Dear Christian Leaders,

 

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

 

These words from Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. are at least as relevant for us today as they were when they were first spoken.

 

Indeed, in such a time as this, as efforts intensify to cancel people  and silence voices considered by some to be politically incorrect, it is  more important than ever that we, as Christian leaders, find our voice  and use it to address consequential issues.

 

All of us who learn from history know that crises such as pandemics,  political and social unrest, and economic hardship provide fertile  ground for increased antisemitism, and more recently, opposition to the  State of Israel. Since we are in the midst of all these calamities and  more, we must therefore increase our vigilance and our activism on  behalf of the Jewish people and the Jewish State.

 

Martin Luther King also stated, "The ultimate measure of a man is not  where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he  stands at times of challenge and controversy."

 

Queen Esther found herself in a position of great challenge and personal  danger when the Jews of ancient Persia were threatened with  annihilation. Chapter 4 of Esther details the struggle she went through  as she made the decision to put herself at risk in order to intercede on  behalf of her people. In the process, she had to acknowledge the  reality that keeping silent in the face of evil would not keep her safe  from that evil.

 

Thankfully, for the sake of the future of the Jewish people - and as a  result, subsequent Christian history as well - Esther declared that she  would do what had to be done and speak to the king, even if she perished in the process.

 

In such a time as this, we must not keep silent about matters of great  importance, and we must use our voice to stand in solidarity with Israel  and the Jewish people. As Martin Luther King said, "Israel must exist,  and has the right to exist, and is one of the great outposts of  democracy in the world."

 

Interfaith Dialogue: What Effect Does It Have on Israel's Legitimacy?

 

On  Thursday, January 7th, Dexter Van Zile and Tricia Miller of CAMERA's  Partnership of Christians and Jews were privileged to join Jackie  Goodall, executive director of the Ireland Israel Alliance, for an  in-depth discussion of the effect interfaith dialogue has on the issue  of Israel's legitimacy.

Dexter provided a crucial analysis of  various Christian organizations involved in interfaith dialogue, which  was followed by Tricia's examination of the roles replacement theology, a  Palestinian Jesus, and the denial of Jewish roots of Christianity play  in advancing a Christian anti-Israel agenda. The two presentations laid  the groundwork for an enlightening discussion of the inherent dangers of  interfaith dialogue, in which Israel's legitimacy - as well as basic  tenets of the Christian faith - can be compromised unless there is a  commitment to truth on the part of all dialogue participants.

 

We  are glad that so many of you were able to attend what was in many ways,  a groundbreaking webinar. If you were not able to attend, or if you did  attend and would like to watch the webinar again, you may view it here on YouTube.

 

For the sake of Israel,

Tricia Miller and Dexter Van Zile