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A series of ads from the 1960s featured the slogan, “You don’t have to be Jewish to love Levy’s real Jewish rye.” They were illustrated with pictures of a choir boy, an Asian child, an Italian mother, an Irish cop, and other obvious non-Jews happily munching on the kosher product.
Given the outpouring of Christian support for what Muslim radicals call the Zionist entity, today, we could say, “You don’t have to be Jewish to love Israel.”
America’s 100 million Evangelical Christians are a bulwark of support in a raging sea – antisemitic mobs roaming our college campuses, much of the Democratic party going over to the Palestinians and crass celebrities, like Susan Sarandon, essentially telling Jews they have it coming.
Some 700 members of Passages joined the Nov. 14 March for Israel in Washington, D.C. The organization brings Christian students to Israel to explore the roots of their faith. In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, its members visited synagogues throughout the United States in a show of support.
With an estimated 10 million members, Christians United for Israel raised $2.65 million for Israeli charities in the days following the Hamas massacre. As part of its Don’t Look Away Campaign, CUFI projected pictures of the hostages high above New York’s Times Square, along with images of rope-bound hands, a bloody pacifier and an empty wheelchair.
The Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, promises, “Every time an antisemite spews hate, then we shall express our solidarity with the Jewish community.”
An Evangelical Letter in Support of Israel, signed by more than 2,000 pastors, theologians and educators, declared: “In the wake of the evil and indefensible atrocities committed against the people of Israel by Hamas, we, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn the violence against the vulnerable” and “fully support Israel’s right and duty to defend itself against further attack.”
Dr. Jurgen Buhler, president of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, explains: “God is a covenant-keeping God” who has “affirmed His promise to give Israel the Land of Canaan.”
Russel Moore, editor of Christianity Today, urges: “As Americans, we should stand with Israel because it is a fellow liberal democracy – and a democracy in a region dominated by illiberal, authoritarian regimes. As Christians, we should pay special attention to violence directed toward Israel – just as we would pay special attention to a violent attack on a member of our extended family.”
Catholic theologian George Weigel calls antisemitism “a gangrenous wound eating away at everything from higher education to politics.” The biographer of Pope John Paul II writes: “There is no excuse – none – for the wave of Jew hatred that has washed across the Western world like an acid bath. Antisemitism is usually a sign of social and cultural rot, and this ancient outbreak of an ancient social disease is no exception.”
Skeptics have tried to tie Christian support for Israel to prophesies of the end times to make it seem a self-serving affirmation of Evangelical theology.
For some, that may be true. But it’s far more likely that in supporting Israel and the Jewish people, Christians are re-affirming the roots of their faith. There could be no New Testament without an Old Testament. According to the Gospels, Jesus was not only a Jew but a descendant of Israel’s royal house.
Christian ethics are largely based on the Mosaic code, hence Judeo-Christian morality. While disagreeing on important points, there is so much that unites religious Jews and Christians, especially in the face of the neo-paganism that has captured our culture.
Both religions are under constant assault by a militant Islam bent on world domination, as they have been since the 7th century.
Hamas is an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was founded in Egypt in the 1920s. Then, the Brotherhood had a slogan: “First the Saturday people. Then the Sunday people.” First the Jews, then the Christians.
Consider the relentless persecution of Christians in Pakistan, Somalia, Iran and every other Muslim-majority country. Christians can’t live openly in Saudi Arabia, where Islam’s holiest sites are located, as if the presence of unbelievers would somehow pollute them.
In this civilizational war, Christians and Jews must be united.
Ingratitude is a grave sin. Jews are commanded to thank those who’ve helped us.
As a Jew, words do not suffice to express my gratitude for Christian support of the Jewish state and the Jewish people. Where would we be without them?
Don Feder is a columnist with The Washington Times.
This article first appeared in WashingtonTimes.com.
The earthly old testament promises are for Israel, the spiritual blessings, to Israel, are for both Jew and gentile.
