International (MNN) – Describing antisemitism as “on the rise” would be disingenuous. The truth is that antisemitism has been a constant part of history since the time of the Old Testament. In the words of Joel Richardson, author and teacher with Global Catalytic Ministries, describes hatred of the Jewish people as “the single most consistent form of racism throughout the history of mankind.”
Since God called Abram to father His chosen people, Abraham’s lineage has faced hatred and persecution based on the sole fact that those people are Jewish. That hatred has led to some of the most devastating atrocities in world history. And tragically, antisemitism continues to persist even in our current culture.
“It’s become a legitimate phenomenon, once again, a rise of global hatred of the Jewish people,” Richardson says. “It’s not simply directed toward Israelis, but all Jewish people, and it’s becoming incredibly, incredibly concerning.”
This hatred has escalated beyond name-calling and prejudice – although those are bad enough – to physical violence. “We’ve seen the murder of Jewish Americans simply because they’re Jewish,” Richardson says. “But it’s said to be all done under the guise or under the banner of protest of the State of Israel.”
That is the elephant in the room. The politics of the Gaza conflict have led many to protest the actions of the Israeli government. Protest is one thing. Unfortunately, some have taken things a step further, conflating Jewish people with the state of Israel and enacting violence.
That is unacceptable, especially for the Church. In Richardson’s words: “Our ultimate job is not to be political commentators, our ultimate job is to seek the reconciliation of all people to God to their Creator.”
As followers of Jesus – who himself was Jewish – we must show compassion. We are called to love neighbors, enemies, and anyone made in God’s image. Fortunately, some Christians are already following through on that duty. “In the land of Israel, we’ve seen some beautiful efforts to reconcile believers, Jewish and Arab,” Richardson says. “Ultimately, it’s only in Christ that we see real reconciliation.
“We as followers of Jesus need to express compassion. We must express understanding when people have different opinions than us.”
If you’re fortunate enough not to see antisemitism in action, pray for those who do. “I’m praying for those that are on the ground, those that are proclaiming the gospel that are making disciples that are pursuing reconciliation[…] I’m praying to support the fruit and the boldness and the courage of those disciple-makers, those gospel Proclaimers that are on the ground, preaching the only message whereby mankind might be saved and ultimately find reconciliation.”
Learn more about Global Catalytic Ministries.
Header photo courtesy of Unsplash.
