6 Things Christians Can Do Right Now To Combat Anti-Semitism

Last updated on: March 6, 2017 at 4:36 pm by Michelle Van Loon

6 Things Christians Can Do Right Now To Combat Anti-Semitism 2017-03-06T16:36:24-06:00 Michelle Van Loon

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A few days ago, I wrote about the relative silence by Evangelical leaders in regards to the uptick in anti-Semitism we’re seeing in this country. I have been appreciative of the expressions of concern and support by Gentile believing friends, but discouraged by the lack of attention this problem has been given by Evangelical church leaders. Martin Niemöller’s well-known words are a prophetic warning for all of us when it comes to acting on behalf of the marginalized and persecuted.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

In responding to my post, a local friend this week asked what she could do. I offered a few suggestions in a comments thread. I am expanding on them here for those who are trying to figure out what they might do right where they are.

(1) Please pray for the Jewish people. God’s command to pray for the peace of Jerusalem has to do with a place and a people.

(2) If you live in or near a community with a population of Jewish people, call the local Jewish Community Center and find out how you might support them in a practical way. Most have had to pay for extra security, for example. Even a small donation toward those expenses might be a tangible expression of good will.

(3) Urge your local church leader(s) to reach out to rabbis in your community to express concern, support and solidarity. The sooner, the better. Though a note or call once is nice, building an ongoing relationship is a much better goal.

(4) If you live in an area with few Jews, know that the small Jewish population scattered among you may feel especially vulnerable. A synagogue in Evansville, Indiana had a bullet fired through one of its windows last week. I read that this is the only synagogue for at least 2 hours in any direction. If you live in a small town or a suburb distant from a metro area, there may be few Jews nearby, and they may not be especially observant. Also be aware that not all will have an affiliation with a a synagogue. However, in the current environment, ut most may be feeling some measure of new concern about their safety. The Golden Rule applies here, as it does in every circumstance.

(5) If you live in an area with a state Holocaust museum, you may find it of value to attend a lecture or become a member of the museum. And it is worth paying a visit to a Holocaust museum as well – perhaps with a group from your church. My Bible study group spent a morning at the Illinois Holocaust Museum two years ago, and it was a very meaningful time for all of us.

(6) Get informed. Social media can be a cesspool of unhinged ranting and super-sized trollery, or it can be a helpful tool you can use for information. If you’re looking for information about what is happening in the Jewish community in this country and in Israel, these organizations and media outlets are a good place to start. Obvious disclaimer: You probably won’t agree with the politics of this or that particular source listed below. In addition, you may have suggestions for other sources. Please add them in the comments section below.

Jerusalem Post: Twitter Facebook

Anti-Defamation League: Twitter Facebook

Tablet Magazine: Twitter Facebook

American Jewish Committee: Twitter Facebook

The Forward: Twitter Facebook

Israel National News: Twitter Facebook

And if you’re interested in receiving an English-language digest of news stories of interest to Christians culled from Israeli Hebrew-language newspapers, click here to check out the Caspari Center for Biblical and Jewish Studies’ Media Review.

What would you add to this list above?

Note: The title of the original post was “7 Things Christians Can Do Right Now To Combat Anti-Semitism”. There were always six items on this list, but when I proof my own work, sometimes errors happen. Sorry if this caused any confusion.

Everyday Christian life

Uncategorized

Previous Post

February 28, 2017

The New Christian Zionism: A Review

Next Post

March 7, 2017 Touch Not The Lord's Anointed?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Baggage Books Calendar Church and Ministry CVID Ecclesiology Everyday Christian life Faith Falling Upward From The Margins Housing Jesus Movement's Unintended Consequences Midlife Midlife Survey #1 Midlife Survey #2 Moments and Days Out To The Margins Pilgrim's Road Trip Regret Seminary Spiritual Formation Uncategorized What's A Nice Jewish Grandmother Like You Doing In Seminary? When The Heart Waits Writing

Select a Month June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the Christian principle about speaking words?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Always be silent Speak with love and grace Speak harshly Never speak