Hitler’s Cross. Chicago: Moody Press, 1995.
Rausch, David. A Legacy of Hatred. Chicago: Moody Press, 1984.
Schoenfeld, Gabriel. The Return of Anti-Semitism. San Francisco: Encounter Books, 2004.
Films:
Denial
Life is Beautiful
The Devil’s Arithmetic
The Pianist
Diary of Anne Frank
Son of Saul
Fiddler on the Roof
Ida