by Dr. Mike Stallard
It is obvious to any honest person that antisemitism is on the rise. In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, everything seems to be blamed on Israel instead of the terrorist group HAMAS, whose end goal is the elimination of Jews from Palestine and even the entire Middle East. HAMAS can prevent humanitarian aid from getting to average folks in Gaza, but the world says it is Israel’s fault. HAMAS can embed military equipment on hospital tops and in schools, but when Israel addresses that problem, it is not the fault of HAMAS, but those evil Jews are to blame. We, indeed, live in an upside-down world. But as God told us through Isaiah the prophet, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness…” (Isa. 5:20). All of us will be held accountable for how we respond to these tragic historical events.
Now, Jewish people everywhere are on alert with high security concerns. The recent violent and deadly attacks on a Jewish group celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney, Australia illustrates the depth of evil in the world directed toward Jews just because they are Jews. Even if the Jews in Israel are to blame for issues related to the Gaza War (which is not true at all), why blame all the Jews everywhere on this planet? This is simply a matter of racial hatred. Bible-believing Christians, even if they are not Zionists, should condemn such actions without qualification. The fact of the matter is that, as we all know, Christians of all denominations are under threat of violence as well. Security concerns are everywhere.
In words attributed to Martin Niemöller, a Lutheran pastor who spent 1937-45 in Nazi prisons,
First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.
It is now time for us to speak, before it is too late.