Churches hit by antisemitism
Nicola Laver
A pastor, whose wife and children are Jewish, has reported several incidents of antisemitism targeting both him and his family – and his church building.
Regan Blanton King, a founding member of Islington church plant, The Angel Church, said one of their members has indicated an intention to back away from church. The individual asked, via email, if Regan’s wife, Rachel, would ‘apologise for Israel’s actions – as if she is responsible for any good or bad from Israel – and assuming a lot based on her Israel Defence Forces service’.
Antisemitism condemned
Nicola Laver
Evangelical churches in the UK have started to experience the impact of the significant increase in antisemitism since the start of the Israel-Gaza war on 7 October.
A church in Bridgend recently received a lengthy message through its online contact form saying: ‘It has become apparent that you fall into the category of dangerous Christians on account of your attitude to the Jewish people who are the biggest usurpers in the history of mankind … And yet the evangelical Christian world idolises them as though it was a duty to do so …’
Even in Malaysia, antisemitism is rife
The Gaza War, triggered by the murderous Hamas attacks on Israelis on 7 October, has polarised communities and nations. However, Malaysia, a multi-religious nation with a 65% Muslim majority, provides a unique example of how the narrative can be shaped by mainstream media, activists, governments and their agencies.
Two days after the Hamas attacks, the mainstream broadsheet New Straits Times, in an article by Luqman Hakim, summarised a ‘complex attack’ by the Hamas military wing on Israeli settlements which were taken over. The ‘Israeli Occupation Army’ then launched an operation against the Hamas groups. No mention was made of the massacres of Israeli civilians by the Hamas attackers. Attention was, however, directed to a mosque funded by Malaysian sources that was destroyed by Israeli bombing. The article concludes with the declaration that: ‘Despite the destruction, the jihadist spirit of Muslims will never fade.’
Antisemitism, paradoxical accusations and the human heart
For many Jewish people in Britain today, antisemitism no longer feels like a shadow from history.
Since 7 October 2023, many Jewish communities have spoken of increased fear, hostility, and insecurity. Synagogues have strengthened security. Jewish students have described feeling more vulnerable on university campuses. Ordinary Jewish families are not quietly asking, “Why are we hated?” but, with weary resignation, saying, “We are hated.”