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Say “NO” to Antisemitism: Letter from Our Executive Director
Dear friend,
Shalom in His grace. I have just returned from a two week trip in Israel. Our hearts are still heavily burdened for the conflict in Gaza. As the war continues, our hearts especially go out to those suffering due to the actions of Hamas and Hezbollah!
The impact of the conflict now stretches across the globe. It has caused the rise of new challenges for the worldwide Jewish community and for Your Mission to the Jewish People, as you can see from the following reports about the growing number of antisemitic incidents in Australia. Sadly, I am certain further events will have transpired by the time my letter crosses your desk or kitchen table. Yet, the pro-Hamas protesters act as if October 7 never happened!
The Chilling Trends
In the months since the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, antisemitic incidents in Australia have sky-rocketed, representing a 738 percent increase compared to the same period one year prior. This dramatic rise in antisemitic incidents is global, especially affecting Western countries where you might not expect this dramatic rise in Jewish hatred.
I am especially astounded by the antisemitism currently raging in England. According to the Community Security Trust, which gathers information on antisemitism in the United Kingdom, there were 3,328 incidents of abusive behaviour, 266 assaults, 305 threats, and 182 acts of damage and desecration throughout 2023. The charity said there was a total of 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the United Kingdom in 2023, up from the previous annual record of 2,261 in 2021.
Countering the Current Wave of Antisemitism
So much of the current wave of antisemitism is rooted in the belief in Israel and Jewish people in general as aggressors. We would not suggest every criticism of the policies and actions of the State of Israel, valid or not, springs from the poison of antisemitism. Yet, from what we have seen taking place across Australia, anti-Zionism and the belief Israel is an illegitimate state is often fuelled by antisemitism.
I am sorry to say Jewish students on our university campuses are feeling the brunt of a growing, unreasonable anger and hatred. They are often targeted by Hamas sympathizers, who are abetted by administrations at various—and not just “elite”—schools, which seem to look the other way and tolerate targeted protests.
Whereas we hope all those who feel the pain of discrimination and prejudice will find help, the overt dismissal of Jewish student concerns is intolerable and unfair. I believe followers of Jesus need to spring into action on behalf of Jewish people.
Should Christians Oppose Antisemitism?
We must ask ourselves the question: “Is opposing antisemitism a spiritual duty for all believers in Jesus?” Today’s antisemitism, seen in synagogue shootings, attacks on a kosher market in France, the taking of hostages at a synagogue in Dallas, and through the growing presence of antisemitism on social media, is no longer merely latent. To a large degree, tensions in the Middle East have exacerbated this growing antisemitism.
However, we would be mistaken in thinking this “oldest hatred” did not exist prior to October 7 or before Israel became a modern state.
After October 7, it did not take long for antisemites to begin targeting Jewish people in Australia, the United States, Germany, England, and across the globe. It is apparent their hatred of Jewish people was not new, and the events of October 7 simply sparked what was already there, causing it to rise to the surface. Really, the opposite should have been the case. It is also remarkable how quickly Hamas sympathizers swept the atrocities committed by the terrorist organization on October 7 under the rug.
Jewish people worldwide are now the objects of anger and contempt by these same sympathizers. It seems as if any Jewish event on campus and in various communities is subject to the wrath of radical and violent advocates who believe their mission is to remove Israel “from the river to the sea.” This terrible surge of global antisemitism needs to be stopped. First, by our prayers, followed by our actions.
The Spiritual Dimensions of Antisemitism
We affirm God chose Jewish people to be His people and to accomplish His purposes (Genesis 12:1–3). At the exact moment God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants, the devil chose Jewish people as his target throughout the ages. The devil hates God, our Messiah, the Bible, and Jewish people.
As believers in Jesus, we must support Jewish people globally, even if we have political disagreements with the modern State of Israel. Affirming God’s chosen people is a personal duty for all Christians and requires our standing against antisemitism.
In light of God’s far-reaching purposes for the global Jewish community, we have no option other than to find ways in this hateful environment to defend and protect Jewish people and to oppose antisemitism wherever we see it today.
Thanks for your love, prayers, and support for Israel and Jewish people—and all who are oppressed by Hamas—especially for the hostages held in Gaza since October 7.
