Stand with Israel, Stand with Jews

Since Saturday morning, I’ve succumbed to a barrage of emotions. What should have been a day of joy and celebration for the holidays suddenly turned to one of sorrow and despair.

By now, most of you should have heard of the horrific war which has broken out in Israel. If you haven’t, you live under a bigger rock than me. This war is the result of an organized terror attack by the terrorist organization, H@mas, in southern Israel. Women have been raped and murdered, hostages taken, small children shot in front of their siblings—stories are pouring in of the atrocities and war crimes H@mas is committing against thousands of innocents.

People will wonder why H@mas targeted Israel. They will blame political leaders, evil regimes, apartheid, occupation, and more. They will state it is a complicated situation, but it is not. It never has been.

The lies of apartheid and occupation are just that: lies.

I’ve visited the land. I’ve walked the streets, both in the State of Israel and the West Bank. I’ve seen first hand how Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis live in harmony. I’ve seen how Palestinians are treated not with cruelty but with liberty. I’ve even met and spoken with Palestinians now living in the United States who laugh at the sham that is the Palestinian Authority, who know first hand everything I’ve said. They’ve lived it.

Both Arabs and Jews are suffering. Both are being attacked by one group of religious, fascist radicals. H@mas, H*zbollah—they’re the same. Does not matter whether they are based in Gaza or Lebanon. They both seek to destroy the Jewish people and use their own people as ammunition against the enemy.

The simple fact is that the world hates Jews. It’s not much more complicated than that.

Now, to all you living outside of Israel, specifically you Christians. Yes, you. I know you’re reading this. You see the name “Israel” and leap like dogs attacking a bone. Jews do not need to be made aware how to support Israel. They are Israel. But Christians? Let me put it to you like this:

You love Israel, but do you love the Jews?

This is the perfect opportunity to search your soul for that answer, because here’s what I’m having difficulty with more than anything right now…

As I said, Jews know how to support Israel in her time of crisis. They are Israel, but you who are not, especially you who cling to a doctrine which touts the importance of Israel—have you ever once considered that supporting Jews is supporting Israel? That speaking out against antisemitism is supporting Israel? That combating the antisemitic lies and political propaganda which seeks to undermine the very existence of the Jewish state is supporting Israel?

You worship a Jewish man. You use Jewish scriptures as your own. You say you love him, but have you ever considered supporting, protecting, loving his people?

If your G-d is who you say he is, then shouldn’t He be the G-d of Israel, the G-d of the Jews, too?

Where then are your outcries?

Even when your own people, fellow Christians, are slaughtered by similar regimes in Asia and Africa, when thousands of Christians die in the name of the Jewish man you proclaim—you are silent. I have yet to hear your outrage. Maybe then it is too much to wish for, that you would support Jews, that you would want to help them not just survive, but thrive in their existence as Jews, living an authentic Jewish life in the land of their forefathers.

If you claim your G-d is also the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—shouldn’t Jews living as Jews in the land of the Jews be your hope? Not as proselytes to your religion, but as Jews who are Jews who are Jews.

If your answer is a resounding “yes,” then do not stay silent. Speak up for your fellow Jews. Speak out against antisemitism. Seek out the truth and educate yourselves on the conflict in the Middle East. Give charity to support Jewish organizations in the Land of Israel.

There is one in particular you can support now, the Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund. They are a organization I have visited, so I know they are legitimate and your donations will not be wasted. Their mission is to help Israeli children who suffer at the hands of terrorism heal from their trauma. In such a critical hour of need, what better way can you support the Jewish nation than by helping her children heal through your donations?

Donate today to show you stand with Israel, that you stand with the Jewish people.