The American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network is gathering pastors and Christian leaders for an informative series of webinars discussing the explosive growth of anti-Semitism in the United States. The webinars are designed not just to educate but begin a national conversation among Christian leaders about the problem and how to collaborate and mobilize against it.
Last year, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recorded more incidents of assault, vandalism and harassment against American Jews than in any year since they began tracking such incidents in 1979. Since then, coronavirus conspiracy theories blamed Jews for the pandemic—to either dominate the world or make money off the antidote—and protestors were heard chanting anti-Israel and anti-Jewish slogans in the streets.
“How could this be happening in the United States, where support for Israel and the Jewish people—from the president and Congress down to thousands of churches and millions of citizens—is so strong?” asks ICEJ USA Director Dr. Susan M. Michael. “This rise in anti-Semitism is alarming. However, what has me the most concerned is the lack of outrage against it.”
Anti-Semitism is not just a Jewish problem but, if unchecked, is a threat to society at large. That is why it is often described as an early-warning system—a canary in the mineshaft—alerting society to hateful movements that can threaten many.
“I am convinced that the Christian demographic is the one with the political and moral strength to stand with the Jewish community and push back against this hatred,” said Michael. “However,” she added, “many are unaware of the severity of the problem.”
These webinars will allow experts to discuss the problem and the solutions they recommend. Speakers include U.S. State Department Special Envoy Elan Carr and U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Member Gary Bauer speaking about the response of the U.S. government to the global phenomenon. Alyza Lewin will discuss where anti-Semitism is found in the United States, and Liora Rez of Stopantisemitism.org will address how its presence on social media is influencing many spheres of society.
Dr. Michael Brown will discuss what we can learn from the error of anti-Semitism in Christian history, while Dr. Gerald McDermott will discuss the theological influences in that history. Israeli government officials will discuss how Israel is affected by anti-Semitism. Concluding the webinars will be a presentation of “next steps” for Christian leaders to collaborate and mobilize to ensure this evil ideology does not take root in American society.
All seminars are held on Thursdays at 1:00 pm (ET). The first one is set for this Thursday, Nov. 5:
—Nov. 5, 2020: U.S. Government Response to Anti-Semitism.
—Nov. 12, 2020: Anti-Semitism in the United States.
—Nov. 19, 2020: Special Warning for Christian Leaders.
—Dec. 3, 2020: Anti-Semitism and Israel
All pastors and Christian leaders are invited to attend and can register here. ACLI is a network of leaders directed by the U.S. branch of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. The following organizations are co-sponsoring the webinars along with ICEJ USA: Aglow International, American Values, Bridges for Peace USA, Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Israel Division, Combat Anti-Semitism Movement, Friends of Israel, Israel Allies Foundation and The Jerusalem Connection.
Register here. For more information, go to aclforisrael.com or contact the ICEJ USA at (615) 895-9830.
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