In Him,
Lawrence Hirsch
Executive Director of Celebrate Messiah
Facing Antisemitism:
A Global Challenge
Antisemitism has manifested in various forms throughout history and across cultures. Over the centuries, the common thread has always been a deep-seated animosity towards God’s chosen people. Whether rooted in distorted theology or driven by racist agendas, antisemitism has proven to be a lethal issue… and it is now resurging globally.
Antisemitism in Australia
Australia, known for its multiculturalism and emphasis on “the fair go”, has recently seen a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War in October, the Jewish community in Australia has seen a 738 per cent increase in antisemitic incidents.1 Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told ABC News that “he believed he had seen more anti-Semitism in the past few months than he had seen in his lifetime”.2 According to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), there were 315 reported antisemitic incidents in Australia in 2023, an 803 per cent spike from 35 incidents in October 2022.3 In light of these events, ECAJ co-CEO Alex Ryvchin told News.com.au: “Parents are speaking to their children about not disclosing their Jewishness in public, about hiding Jewish attire and symbols.”4
The “Never Again is Now” movement organises rallies in major Australian cities to stand against antisemitism. Mark Leach, one of the founders of “Never Again” and a Jewish man himself, explained to Vision Media:
“…we have been working since December to form Never Again Is Now, to mobilise Christian people as an act of love for our Jewish friends, to stand up and say: You’re not alone and We’re with you, and We won’t allow anti-Semitism here. People say to me: Oh, but what about the Palestinians? What about the Muslims? What about what’s happening in Gaza? What about what the IDF is doing? You know, those are all really important questions. And my answer is we cannot solve the problems of the Middle East. But we can make sure that Australia remains a place that is free of anti-Semitism.”5
Antisemitism Abroad
According to the Anti-Defamation League, these countries have also exhibited high incidents of antisemitism since October 7:6
- Argentina: In January 2024, there were over 100 reported antisemitic incidents, marking a 600% increase compared to January 2023.
- Austria: From October 7 to December 31, 2023, antisemitic incidents increased by 500% compared to the same period in 2022. For the entire year of 2023, there was a 60% increase compared to 2022.
- Brazil: The CONIB reported a 961% increase in antisemitic incidents during October 2023 compared to the previous year.
- Denmark: In 2023, there were 121 antisemitic incidents, representing an increase of 1244%.
- France: According to the Minister of Interior, there were 1,242 antisemitic incidents from October 1 to December 31, 2023, a 1000% increase compared to previous months.
- Germany: In 2023, police registered 5,154 antisemitic incidents, an increase of 95%.
- Italy: Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi reported 135 antisemitic incidents between October 7 and December 31, 2023.
- Netherlands: In 2023, there were 379 antisemitic incidents, an increase of 245%.
- New Zealand: In a survey conducted by December 14, 2023, 50% of Jewish parents of children aged 9-18 reported that their children experienced antisemitism in schools.
- Poland: In 2023, there were 894 antisemitic incidents, an increase of 91%.
- South Africa: According to the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, there were 41 antisemitic incidents in October 2023, a significant increase compared to previous years.
- United Kingdom: In 2023, the Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents across the UK, the highest total ever recorded in the United Kingdom.
Europe
The soaring of anti-Israel fervour following October 7 has exacerbated antisemitism in Europe. Shortly after the war began, rioters stormed a Russian airport where a flight from Israel was landing. In one video of the incident, someone said, “We are here for the Jews; we came to kill them with knives and shoot at them.” In the same region, rioters met at a hotel where they thought Israelis were staying. Rioters only left after checking passports to ensure no Israeli citizens were present.8
Recent anti-Israel views have especially erupted in the United Kingdom, to the point of interfering with its democratic government. Massive demonstrations gathered tens of thousands of people, rocking London and other major cities. In February, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned Britain was falling into “mob rule” as Jewish officials or those who support Israel feared for their safety.9 For instance, Mike Freer, a Conservative member of Parliament representing an area with a large Jewish community and who defended Israel, resigned after an attempted arson attack at his office.10
North America
Jewish people have lived peacefully in the United States and Canada for generations and have significantly contributed to North American culture. However, attacks on American synagogues since 2018 signalled a shift. They caused many Jewish people to worry about the basic physical safety of their families and institutions. The Canadian Jewish community has had similar concerns. Shimon Koffler Fogel, president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, explains: “Antisemitism isn’t just a real and present threat today, it’s a problem growing at a frightening rate. In Canada alone, anti-Jewish hate crime has increased 52 percent since 2020.”11 Hamas’ horrific massacre on October 7, 2023, was another turning point for North American Jewish people when antisemitic views became acceptable and mainstream. Especially on social media and college campuses, many voice support for Hamas. According to one poll, more than half (51 percent) of eighteen- to twenty-four-year-olds say Hamas’ attacks on October 7 “can be justified by the grievance of Palestinians.”12
Islam
Antisemitism is a central part of modern Islamic extremism. The Hamas charter, for instance, claims “the Zionists” are to blame for every war in the world.13 Less than a month after the October 7 massacre, the Palestinian Authority, which has a strong track record of financing terrorism, instructed Muslim preachers to speak of “the Muslim destiny to exterminate Jews.”14 Violent, radical Islam represents a comparatively small part of the Muslim world, but it has taken a devastating toll on Israel and the world.
