How to Fight Antisemitism

Pastor Martin Niemoller: “In Germany they came first for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.  Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”

1.    Acting on a personal level

  • Do a “heart check” for any hidden prejudices.

  • Spend time with Jewish friends, learning their sensitivities, and demonstrating Yeshua’s love.

  • If you hear derogatory ethnic jokes or slurs, speak up! [“Would you say that same thing about Jesus? He is Jewish.”]

  • Post a sign in your yard or on your car opposing racism and/or standing with the Jewish people (see ideas below).

  • Write letters to the editor of your local paper; post messages of solidarity on social media; ask local politicians to act against incidents of antisemitism.

2.   Acting with your family

  • Emphasize the special place in God’s plan for the Jewish people, and His enduring love for “the apple of His eye” as taught in the Scriptures (e.g., Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 7:6-7; Isaiah 43:4; Jeremiah 31:3; Zechariah 2:8).

  • Pray for God’s protection for Jewish people who are suffering persecution and hatred (especially Western Europe), and for the “peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6).

  • Visit a Holocaust museum, watch an age-appropriate video (Diary of Anne Frank, Fiddler on the Roof).

3.   Acting with your congregation

  • Ask your church leaders if they would be willing to meet with leaders from your Jewish community for the purpose of increasing understanding and building relationships, and facilitate the introductions.

  • Arrange an invitation for a rabbi or Jewish community spokesperson to speak to your congregation on what can be done to assist the Jewish people.

  • Post a sign on church property or take out an ad in the local paper in support of the Jewish people and/or opposing antisemitism (e.g., “Antisemitism is Anti-Jesus” “We Stand with the Jewish People”).

  • Host a movie night (suggested titles below); invite the community to view and discuss.

4.   Acting with the Jewish people

  • Express your concerns – and remorse for hateful acts done in history by those identified as Christians. [See LIFE’s Video “Letter to our Jewish friends.”]

  • See what public meetings (e.g., seminars, classes) your local Jewish community center or synagogue offers that will further your understanding.

  • When an antisemitic attack occurs (e.g., a swastika is painted on a building, a synagogue window is smashed, or a Jewish cemetery is desecrated), offer to help with restoration.

  • Contribute to the welfare of Holocaust survivors or other Jewish people in need (we can suggest organizations worthy of support).

Suggested resources:

Books:

  • Brown, Michael. Our Hands Are Stained With Blood. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, 1990.

  • Flannery, Edward H. The Anguish of the Jews. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1965.

  • Lutzer, Erwin. Hitler’s Cross. Chicago: Moody Press, 1995.

  • Rausch, David. A Legacy of Hatred. Chicago: Moody Press, 1984.

  • Schoenfeld, Gabriel. The Return of Anti-Semitism. San Francisco: Encounter Books, 2004.

Films:

  • Denial

  • Life is Beautiful

  • The Devil’s Arithmetic

  • The Pianist

  • Diary of Anne Frank

  • Son of Saul

  • Fiddler on the Roof

  • Ida