STAND FIRM: An Expert's Take on Antisemitism
In a recent interview on my Stand Firm Parents Podcast — now featured at Stand Firm Ministries (standfirmministries.com) and Lifeword (lifeword.org) — I spoke with Charlotte Korchak from Stand With Us about antisemitism. Antisemitism is not a term often discussed in many church circles, but it needs to be addressed. Antisemitism is hostility or prejudice against Jewish people. According to Charlotte, this hostility is more pervasive and intense now than at any time in history.
I’ve had the privilege of hearing Charlotte speak in Israel, where she is considered a global leader on this topic, especially regarding antisemitism on college campuses. Though not a Christian, Charlotte’s insights into antisemitism are unparalleled, and her message about the role Christians can play in standing up against it was humbling and eye-opening.
Charlotte explained that although antisemitism has always been present, it has now spread worldwide and often hides under the guise of “criticism of Israel.” She emphasized that while constructive criticism of any nation is acceptable, this so-called “anti-Israel” sentiment is frequently a new cover for the same prejudices. This form of antisemitism is especially challenging for Jewish students, who feel isolated on campuses that are meant to encourage learning and diversity.
Charlotte described two prominent forms of antisemitism at play today. On the far right, antisemitism is often blatant and easy to recognize, with extremist groups or online posts directly blaming Jewish people for various issues. The second form, on the far left, is more subtle, often presented as “anti-Zionism” or opposition to the Israeli state. While it may sound political, it often reflects the same underlying hostility, which is harder to address because it appears in accepted social or academic conversations. I was shocked that this was coming from the left.
Another point Charlotte stressed was the danger of silence. She explained that throughout history, it hasn’t always been the loudest voices of hate that have done the most harm. Instead, it has been the bystanders — the people who see discrimination and choose to do nothing. Charlotte’s point here was deeply convicting. As Christians, we’re called to stand up for justice and truth, not only when it’s easy but also when others might be hesitant. Sitting on the sidelines doesn’t align with the faith we profess.
To illustrate that, Charlotte shared the story of a young Christian student who, seeing his Jewish classmates being harassed, stood between them and their attackers. He didn’t give a speech or start a campaign; he simply showed up to protect others. That small act of courage meant the world to those students and is something all of us can aspire to in our own circles.
I asked Charlotte what Christians could do. She replied that understanding is one of the most meaningful first steps we can take. Many of us believe we know what antisemitism is, but if we really want to make a difference, we need to go deeper. Learning the history of antisemitism and Israel’s role in God’s plan can provide us with a stronger foundation. Charlotte recommended How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Barry Weiss as an excellent guide to understanding both the historical and modern issues facing the Jewish community. And, of course, we have Scripture, which reveals God’s unique love and purpose for Israel and the Jewish people.
Another powerful way to show support is through our voices. Social media gives each of us a platform, and when antisemitism appears online, even a simple post or message can be impactful. Platforms like TikTok often spread misinformation, but they also offer spaces where we can counter harmful narratives by sharing truth and encouragement. If we use these spaces to stand against prejudice, we show our Jewish friends and neighbors they aren’t alone. While it might feel small, it has a significant impact.
Charlotte also highlighted the importance of calling out antisemitism within our own communities. It may not always look like direct attacks. It might sound like “just a joke” or a casual comment. Sometimes, these attitudes appear in conversations at work, in communities or even among friends. If we ignore them, they’re likely to persist. Even when it’s uncomfortable, addressing these moments demonstrates a commitment to justice and compassion.
My conversation with Charlotte helped me see that antisemitism isn’t a distant problem. It’s happening here and affecting real people in our communities. It isn’t just a Jewish issue — it’s a human issue, and for us, it’s also a kingdom issue.
Supporting the Jewish community is more than an act of kindness; it’s aligning our heart with God’s heart and then standing with the Jewish community. That is the moment to move beyond observation and take real action. Whether through learning more, speaking up or reaching out to someone who might feel alone, each of us has an opportunity to make a difference. And in these steps, we’re standing firm — not just for the sake of justice but for the values we hold close.
— Jake is a state missionary and would love to share about the work in Northwest Arkansas and encourage your church to stand firm. (standfirmministries.com)
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Jake McCandless
Jake McCandless authors a weekly column titled, Stand Firm and Live Epic, through which he seeks to encourage the modern church to not just survive, but thrive in current times. He also addresses many end-times topics.
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