Increased sympathy for Islamic extremism in the West has spread this form of antisemitic fervour around the world. Young adults, especially, are propagating age-old stereotypes about Jewish people through social media. In one TikTok trend, users affirmed a letter Osama bin Laden wrote more than twenty years ago, which blamed Jewish people for 9/11. It also decried “the devastating Jewish control of capital [wealth],” appealing to the antisemitic trope of greedy Jewish bankers secretly ruling the world.15 Hamas has many defenders who ignore or gloss over their explicitly antisemitic aims.
1 Duncan Evans, “Australian Jews Suffer 738 Per Cent Spike in Antisemitic Abuse,” news.com.au, December 16, 2023, https://www.news.com.au/national/australian-jews-suffer-738-per-cent-spike-in-antisemitic-abuse/news-story/33ed1f60ff568d31ce399b325bbc03a2.
2 “Mount Scopus Memorial College Vandalised with Anti-Semitic Graffiti,” ABC News, May 27, 2024, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-27/mount-scopus-memorial-college-anti-semitic-graffiti/103896566.
3 Julie Nathan, Preliminary Report on Antisemitic Incidents Since October 7 Attack (Executive Council of Australian Jewry, 2024), https://www.ecaj.org.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ECAJ-preliminary-report-antisemitic-incidents-since-Oct-7-attack-1.pdf.
4 Duncan Evans, “Australian Jews”.
5 “Christian-Led Movement Against Hatred,” Vision Christian Media, accessed June 11, 2024, https://vision.org.au/news/christian-led-movement-against-hatred/.
6 “Global Antisemitic Incidents in Wake of Hamas’ War on Israel,” Anti-Defamation League, accessed June 11, 2024, https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/global-antisemitic-incidents-wake-hamas-war-israel.
8 “Russians Storm Airport in Attempt to Attack Passengers of Israeli Flight,” Jerusalem Post, October 29, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-770738.
9 “‘Mob Rule’ Replacing Democracy in Britain, Warns PM Sunak,” Reuters, February 28, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/mob-rule-replacing-democracy-britain-warns-pm-sunak-2024-02-28/.
10 “British Lawmakers Fear for Their Lives amid Pro-Palestinian Threats,” All Israel News, March 1, 2024, https://allisrael.com/british-lawmakers-fear-for-their-lives-amid-pro-palestinian-threats.
11 “Jews Remain Most Targeted Religious Group for Hate Crime in Canada, Second Overall,” Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, August 2, 2023, https://www.cija.ca/jews_remain_most_targeted_religious_group_for_hate_crime_in_canada_second_overall?utm_campaign=2023_10_16_ncri_release&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cija.
12 “Poll: Young US Voters Likelier to Blame Israel, Tend to Trend Pro-Hamas,” Jewish News Syndicate, October 24, 2023, https://www.jns.org/poll-young-us-voters-likelier-to-blame-israel-tend-to-trend-pro-hamas/.
13 The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement,” The Avalon Project, August 8, 1988, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp.
14 Itamar Marcus, “PA Teaches about Muslim Destiny to Kill Jews just 2 Weeks after Oct. 7 Massacre of Jews,” Palestinian Media Watch, October 22, 2023, https://palwatch.org/page/34677.
