Jewish–Christian Relations—Vital Necessity of Our Times

January 31, 2014

Interfaith Gatherings

National leaders may not be making the right choices, but many Christians are! At Bridges for Peace we are standing with Israel 365 days a year and we are not alone! I am witnessing a wonderful groundswell of Christian support for Israel. For example, within a two-week period in November, I was privileged to represent Bridges for Peace at three interfaith gatherings. The first was a Night to Honor Israel in London. Co-sponsored by Bridges for Peace and the Zionist Federation, the audience was evenly split between Christians and Jews. We all felt that we were a part of something that God is doing to bring our two peoples of faith together to honor God and Israel.

In Washington DC, political leaders (most of them Christians) from four continents gathered for three days to discuss with their American counterparts the ways that they could advance pro-Israel legislation in their parliaments. The event ended with a gala evening where hundreds of Christian leaders, Jewish leaders and political leaders gathered together to stand with Israel. I was honored to be one of the speakers. The third meeting was in Windsor, Ontario Canada at the Jewish Community Center. Once again, Christians and Jews gathered to learn how they can develop meaningful and sincere relationships. These are just a few examples of the positive encounters that are happening between Christians and Jews.

Standing Together Against Common Enemies

BFP US National Director Jim Solberg and Binyamin Elon, Founder of Israel Allies Foundation I believe this new level of friendship is God-ordained and necessary today! We are living in sobering times. The Middle East is in turmoil with the Arab Spring, Iranian ambitions to become the Islamic Caliphate, radicalization of Turkey, the ongoing Syrian conflict, Russian involvement in the region, Hizbullah rearmed. And in addition, the financial system around the world teeters on the edge of recession/depression, and Israel is in the crosshairs of Iran.

We need to stand together against evil and common enemies. Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We must not fall into the trap of complacency. It is not just an Israeli problem! Today in many countries Christians are being murdered for their faith by Muslim extremists.

Josh Reinstein, Director Knesset Christian Allies Caucus It is also a time when the biblical values that both of our communities espouse are under attack. I believe it is time for us to stand up together against the world’s slide into secular humanism. There is a God and He has given us the blueprint for successful and blessed lives. The ancient Israelites were given the life choice of a blessing or a curse. Today each person is given the same choice. Let’s choose life for our families, communities and the world. We have the Book with the answers. The world is choosing the way of a curse by marginalizing the way of the Book, the people of the Book and the God of the Book

What Can We Do?

In the Second World War there were some amazing Christians who saved Jewish lives. They did it because it was the right thing to do. They did it even though it put their families at risk. They stood with the people of Israel because they were standing with the God of Israel. Let me give you a few practical ways you can stand with Israel today.

1. Study. Know the facts. Be ready to tell the truth about Israel.
2. Pray specifically for the issues important to Israel—sign up for our weekly prayer update.
3. Go to Israel. Encounter the people of Israel in the land of Israel.
4. Give to show Christian love and support to the people of Israel. Our two food banks distribute 70 tons of food to 28,000 people in 54 communities.
5. Speak out on behalf of Israel.
6. Volunteer in Israel or help someone else do so.
7. Pass your fire for Israel onto the next generation. We can give you ideas.
8. Let your elected officials know that you appreciate them standing with Israel and voting in ways that support Israel.

As Christians and Jews—the peoples of the Book, we need to let our faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob shine brightly even in the midst of difficult times so that God’s name will be known throughout the world. Support Israel because you love the God of Israel and it’s the right thing to do! 

Blessings from Israel,

Rebecca J. Brimmer
International President and CEO, Bridges for Peace

Photo Credit: © James M. Innes