Practical Ideas for Combatting 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.”
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.”
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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).
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