Steve Conover: Thank you for joining us for the Friends of Israel Today. I'm Steve Conover, executive director of The Friends of Israel, and with me is our host and teacher, Chris Katulka. foiradio.org is where you can connect with us. We have nearly a decade of content on the site and it features Chris Katulka's insightful teaching and various interview guests. Again, that's foiradio.org.

Chris Katulka: Steve, we're wrapping up our series on antisemitism where we've been looking at this shapeshifter, antisemitism, the hatred of the Jewish people moving all throughout history. We've looked at religious antisemitism. We've looked at racial antisemitism. Well, there's a new antisemitism on the block and that's actually called statehood or national antisemitism. The fact that the Jewish people are being persecuted. There's antisemitism on the rise. Why? Well, because there's a state called Israel, so today we're going to talk all about that and ways that you can combat that as well.

Steve Conover: But first in the news, Methuselah, a Judean date palm tree that was grown from a 2000 year old seed that was found on the top of Masada has become a papa plant. Methuselah sprouted back in 2005 when an Israeli agriculture expert germinated the two millennia old seed.

Chris Katulka: Well, here's my take, Steve. The date palm and Israel today are actually Iraqi date palms, since there were no date palms in Israel in 1948. The Judean date palm has been extinct since 500 AD due to conquest. Methuselah, the date palm, the resurrected date palm and its growing family are the original Israeli date palms that actually existed during the days of Jesus.

Chris Katulka: Just a few weeks ago, Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) revealed this shocking statistic: antisemitism in the United States has surged by an alarming 900% in the past 10 years. This staggering rise in targeted hostility toward the Jewish community highlights a deeply troubling issue that demands urgent attention, and that's why we're doing an entire series on antisemitism here. These numbers are more than just mere statistics, they reflect a significant cultural and moral challenge that calls on us to take serious action.

To combat this growing threat, it's crucial to first understand what antisemitism truly is. At its core, antisemitism, the definition, is a hatred toward the Jewish people. Throughout history, this animosity has taken many forms, adapting to the cultural and political climates of different eras while maintaining its deeply rooted hostility. The Holocaust, of course, is one of the most devastating expressions of antisemitism. A systematic campaign by the Nazi regime to annihilate 6 million Jewish people during World War II. In light of such a universally condemned atrocity, we have to ask ourselves a question. How has antisemitism surged 900% so dramatically in the United States in the past decade, despite the fact that the Holocaust happened less than 100 years ago? The answer lies in the nature of antisemitism itself. It's a shape shifting prejudice. Rather than disappearing, it evolves, finds new ways to manifest itself in society. This persistent hatred serves as a powerful weapon throughout history to target the Jewish people. Israeli journalist, Haviv Rettig Gur, offers an insightful perspective. He describes antisemitism in a reoccurring historical pattern. In his interview on the Hugh Hewitt show, Gur explained that antisemitism is rooted in the belief that Jews obstruct the world's progress. They obstruct the world's progress spiritually, societally, and politically. This ancient narrative has been repeatedly weaponized to blame Jewish communities for various societal problems across time. Throughout history, antisemitism has taken on three distinct forms: religious, genetic, and national. Last week we looked into the roots of the impact of genetic or racial antisemitism, and if you missed that message, I want to encourage you to visit foiradio.org where you can listen to last week's episode and explore nearly a decade of broadcasts all available at your convenience. Again, that's foiradio.org. Well, today, antisemitism has shifted again, morphing into what can be called national or statehood antisemitism.

In this era, Jewish people face hostility not because of their religion or ethnicity, but because there's a Jewish state. Jewish entrepreneurs are being targeted because there's a Jewish state called Israel. Jewish students are being harassed on college campuses because there's a Jewish state called Israel. Synagogues are being attacked because there is a Jewish state called Israel. Even Jewish individuals innocently walking down the street have been assaulted for no other reason than the existence of Israel. National antisemitism, which is often framed as anti-Zionism, reflects a 21st century evolution of an age old hatred. While previous forms of antisemitism focused on faith or ethnicity, this iteration uses the existence of the Jewish state Israel as a justification for hostility against Jewish individuals and communities worldwide. This form of antisemitism is distinct in its focus. It's not merely opposition to specific policies of the Israeli government, which is legitimate in any democracy, but a broader rejection of the Jewish people's right to self-determination.

