“They had seen and smelled the death camps, and now they were able to realize that all along they had been … fighting for something positive, the sacredness of life itself. … After the camps, a moral attitude was rampant. … The boys’ explosive little tour in France had been a crusade after all.”

https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/what-would-jesus-do-christian-culture-wars-modern-west

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is fitting that we remember the hatred and horrors of the Holocaust. When I was a much younger man, I never imagined the possibility that such evil could happen again. Sadly, with the shocking rise of antisemitism in the United States since October 7, 2023, we must come to terms with the reality that there are people among us who hate Jews simply because they are Jewish.

In his excellent book How Should Christians Think About Israel?, Dr. Michael Rydelnik points out that in 2024 alone, there were 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the United States. He further notes that both the extreme right and the extreme left share in this growing hatred of Jews.

The conservative political movement is in danger of fracturing over Israel because of the obscene and hateful commentary from some voices on their platforms. It is immoral to fail to recognize this as evil.

The progressive wing of American politics has been equally troubling, with many being the loudest in blaming Israel for the atrocities committed by Hamas.

I want to be identified with those who stand with our Jewish friends against the re-emergence of antisemitism. I want to be identified with those who stand against any form of hatred and racism toward any people group. My voice matters, and so does yours. We are fighting for the sacredness of life. This does not mean I must agree with or support every political decision made by Israel—or even those made by my own beloved United States of America.

I flew to Washington, D.C., with two dear friends, Rabbi Asher and his colleague, Daniel, after the October 7 attack on Israel. It was encouraging to see so many gathered in our nation’s capital in support of the Jewish people and Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. Standing with new Jewish friends I had met on the journey to the capital, it was unbelievable to me that people hated them because of their Jewishness. I saw my dear friend’s two beautiful daughters at the event. I am looking at a picture we took together now. How could anyone hate them? They are so sweet, kind, and brilliant! Even now, I tremble with deep anger at the thought of people who want to harm them because of their race.

Tonight, I remind myself of a boxcar that sits in the parking lot of the Holocaust Museum in Farmington Hills, Michigan. We cannot be silent. History has shown us that silence will lead us to boxcars, gas ovens, and mass graves. My emotions, my words and your emotions and words must be accompanied by conviction that lead us to action. Like the soldiers who liberated the death camps and realized their crusade was for the sacredness of life itself, we too are called to defend and liberate. Speak up when you hear antisemitic remarks. Stand publicly with your Jewish neighbors. Support your church or other organizations that are fighting hatred and racism. I was naive in my youth, evil has risen again. We must have the courage to confront it. Our Jewish friends are counting upon us. God calls us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Peace!