We are not alone |
Sometimes it appears that the world has gone crazy. In recent years, people who otherwise appear to be sensible and compassionate ignore, excuse, justify and even celebrate the slandering and physical attacks on Jews and the Jewish state. It is undeniable that overt antisemitism has migrated from the extremes to the mainstream and is much more readily tolerated than it was just a few years ago. As a Jew, this can lead to feelings of isolation, as if history is repeating itself, and we again find ourselves without allies. But this does not have to be the case.
On Thursday, March 5 Congregation Sons of Israel of Woodmere, NY hosted Pastor Bob Scott, the Engagement Director of CUFI (Christians United for Israel). Earlier in the day, Scott addressed a group of local Jewish leaders and later addressed a general audience. His message was one of friendship and alliance, explaining that all bible loving people should support Israel and the Jews because of God’s declaration to Abraham that, “I will bless those who bless you and curse the one who curses you; and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you.” This theology stands in direct contradiction of “supersessionism” or “replacement theology” which holds that the church has replaced the Jewish people as God’s covenantal partner.
Scott’s words are more than just Philo-semitic rhetoric. Though in many quarters antisemitism has become fashionable, CUFI understands that all of those who purport to revere the bible should walk in the footsteps of our mutual ancestor Abraham, and do what is right, even when it is not fashionable. Three monotheistic faiths trace their lineage to Abraham because he was willing to defy the conventional norms of the day in the pursuit of righteousness.
CUFI, which has over 10 million members, vigorously lobbies on behalf of Israel, sends pastors to Israel to educate them on the importance of standing with Israel, hosts Nights to Honor Israel at churches and fights antisemitism on campus.
Though many American Jews are unaware of CUFI’s efforts on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people, Israel’s leadership is not. High ranking officials such as Israel’s US and UN ambassadors regularly speak at CUFI’s annual Washington DC summits, along with ranking members of the Israel Defense Force. At times, the Prime Minister himself has even addressed the summit attendees via a live video feed.
Though one may feel alone in the pursuit of righteousness, if we walk together in the footsteps of our shared patriarch, Abraham, we will never be alone. I thank CUFI for vociferously rejecting trendy but toxic ideologies that have fanned the flames of antisemitism, as well as threaten our society as a whole and instead courageously have chosen to stand with the Jewish people.