National antisemitism denies the legitimacy of Israel as a nation state, while often holding Jewish people globally accountable for its actions. The roots of national antisemitism are diverse, stemming from political, ideological and cultural forces. First, Zionism. Zionism is the belief that Jewish people have a right to exist in their ancient homeland, and it has been increasingly vilified since the mid 20th century. Just think about this, the United Nations General Assemblies 1975 Resolution declared Zionism a form of racism. Though later rescinded, you can see the heart of using the race of the Jewish people to de-legitimize their right to the land. Anti-Zionist rhetoric frequently conflates Zionism with colonialism, apartheid and imperialism, erasing its historical and biblical foundations. Second, the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians has become a flashpoint for national antisemitism. Anti-Zionist activists often reduce it to a simplistic narrative in which Israel is solely to blame.

The narrative fuels hatred not only toward the state of Israel, but also toward Jewish individuals worldwide who are perceived as proxies for the Jewish state. You see that happening right now with Israel's war against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. You can agree or disagree with Israel's handling of the war, but the hatred of Israel always spills over to attacking the Jewish people around the world who have nothing to do with Israel's attack on Hamas or Hezbollah. Just look at the rise of global antisemitism since October 7th, 2023. Third, in contemporary activist circles, Israel is often portrayed as an oppressor within the framework of intersectionality. This lens casts Israel as the colonial power and aligns opposition to Israel with broader struggles against perceived systems of oppression. As a result, support for Israel is sometimes framed as incompatible with progressive values, alienating Jewish individuals in these spaces. That's why you often see this on universities and college campuses.

Just think about how backwards that thinking is though. Jewish people are the indigenous people to the land of Israel. You can't be a colonialist oppressor of the land that was originally yours. Finally, Islamist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and its backer Iran have made the destruction of Israel a central tenet to their ideologies. Their narratives are rooted in both political and religious anti-Zionism. Their animosity toward Israel has globalized hostility toward the Jewish people. Propaganda from these groups often blurs the lines between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, portraying Jewish individuals and Israel as a monolithic enemy. National antisemitism is revealed in various aspects of society, often with troubling consequences for Jewish individuals and communities. Have you ever heard of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions? It's called BDS. A movement predominantly in Western countries that aim to isolate Israel economically and politically. While BDS claims to target Israeli policies, its actions frequently spill over into discrimination against Jewish individuals and businesses.

Jewish entrepreneurs, even those with no direct connection to Israel, are often unfairly targeted simply because of their identity. College campuses over the years have become hotbeds of national antisemitism. Students for Justice in Palestine and similar groups organize events such as “Israel Apartheid Week,” which often equate Israel with racist and genocidal regimes. Jewish students just walking through their college or university are frequently subjected to harassment, exclusion, and intimidation. They're pressured to disavow their support for Israel or face being ostracized. Sounds like a great place to learn and grow, right? Synagogues and Jewish institutions have become targets of violence and vandalism motivated by national or statehood antisemitism. 

One of America's oldest synagogues, Mikveh Israel, in Philadelphia, founded before the Revolutionary War, because of the events happening in Israel, faced targeted antisemitism. Visible expressions of Jewish identity such as wearing a kippah or attending a pro-Israel rally have increasingly become triggers for violence. In Europe, particularly during periods of heightened conflict in the Middle East, Jewish individuals have been assaulted, harassed, or even murdered. In France, the Jewish community considered encouraging Jewish men to stop wearing their yalmukahs on the top of their heads because it marks them as Jewish and they could be more easily targeted. Listen, we're going to take a quick break and when we return, we're going to continue our conversation on statehood or national antisemitism and ways to combat this shape-shifting prejudice against the Jewish people, so stick around.

