Hatred Towards Israel and the Jewish PeopleSample

Introduction

As I write this, I am staying in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city that God designated as His dwelling place (read Zechariah 8:3). Yet this city has always been fought over and is still politically controversial today. Not only the Jewish State of Israel but also Jews around the world face threats and attacks on an almost daily basis. Did you know that some Jews no longer even dare to walk the streets looking recognizably Jewish?

This hatred of Israel was already described in Psalm 83: “‘Come,’ they say, let us destroy them as a nation, so that the name of Israel is remembered no more.”

This immediately makes me think of World War II, when six million Jews were murdered. Why were they murdered? Because they were Jews. The Holocaust is probably the most obvious example of persecution of Jews and antisemitism (hatred towards Jews). But for Israel, there are countless examples of hatred, persecution, and genocide throughout the centuries.

Over the next few days, I want to reflect with you on where this blind hatred comes from and what role Christians have played in it. Will you join me?

Pray today: Lord God, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You are the God of Israel, this is how You make Yourself known in the Bible. In Psalm 121 You call Yourself the Keeper of Israel. Be present with Your people, protect them, and be as a strong wall around them. Amen.

By Rev. Oscar Lohuis, Christians for Israel