15 Danielle Greyman-Kennard, “Pay with the ‘Blood of Christians’: TikTok Users Share Agreement with Bin Laden’s Letter,” Jerusalem Post, November 16, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/international/islamic-terrorism/article-773472.
Action Steps
If you hear about any antisemitic activities in your local community, please address them as you are able—and deem safe—in the following ways:
- Education and Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the history and impact of antisemitism. Share articles online about antisemitic incidents in your area. Our Online Shop also has a variety of resources on this issue where you can learn more: celebratemessiah.com.au/shop
- Speak Out: Challenge antisemitic remarks, misinformation, and stereotypes whenever you encounter them. Use your voice to stand against hate speech in your community, workplace, and online.
- Support Jewish Communities: Attend a local rally, patronise Jewish businesses, and show solidarity with your local Jewish community. Visible support can help counter feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
- Report Antisemitic Acts: If you witness or experience antisemitism, report it to the appropriate authorities or organisations that track hate crimes. Accurate reporting helps to understand the scope of the problem and mobilise resources for action.
Download our “Stop the Hate” booklet at celebratemessiah.com.au/stop-the-hate
You can also invite Celebrate Messiah to your church or organisation to discuss this important issue. To book one of our speakers, go to: celebratemessiah.com.au/presentations
News Briefs
SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT IN TEL AVIV
In Tel Aviv, like in many big cities, there is a significant homeless population. Some of our staff in Israel collaborate with other ministries to provide hot meals to those in need. At a recent event, one of our staff members sang from the book of Psalms and Isaiah 53, pausing to explain their meanings. Sitting beside our staff was Shaul*, who knew several psalms by heart. Although he did not want to believe in Jesus, saying, “I am a Jew,” he listened intently and sometimes joined in. Shaul, who had once been active in synagogue and Jewish traditions, had fallen into darkness and mental struggles through dabbling in the occult. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for everything; you are so kind and thoughtful.” Please pray for his salvation.
A Jewish woman volunteered at the same event and heard the gospel while serving. Although our staff had previously tried to study the Bible with her, this experience made the words of Scripture come alive for her. She was deeply moved by the testimony of a gentleman whom Jesus had rescued from the darkness of addiction and hopelessness. Now, he lives with purpose and serves God. Our volunteer had not realized it was possible for these men and women to escape the prison of addiction.
HURTING JEWISH MAN RECEIVES HEALING
About seven years ago, a Jewish man named Yakov* began attending the congregation where one of our staff members in Chicago serves. Yakov came by bicycle, often spoke about experiencing antisemitism in Ukraine and how, as a boy, he had to stand up for his mother. Then, one day, he disappeared, and no one knew what had happened to him.
Then, three years ago, Yakov contacted our staff member, who barely recognized him. Yakov had suffered several heart attacks and strokes and was now in a nursing home. When our staff member visited him, they left with a heavy heart. Yakov was confined to a wheelchair, struggled to speak, and frequently swore. He did not want to talk about God and only sought help with practical tasks.
Due to the pandemic, visits were infrequent. However, each time our staff member visited, they laid hands on Yakov and prayed for Jesus’ mercy on him. Gradually, miracles began to happen. Yakov’s speech started to improve, and he eventually stopped swearing. He began asking questions about God, forgiveness of sins, and Jesus (Yeshua). For the first time, they spent an entire hour talking solely about God and eternal life. Before the staff member left, Yakov said, “I want to pray to Yeshua,” and they prayed together. Another Jewish soul was saved!
DETOUR LEADS TO DIVINE ENCOUNTERS
When our staff travel, they seek opportunities to share the gospel with those they meet. In San Francisco, a couple from our team planned to drive down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. However, their navigation system rerouted them away from the ocean drive they anticipated.
Instead, they decided to go on a hike. On the trail, a woman approached them, mentioned her Jewish heritage from Europe and, upon learning that our staff were Messianic Jews, asked, “Tell me about your Jesus experience.” She took their contact information, and they left feeling joyful. This was just one of several opportunities to share about the Lord during their short hike.
The Holy Spirit has an adventure in Jesus the Messiah for all of us. Often, what we see as “detours” in life are actually God’s guidance to better experiences.
* All names changed for confidentiality.