Chris Katulka: We are having this discussion on antisemitism, especially since antisemitism is on the rise, and one of the greatest ways that you can support Israel and the Jewish people is by educating yourself on the history of antisemitism and Friends of Israel has a fantastic resource for you. Just a few years ago, I wrote a book called Israel Always, which highlights the history of Israel and the Jewish people. One of the areas we tackle in the book is actually the history of antisemitism and the impact antisemitism has had on Israel and the Jewish people, so I really want to encourage you to get this book because as you think about antisemitism, all of it is actually grounded in the way Satan wants to skew the promise that God made to Israel and the Jewish people back in Genesis chapter 12, verses one through three, a foundational verse to understanding the book, Israel Always.

Steve Conover: I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chris's book, Israel Always, and I know you will too. You'll gain insight into Israel's past, their current influence in the world. You'll grow in your love for the Holy Land and the promise that has been made to Israel for their future. To learn more or to purchase your copy of Israel Always visit foiradio.org. Again, that's foiradio.org.

Chris Katulka: Welcome back everyone, we're wrapping up our series on antisemitism… the shapeshifting prejudice that targets the Jewish people. Over the past few weeks we’ve looked at religious antisemitism, racial antisemitism, and now we're looking into the most latest form of hatred toward the Jewish people, national or statehood antisemitism. So we don't confuse national or statehood antisemitism. It's important to know that criticism of Israel's policies or politics is not a form of antisemitism. See, that's called democracy. National antisemitism often crosses a dangerous line when Jewish people become the target because a democratic state called Israel exists. democratic state called Israel exists. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) has a working definition of antisemitism that was adopted by many nations. It includes examples of anti-Zionist rhetoric that constitute antisemitism. And they include this: Denying the Jewish people’s right to self-determination. That’s a part of antisemitism. By claiming that the existence of Israel is a racist endeavor. That's antisemitism.

Applying double standards by demanding behavior from Israel but not expecting it or demanding it of other democratic nations. That's antisemitism. Using symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism, like a blood libel, to characterize Israel or Israelis. That's antisemitism. When anti-Zionism rejects the very existence of Israel or demonizes all Jewish people for the actions of the Israeli government, it ceases to be a legitimate political critique and it moves into the category of antisemitism. National antisemitism is not confined to the Middle East or Western nations. It has become a global phenomenon fueled by the spread of misinformation on social media and the influence of transnational movements. Social media platforms often amplify anti-Israel propaganda with hashtags like #FreePalestine trending during times of conflict. These campaigns frequently escalate into widespread antisemitic tropes and harassment. Algorithms on social media that prioritize sensational content inadvertently contribute to the spread of hate.

Moreover, international organizations such as the United Nations have been criticized for disproportionately targeting Israel. Resolutions condemning Israel far outnumber those addressing egregious human rights violations in other countries, reinforcing the narrative that Israel is uniquely malevolent. So what can you do? How can you stand and support Israel and the Jewish people? Well, first of all, you're in the right place. You're listening to The Friends of Israel Today radio program. But there's even more that you can do. By educating yourself through Friends of Israel's unique programs, you can learn that what's happening in the Middle East isn't as complex as people make it out to be. Get educated about Israel and the Jewish people from a biblical perspective. Here's another one. Go to your local synagogue or Jewish community center and let them know that you are a Bible believing Christian who supports Israel and the Jewish people. Finally pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

The Jewish people have faced countless iterations of antisemitism throughout history, yet they have been preserved. National antisemitism, like its predecessor, seeks to undermine Jewish identity and resilience. It is imperative for individuals, communities, and nations to stand against this hatred, recognizing that attacks on Israel's legitimacy are often attacks on the Jewish people as a whole. The existence of Israel, far from being a cause for hostility, is a testament to the resilience and hope of the Jewish people. It's a reminder of the enduring covenant between God and his people, a beacon of light amid centuries of darkness.

 I'll end this series with this. Isn't it interesting that the Israeli journalists said that the best definition of antisemitism is that the Jewish people are the obstacle to worldwide redemption. And we learned about the shape-shifting prejudice that includes religious antisemitism, racial antisemitism, and finally national or statehood antisemitism, an antisemitism connected to the land of Israel.

