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CMJ joins United Voices Against Antisemitism

Jeff Roberts • September 13, 2024
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Antisemitism has been called the “oldest hatred” in the world. It would be wonderful to say that antisemitism and hatred of the Jewish people are a thing of the past. Regrettably, this is not the case. Not only did Israel suffer a brutal, unprovoked attack on October 7, 2023, but antisemitism is exploding in America and around the world. In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, antisemitic incidents are up 350 percent in America, 720 percent in South Africa, 818 percent in the Netherlands, 961 percent in Brazil, and more than 1000 percent in France, according to presenters at United Voices Against Antisemitism.


The Anti-Defamation League reports there has been a “tsunami of hate against Jewish communities around the world.” The Jewish organization Hillel reports that more than 1,800 antisemitic incidents occurred on college and university campuses in the first 8 months after October 7. Today, many Jewish students feel they need to hide their Jewish identity to remain safe. Clearly, the Jewish people need friends and supporters now more than ever.


The Holocaust Survivors’ Declaration was created and read at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in 2002. It reads in part, “Antisemitism is a danger not only to Jews but to the community of nations. In Jewish tradition, the command to remember is absolute. But this obligation does not end with cognitive acts of memory – it must be connected to action.” 


United Voices Against Antisemitism

To take a stand against antisemitism, CMJ USA was privileged to co-sponsor a special international event called United Voices Against Antisemitism. This Cleveland, Ohio conference featured writers, teachers, historians, Jewish thinkers, and Christian leaders from around the world. 


Among the conference highlights was a poignant video featuring an elderly female Holocaust survivor talking with a young Jewish girl whose kibbutz had been attacked by Hamas on October 7. When asked how she was able to survive, the little girl quietly responded, “I hid in a closet.” The elderly Holocaust survivor nodded knowingly and gently replied, “I too hid in a closet.”


Another speaker, Noa Reuveni, a 25-year-old Israeli woman, spoke movingly about her friendship with Gali and Ziv Berman, two brothers captured by Hamas on October 7 (see photo). Noa described the horror and anguish of receiving texts from one of the brothers as the attack unfolded on his kibbutz. “I’m scared” he wrote. “I’m here for you,” she responded. At this writing, Noa’s friends are believed to be alive somewhere in a tunnel under Gaza. She displayed their pictures on the conference's big screen and said, “I will never stop doing everything I can to keep their memory alive until they return home.” She closed by saying, “In Israel, we are used to running to shelters when the rockets come. But October 7th was different. I just attended the funeral for Hersh Goldberg along with 50,000 people. We must hold on to hope. There is no other way.”

CMJ USA warmly received at other events


In addition to the United Voices event, CMJ USA has also appeared at other national conferences including the Anglican Church of North America Provincial Assembly and the Messiah Conference, the largest gathering of Messianic Jews in the world. At each conference, CMJ was warmly received and attendees expressed strong interest in the CMJ programs and services which follow.


New CMJ USA Resources for Clergy, Churches, and Individuals


  • Bridge Builders. This program will help churches establish and deepen relationships with their local Jewish community. CMJ can help churches and small groups delve deeper into the Jewishness of Jesus and the Gospel, explore the Jewish-American experience, help address antisemitism, learn how to make congregations more welcoming to Jewish seekers and believers, and more. Bridge Builders Essentials, a video course, will be available late 2024. Bridge Builders Foundations is scheduled for release in late 2025.

 

  • How to Talk with Jewish People about Jesus. Many Christians love Israel and the Jewish people. Though they may pray for their Jewish neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, and friends, they typically don’t talk to them about the Lord because they may be afraid, uncomfortable, or don’t know what to say. CMJ’s free resource How to Talk with Jewish People about Jesus can help. It’s packed with suggestions and discussion starters to make it easier and more productive to speak with Jewish people about Jesus.


  • Coaching on Engaging Jewish People. CMJ USA can provide in-person or Zoom teaching and training for churches, church leaders, and outreach teams about how to effectively engage Jewish people.

  • The Aleph Dinner and Discussion Program. Congregations and home groups are invited to host Aleph, our multi-week dinner and discussion outreach program that lets attendees discuss questions about God, faith, the Messiah, the Holocaust, and more in a safe, nonjudgemental environment. Aleph is reminiscent of the Alpha program used by thousands of churches. Although any adult can attend Aleph, the program has been specially designed to engage with Jewish questions. Available late 2024.

 

  • The Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This “History Channel” type educational article is an ideal outreach tool to give to a Jewish person. It features the miraculous story of how the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, how they supernaturally tie into the creation of Israel, what the Scrolls tell us about the Messiah, Isaiah 53, and more.

  • CMJ Speaking Engagements for Churches. Topics can be customized and may include teaching on Jewish roots, addressing antisemitism, the pre-history of modern Israel, how to sensitively and effectively communicate with Jewish people about Jesus, effective practices to reach Jewish and non-Jewish people, ideas to grow church attendance, and more. We also offer Messianic Jewish worship concerts in select geographic areas.

  • For more information on any of these resources, email jeff.roberts@cmj-usa.org.


CMJ USA needs your help!


  1. Pray for the work of CMJ USA
  2. Tell others. Help us get the word out about our ministry and programs
  3. Share this information with church leaders, friends, and people you know who love Israel and the Jewish people
  4. Donate. Prayerfully consider supporting the work of CMJ USA. Together, we can help churches and individuals share the love of Jesus with both Jewish and non-Jewish people. You can make a one-time or ongoing tax-deductible contribution in any amount by going to cmj-usa.org/donate


Thank you for your prayers and support. We invite you to partner with CMJ USA in the work the Lord is doing through our ministry.

 

Jeff Roberts, Director of Fundraising & Partnerships, joined CMJ USA in 2023 after forming several faith-based companies and helping clients like IBM, Oracle, and Motorola generate sales. Jeff is half of the Messianic group Voice of the Shepherd.


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