All,
The Christians believe the Messiah has already come, and the Jews believe he hasn’t. This is a really big difference.
Looks like He will be settling that question in the near future. In the mean time, we should realize we are all on His team and treat each other as teammates. Better, as family.
Hannah,
If you recognize God’s Son, Jesus, then you are on His team.
And that bothers you?
Mark,
And the twenty-three thousand that died in the desert?
Numbers 25:9 and 1 Corinthians 10:8
All,
Galatians 3:28,
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Why I (a Gentile) support Israel: Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you. and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
One way Christians and anyone else can support Israel financially is by going to Daystar dot com – a Christian tv network that has supported Israel for years. Since Oct. 7, I think Daystar has sent over $2 million to Israel – for items such as bullet proof vests for the Israeli soldiers. If you want God to bless you, then you can start by supporting Israel – the scriptures tell us that this is how God’s economy works.
Mr Feder.
Congratulations on a great article bringing to light what most Jews DO NOT KNOW. These evangelicals are
Israel’s BEST FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS .
They are directly responsible for putting in office so many Republican politicians who support Israel unconditionally .
Unfortunately cannot say the same about majority of USA jews who support liberal and left wing Israel hating politicians. The reform “rabbi” leader Josh Weinberg who said these people are not welcome at the March for Israel is a disgrace.
As an Evangelical I would like to say “You’re welcome!” to Don Feder for his gratitude.
I dearly hope that the longstanding support for Israel of the Evangelical Church continues to the End of Days.
And, vice versa. Keep in mind, that Christians are the most persecuted “religious” group in the world.
It won’t. There’ll be a separation of the sheep and goats. Again: John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Ive met Jews that I did not like one bit. They felt the same toward me.
At no time did any of us want to see the other dead or harmed in any way.
We simply did not get along. I can work with not getting along.
That Islam thing of wanting to see me harmed or dead, well, that is a sticking point.
I am, but one does not have to be a Christian to get it.
Islam math, the world minus me is a better place. The world minus me and minus a Jew is that much better.
Here, here. Agreed. Thanks to patriotic, pro-Israel Christians.
And, pro-American people of Jewish faith. I question anyone’s dual citizenship. On my grandmother’s side I’m from the Tribe of Levi (I’m Christian). The priests side, not the servant of the priests. Although, both are important.
Thank you for your words, Don Feder.
Evangelical christians, like me, love and support Israel simply because we are sooooo grateful to the Jews. You gave us the Book. The one and only holy Book!
You gave us TRUTH.
That´s my main treasure from you; and not only truth, but THE TRUTH.
And real wisdom. The possibility to experience your living G-d. To have truth and meaning in life.
Forever grateful – and forever a supporter of Israel (without any “but”).
There is NO occupation (please tell and prove that to everybody anywhere – and the basis for “palestinian” support should vanish like smoke, or be based upon an exposed lie).
Israel (from the river to the sea) and Jerusalem belong to the Jews. Historically, religiously, and legally.
Lisa,
Jesus was with us from the beginning of time and the world. The old and new testaments are all about Him. Again, John 14:6. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
We see the age old hatred of the Jewish people. I hope people realize this is also spiritual warfare. There are mysteries that man knows nothing about that will be revealed by Christ. Satan invests his energy in attacking what God loves, and Jerusalem and God’s chosen people are prime targets.
Satan and his demonic forces generate the lies and hate and cause the darkness, death, and war we observe in the world, and they are working overtime as we speak.
The Book of Genesis records the fall of man…the event where humanity rebelled against God and thus exchanged an innocent nature for a sinful nature. Christians know the truth and about the future to come and thats why they are supporting Israel.
The chosen people are those who believe in Christ.
Give it rest. Your inference is that we Jews are never going to be equal to Christians,. Do you even realise how offensive that is? Grow up
Rachelle,
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The time is coming when God will judge the secrets of men, leaders, and nations. What they do to Israel shall be done to them. Its absolutely certain.