Loving our Jewish friends in the wake of tragedy

This week (7 October) marked two years since the world witnessed, with horror, a modern-day pogrom, events that shocked the modern conscience. And just last week, two British Jewish men were shot dead outside a synagogue in Manchester. How must the Jewish community be feeling?

This moment is not only about the fear and loss of the present; it’s also a reminder of deep, generational wounds.

Each act of hate stirs memories of persecution and raises old questions about safety, belonging, and trust.

How do we, as followers of Jesus, respond?

For those of us who follow Jesus, this is a time to listen, to stand with our Jewish friends, and to let them know that we are present with them. In the face of grief, our presence can be a powerful testimony of love. A simple message to a Jewish neighbour, friend, or colleague, “I’m heartbroken about what’s happened, and I want you to know I stand with you,” can mean more than a thousand carefully chosen words. It says: "You are not alone; I stand with you."

When people are hurting, it’s important to let them define what support looks like... Attend a vigil if one is held. Read statements from Jewish leaders and community groups; listen to their stories and learn how they are experiencing this tragedy. Listening communicates something powerful: "Your pain matters enough for me to try to understand it."

Together against antisemitism

Antisemitism doesn’t only appear in acts of violence. It hides in silence, in stereotypes, and in careless words repeated over generations. When we speak out in our homes, workplaces, and churches we make it clear that hatred of Jewish people has no place among us. Each of us can play a part in creating a culture where Jewish people feel safe, valued, and respected.

Our faith in Jesus does not lessen our love for the Jewish people; it deepens it. Jesus Himself was Jewish: He taught in the synagogues, celebrated the feasts, and fulfilled the Scriptures given to Israel. The story of Yeshua (the Jewish way to say Jesus) is not a rejection of that heritage but the outflow of it.

This is not a moment to persuade. It’s a moment to love. To say, “We see your pain, we stand with you, and we care.” Real friendship allows for honesty but never forces agreement.

Looking to Christ

In fact, now is a good time to start a conversation about the evil in the world and the hope that comes from above. Be curious about their beliefs and hear what they say. Every Jewish person will have different interpretations. But for you, it’s right to be open about what the Bible says about evil and the hope we have in Jesus, the Messiah long promised to Israel. We know that this belief may not fit with the expectations of many Jewish people today, but we must still honour the Saviour and His death on the cross, always with humility and respect.

It’s easy to feel that darkness is winning when violence and fear dominate the news. But history shows that light still breaks through when ordinary people choose compassion over indifference. In standing with our Jewish neighbours, we embody something of the heart of Jesus: compassion, courage, and love that bridges every divide. We believe that His resurrection assures us that death and hate do not have the final word. That hope moves us to work for peace, to comfort those who mourn, and to love our neighbours.