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| Christians must play part in beating antisemitism |
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I HAD the privilege of attending a deeply-moving conference in London entitled Heroic Journeys to the Promised Land: Holocaust Survivor Testimonies and Responses, 80 Years On.
It was a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship, remembrance and reconciliation between Christians and Jews. The conference shared harrowing testimonies of Holocaust survivors and the experiences of Jewish refugees aboard the Exodus, who sought safety and a new life in their ancestral homeland after the horrors of the Holocaust, only to be intercepted by the British authorities. The event provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the suffering of the past and our responsibilities in the present. One particularly poignant moment came when Christian leaders offered an apology to survivors and representatives of those who had suffered under the British Mandate. The Israeli delegation received these words with remarkable grace and forgiveness. It was a moving demonstration of how humility, understanding and a willingness to acknowledge past wrongs can help heal deep wounds. At the heart of this reconciliation is friendship. Genuine friendship between Christians and Jews requires more than words. It calls for mutual respect, a willingness to listen, standing together in times of difficulty and the courage to challenge prejudice wherever it appears. Yet the conference also raised an uncomfortable question - have we truly learned the lessons of history? More than 80 years after the Holocaust, antisemitism remains a deeply concerning reality, particularly following the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023. As Christians, we have a particular responsibility to demonstrate God s love through our actions. We must oppose antisemitism unequivocally and build relationships with our Jewish neighbours founded on trust, compassion and friendship. We must never forget the Holocaust or the atrocities of October 7. We must also ensure that the lessons of history shape the way we treat one another today. Friendship cannot undo the suffering of the past, but it can help build a future in which prejudice is challenged, dignity is protected and communities stand together against hatred. May we choose friendship over division, compassion over cruelty and peace over violence. Above all, may the friendship between Christians and Jews continue to grow, demonstrating that reconciliation is possible and that we must never remain silent in the face of antisemitism.
Stevina Southwell, To read more on this story, subscribe to our new e-edition. Go to E-edition.jewishtelegraph.com.
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