Yahad Statement on Antisemitism

AN APPEAL TO THE CHRISTIAN UNION MOVEMENT FROM THE YAHAD NETWORK OF YOUNG BRITISH MESSIANIC JEWS*

It is with great concern that we witness the rapid growth of anti-Semitism on British campuses and in wider society. Britain has not had levels of anti-Semitism this high since before the Second World War.

“ANTI-SEMITISM?” THAT’S A VERY STRONG TERM. DO YOU HAVE ANY EVIDENCE FOR THIS CLAIM?

Plenty, unfortunately. In the four weeks following the start of Israel’s campaign in Gaza on December 27 2008, some 250 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded across the country, including an arson attack against a synagogue, at least one violent physical assault and numerous examples of threatening messages and graffiti in Jewish neighbourhoods. (See http://engageonline.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/as-british-jews- come-under-attack-the-liberal-left-must-not-remain-silent )

If you’re still unconvinced, please see pages 38-40 (particularly paragraph 203) of the 2006 Report of the All-Party Parliamentary Committee (http://www.thepcaa.org/Report.pdf) or page 16 of the Community Security Trust’s Antisemitic Incidents Report 2007 (http://www.thecst.org.uk/docs/Incidents_Report_07.pdf).

I SEE WHAT YOU MEAN. BUT WHAT’S THIS GOT TO DO WITH THE C.U. MOVEMENT?

  • Evangelical Christians are under a specific apostolic mandate to resist anti- Semitism (Romans 11:17-20). They are also, uniquely, indwelt by God’s Spirit to enable them to obey His Word. Evangelical Christians are therefore in a unique position to counter anti-Semitism.
  • Historically, societies where anti-Semitism has flourished, have also often persecuted Christians. Examples include Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia and many Islamic countries. It follows that this is a Christian concern as well as a Jewish one.
  • Finally, we ourselves, as Jewish students who are part of the Christian Union movement, are not immune from the rising tide of prejudice and hatred. We need your support!

OK… SO WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?

Thanks for asking! Here are some things you can do.

Affirm that Jesus was a Jew and that it was through the Jewish people that the gospel came to all nations.

Affirm that God has not cast aside the Jewish people (Romans 11:2), and that the Jewish people remain beloved by God on account of their forefathers, since God’s gifts and call are irrevocable (Romans 11:28-29). Our very existence on into the 21st century speaks for itself. We are part of a large, diverse and vibrant Messianic Jewish

movement that professes Yeshua (the name ‘Jesus’ in its Hebrew form) as Messiah, Saviour and LORD.

Whatever your views on the current policies of the Israeli government, please think twice before joining protests against Israel. Protests against Israel on British campuses are rarely restricted to anger about the policies of the Israeli government. They generally call either implicitly or explicitly for an end to Israel itself. Christian students need to be aware that taking part in such demonstrations would be harmful to the cause of the gospel among Jewish students, who feel threatened and fearful when these demonstrations take place. It is also worth bearing in mind that 56 young Israeli Messianic Jews served in the Israeli army during the recent campaign in Gaza, while at least 10 Messianic Congregations were in range of Hamas’ rockets. Nearer home, at least one Messianic Jew at a British university has all of her family in Israel still within range.

Please be “Jewish-sensitive” in your preaching and teaching. We commend the “Guide for Preachers: Suggestions for Biblically Faithful and Jewish-Sensitive Preaching” which is available on the website of our parent organization, the British Messianic Jewish Alliance, at http://www.bmja.net/A%20guide%20for%20PREACHERS.pdf

Please be sensitive in bringing the gospel to Jewish students: bringing the gospel “to the Jew first” requires inviting Jewish students to turn from their sin to faith in Yeshua the Messiah, not in inviting them to turn from their Jewish culture. Richard Gibson’s new book, The Unusual Suspects: 25 Jewish People break the final taboo (available from Christian Focus for £6.99, see http://www.christianfocus.com/item/show/1224) is recommended as a resource for Christian students to sensitize themselves to Jewish concerns and also pass on to Jewish friends at the right moment!

Finally, please affirm us in the role we wish to play as Jews in the body of Christ, and pray for us as we seek to bring the message of salvation to our people. Thank you for your support!

*Yahad (which means “Together” in Hebrew) is a national network of young Messianic Jews from across Britain. Our members include students based in various places across the country. We aim to support the wider body of Christ by providing a specialist support network for young Messianic Jews. For more information, please contact our President, Jeremy Poyner (UCCF North West Relay Worker) on jeremypoyner@gmail.com or visit our Facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2218713227

Yahad

A national network of young Messianic Jews