Anti-Semitism: The Persistent Hatred of the Jewish People

Biblical Roots and Divine Purpose

Anti-Semitism — the deep-seated hostility toward Jews — has persisted for millennia. One of its roots lies in the NewTestament narrative, where Jewish religious leaders are depicted as instrumental in the crucifixion of Jesus. While the Romans carried out the execution, some have wrongly blamed the Jewish people collectively, fostering centuries of religiously motivated persecution. This contradicts the Christian mandate to love all people and ignores the fact that Jesus Himself was a Jew, born into the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Scripture affirms God's enduring covenant with Israel. He declared, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you" (Gen 12:3). Later, through the prophet Obadiah, "As you have

What is my attitude toward the Jews?

done to Israel, it will be done to you" (Ob 1:15). Believers are called to pray for and bless Jerusalem and the Jewish people, not to harbour hatred (Ps 122:6).

The Jewish people are central to God's redemptive plan. They are the "chosen people" through whom God revealed His law, His prophets, and ultimately, His Son (Rom 9:4,5). The genealogies of Jesus in Matthew and Luke trace His human ancestry through the Jewish line (Mt 1:1-16; Lk 3:23-38). The world's hostility toward the Jews often stems from its rejection of God and His purposes. As Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first" (Jn 15:18).

Replacement theology, the belief that the Christian Church has superseded Israel in God's covenant promises, has tragically contributed to anti-Semitism by undermining the ongoing significance of God's promises to the Jewish people and fostering attitudes of spiritual superiority that have enabled persecution throughout history.

Secular and Racial Anti-Semitism

Beyond religious animosity, secular anti-Semitism has arisen from envy of Jewish success in education, finance, science, and culture. This prejudice culminated in the horrors of the German Holocaust, where six million Jews were systematically murdered — a stark example of racial hatred and state-sponsored genocide.

Today, the Arab world continues to express hostility toward Israel, seeking its destruction and the confiscation of its land. Yet, God's promises to Israel remain irrevocable. Paul affirms that "all Israel will be saved", a prophecy that depends on the continued existence of the Jewish nation (Rom 11:26).

Reflection and Application:

Examine your heart: Do I hold any unconscious biases toward Jewish people or Israel?
Commit to prayer: How can I regularly pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the Jewish people?
Reject replacement theology: Do I affirm God's ongoing covenant with Israel and His chosen people?
Stand against hatred: How can I speak out against anti-Semitism in my community and online?