Antisemitism, Fear, and Hope

What a crazy, difficult, and surreal year we experienced in 2023. One year ago, May of 2023, we took our first young adult trip to Israel. The opportunities the Lord gave us were beyond amazing. We learned about the people, culture, and the land of Israel. We had significant spiritual conversations with over 150 people. 

Then on October 7th our world was rocked. Not only our world, but the entire world. Israel was attacked by Hamas. Men, women, and children were massacred and taken hostage. We were scheduled to leave for Israel on the day the war began. But that day the lid was blown off the metaphorical can of evil as the terror unfolded. Israel was shocked. Antisemitism and persecution of Jewish people around the world began to increase rapidly. 

This year is vying to surpass 2023’s craziness with the ongoing and exponential increase of evil, hate, and confusion. As I survey the current situation of our world, the outlook seems grim. College campuses are being rocked by protests against Israel, pro-Hamas rallies are now common, and Jewish students are being prevented from going to class. Geopolitically Israel is under attack from its neighbors. China, Russia, Iran, and other rogue nations are flexing their muscles. Our country appears vulnerable and weak. Current events and a US election year seem to be polarizing the world in new and troubling ways. People are afraid. 

Jewish people, like everyone else, are experiencing fear, asking serious spiritual questions, and pondering the future. Fear, as difficult as it may be to process, can steer us in the proper direction if processed correctly. It is only when one allows fear to paralyze them that it becomes negative and destructive. We hope to steer people in the direction of our Messiah. Let’s ponder fear for a moment... 

Earthly Fear Is Not from God 

In the midst of the most difficult circumstances of life, God promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. Scripture teaches that God does not give us a spirit of fear but of a sound and sober mind. It is easy to look at seemingly dire circumstances and begin to plunge into despair. However, maintaining focus on the One who gave His life for us drives fear away. 

Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble. But in the very same breath he said, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He also told his disciples that as his return approaches, 

“… You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen... Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:6-7). “Do not be alarmed” is an important admonition. Do not fear!

When one observes fear in others, the human tendency is to become gripped by the same fear. Rather than remembering the promises of God, we who know Jesus can succumb to the temptation to join others in the camp of fear. It is easy to allow worldly perspectives to blind us to the truths that are ours in Messiah. Though fear is contagious we do not have to be gripped by it. Jewish people need the hope found in Messiah that is the antidote to this contagion. We are here to help them.

Fear Can Deepen Faith and Drive Us to God 

When faced with uncertainty and difficult circumstances, we have a choice: run towards the ultimate source of hope, sustenance, and comfort…or away from it. The storms of life can produce faith, hope, and strength, IF we seek the Lord in the midst of them. Approaching uncertain times with hope and faith dispels fear. Jewish people need to know that though the world looks bleak, God loves them. He is for them. Though circumstances are unstable, He is constant. He is faithful. 

Jesus said that He came to bring peace. That peace is not as the world gives. Peace comes from knowing the promises of God and resting in them. Jewish people need to see that hope, faith, and strength, even in difficult times. They need to see that peace is rooted in the Jewish Messiah Jesus, our shalom. We work to exemplify that hope to the Jewish people. We help others to follow this example with their Jewish friends.

Fear Opens Doors of Opportunity 

Fear can be a great motivator. It motivates others to search, and it should motivate us to share. The spiritual needs of others become much more pronounced when life gets confusing. God uses earthly challenges and difficulties to draw people to Himself. He certainly did that with Israel in the scriptures and he continues to do so today. My people are asking more questions. They struggle to find hope as the world is seemingly becoming unhinged. 

Antisemitism is on the rise. Jewish people and Israel are being marginalized. The future is uncertain for them. They need hope.

After the war began on October 7th, to God’s glory, the next week we began to hear from churches and small groups wanting us to help them understand the war, Israel, and the Jewish people. We have spoken to over 100 churches and groups since the war began.

Those first few months were the most difficult I have experienced in 40 years of ministry. Not because of the war itself, but because I had never felt that kind of weight of antisemitism from people, everywhere. As a ministry we felt the weight of knowing that our friends in Israel and our Jewish friends and family locally were suffering too. But we fought through it.

Our Hanukkah outreach touched more people than ever. We delivered one hundred and twenty candles in December to Jewish people all over the metro Atlanta area, and the country. Christians not only wished their Jewish friends a happy Hanukkah, but showed their love, solidarity, and support. We helped give the Jewish community light and hope. We heard back from Christians - the response from their Jewish friends was overwhelmingly positive. They expressed profound gratitude for their Christian friend’s gesture of kindness.

We distributed over 500 cards to synagogues around Atlanta. We let the Jewish community know that their Christian friends are standing with them in their pain and struggle. We were met with open arms and thankfulness. There have been amazing, unexpected opportunities coming out of the current situation. God works in the midst of terrible circumstances.

Thank you for praying for our team as we fight antisemitism and work to build bridges between the Jewish and Christian communities - a work more important now than ever.

By Murray Tilles

Founder and Executive Director