In God's unconditional promise to Abraham, he promised him land: the land of Israel, descendants: the Jewish people, and a blessing: to be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Isn't it interesting that all three aspects of antisemitism have been manipulated by Satan to promote Jewish hatred? God's purpose for the land was for global redemption, but Satan convinces the world it's an obstacle to worldwide redemption. God's purpose for the Jewish people were to be a conduit for salvation to the whole world, but Satan convinces people that racially, Jewish people were the obstacles to global redemption. And finally, through Abraham, the land, and the people, blessing would flow to all the families of the earth. But Satan wants you to believe religiously, Jewish people are the obstacle to global redemption. Antisemitism is Satan's way of perverting Genesis 12:1-3, God's plan for Israel and the world. According to the Scriptures, God loves Israel and the Jewish people, so it should be natural for us as Bible believing Christians to love what God loves.

Steve Conover: Now Apples of Gold, a dramatic reading from the life and ministry of Holocaust survivor, Zvi Kalisher.

Mike Kellogg: We recently experienced something we have not seen in Israel for many years—a snowstorm with 16 inches! It caused many traffic accidents, downed power lines, and loss of electricity.

Most people in my neighborhood know me as either a helpful person or as a so-called apostate who tries to lead them away from the faith.

During the snowstorm, the Lord performed a miracle by bringing to my door a well-known rabbi who I thought knew me only as an apostate. He came not with a sour face, but with a pleasant expression, and in a kind voice said, “Well, Zvi, you have won the war. I think you can help me. We have no electricity. I have heard you can help.”

“Of course, let us go,” I said, as I picked up my toolbox.

After a few minutes of work, their lights came on—bringing great joy to the rabbi and his family. I then recited Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.”

Because I was a guest in the rabbi’s home, I felt the liberty to speak about the Lord. They invited me to sit and have a cup of tea as we talked. Such an opportunity comes perhaps once in a jubilee, and I asked the Lord to help me speak.

The rabbi was so grateful for what I had done that he vowed never again to speak against me or call me an apostate. 

As I was about to leave, the rabbi asked what he owed. I replied, “There is no charge. God has given me a great love for my neighbors. The Lord said, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ [Lev. 19:18]. You are my neighbor.”

The rabbi then jumped up and said, “Do you actually believe what the Bible says?” 

“Yes,” I replied.

He said, “You have the greatest chutzpah I have ever seen. Show me before my entire family where this man Jesus is in the Bible.”

Then I read Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

He replied, “But this one in whom you believe never ruled Israel. He was crucified.” 

“You are right,” I said, “and everyone stared at Him as He hung there. Zechariah 12:10 says, ‘They will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.’ I could show you, page after page, where the Bible speaks about this one whom you ridicule.

He then quoted Jeremiah 12:1: “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” 

I asked, “Who are the wicked? Those who believe in the living God? Or those who worship a false faith?” Our discussion became very heated. 

I know this encounter will produce fruit some day. I pray I will have further opportunities to speak to this rabbi, trusting that one day he and his family will escape spiritual darkness and embrace spiritual light, just as they were brought out of physical darkness into physical light during the snowstorm.

Steve Conover: Thanks for joining us for today's episode of The Friends of Israel Today. This was our final installment of a three-part series on antisemitism. If you missed the first two episodes, visit foiradio.org. Share it with your network of friends, share it with your family. It's vital that we have a clear understanding on this topic. Chris, where are we headed next week?

Chris Katulka: Well, next week we're going to be looking at our most recent issue of Israel My Glory, which is all about a very important phrase when we talk about prophecy. It's called The Day of the Lord, and we're going to have Dr. Mike Stallard, the Vice President of International Ministries with us to talk about his most recent article in Israel My Glory.

Steve Conover: And as we mentioned, our web address is foiradio.org. Again, that's foiradio.org. Our mailing address is FOI Radio PO Box 914, Bellmawr, New Jersey 08099. Again, that's FOI Radio PO Box 914, Bellmawr, New Jersey 08099. You can call our listener line. That number is 888-343-6940. Again, that's 888-343-6940. Our host and teacher is Chris Katulka. Today's program was engineered by Bob Beebe. Edited by Jeremy Strong, who also composed and performs our theme music. Lisa Small is our executive producer. Sarah Fern is our associate producer. And I'm Steve Conover, executive director of The Friends of Israel. The Friends of Israel Today is a production of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Passion for God's Word. Compassion for God's Chosen People.