International (MNN) — The Anti-Defamation League reported 312 antisemitic incidents in the United States between October 7-23 since Hamas terrorists’ attack on Israeli citizens. This is a 387% increase from the same time period last year.
The ADL also tracked anti-Israel protests and rallies in the US. At least 109 had explicit or strong implicit support of Hamas or championed violence against Jews in Israel.
(Photo courtesy of Yoav Aziz/Unsplash)
Nations around the world are seeing similar spikes in antisemitism. On Sunday, rioters in southwest Russia flooded an airport, hunting passengers from Tel Aviv and shouting anti-semitic slogans. Police arrested at least 60 rioters.
Victor Kalisher, Executive Director of The Bible Society in Israel says, “There was an airplane with Israelis coming and [rioters] were all seeking to butcher, to kill, to murder Jews. And you see all that is happening around the world.”
The rise in antisemitic reports begs the question: Is this a resurgent phenomenon? Or has antisemitism always been under the surface?
Kalisher, whose own parents survived the Holocaust, says, “Antisemitism is a demonic virus that many people have. It didn’t disappear. It’s there, and once in a while, in the right circumstances, it comes out.
“You know many leaders that even wouldn’t say anything bad about Hamas. It’s painful. What kind of hypocrisy is that? What needs to happen that people will call evil, evil?”
Victor Kalisher giving a presentation with The Bible Society in Israel. (Photo courtesy of The Bible Society in Israel)
Many Jews in Israel had to be evacuated from risk zones amidst the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza as well as rocket fire from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Sirens blare every day now with incoming missiles, a grim reminder of the horrors they experienced as a nation and people just a few weeks ago.
The Bible Society in Israel is supporting displaced Israelis with aid and hope. Kalisher says, “We’re engaged in helping those that are suffering and we’re engaged in helping the basic needs of people [who] lost everything and were evacuated. For example, they need socks and underwear…and we’re helping with that.
“We also believe that it is more important to try to share the Gospel, share the Good News, share the eternal hope in this time, share the truth of God and the purpose for it all. This is really to bring people to faith.”
Pray for Jews in Israel and worldwide to trust the Lord as their defender and find ultimate peace in Jesus Christ.
Also, Kalisher says, “We pray that God will give wisdom and the fear of God in the hearts of leaders because whatever they do affects the lives of so many people.”
Click here to learn more about The Bible Society in Israel. You can give to their war relief efforts here.
Header photo courtesy of Dave Herring/Unsplash.
