The Jewish people have faced persistent persecution throughout history, a phenomenon that continues despite overwhelming evidence of events like the Holocaust. Despite global efforts to eradicate anti-Semitism after World War II, this form of hatred is on the rise once more. Why does anti-Semitism persist so stubbornly, even enabling heinous acts to be committed with little remorse?
The Spiritual Basis
The roots of these questions lie beyond human understanding, in the spiritual realm rather than the natural world. The ultimate cause of anti-Semitism is linked to an ongoing spiritual battle that has defined much of history. This battle provides a framework for understanding the persistent hatred towards Jews.
According to the Bible, God created a kingdom encompassing both the heavens and the earth, where He reigns supreme (Genesis 1:1). Angels serve Him in the heavenly realm (Psalms 103:19–22; 148:2-4), and humans, created to govern the earthly realm, were given dominion over it (Genesis 1:26–28; Psalms 8:4–8). This established a theocracy, with God as the sovereign ruler, mediated by Adam.
Lucifer, the greatest angel, grew proud and initiated a rebellion to overthrow God and seize control of the universe (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 38:11-17; 1 Timothy 3:6). Renamed Satan, he convinced other angels and humans to join his cause (Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-11; Revelation 12:7). Humanity’s alliance with Satan resulted in spiritual death, environmental harm, disease, deformity, and physical death (Genesis 3:16–24; Romans 5:12). Consequently, Adam’s defection led to the loss of the earthly theocracy, transferring dominion to Satan (Luke 4:5–7; John 16:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 5:19).
God’s Goal and Satan’s Opposition
God’s ultimate goal in history is to glorify Himself as the sole sovereign of the universe. To achieve this, He must accomplish three objectives before history’s end: defeat Satan and eliminate his rule, restore His theocracy on earth, and reverse the consequences of humanity’s rebellion.
After Adam joined Satan, God foretold that a redeemer, born of a woman, would crush Satan (Genesis 3:15). This promise made the coming and work of a man-child, the Messiah, central to God’s plan. To thwart this, Satan aimed to prevent the Messiah’s birth and, failing that, to destroy Him before He could fulfil His mission. God’s revelation that the Messiah would die to atone for human sin (Isaiah 53) and to overthrow Satan’s rule (Psalms 2:1–9; Isaiah 11:1-4; Zechariah 14:3–4, 12–15) made the Redeemer pivotal in God’s historical purpose.
The Role of Israel and Anti-Semitism
God promised to bless all nations through Abraham and Isaac’s descendants (Genesis 22:18; 26:4), indicating that the Messiah would come from their line. Thus, Israel became a target for Satan’s attempts to prevent the Messiah’s arrival. Historical examples include Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:15-22) and Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews (Esther 3:8-15). Despite these attempts, God ensured the survival of Israel, leading to the Messiah’s birth through a Jewish woman.
Satan continued his opposition, prompting Jewish rejection of the Messiah, which God used to facilitate the Messiah’s sacrificial death (John 1:29; Acts 2:22–24).
Satan and his legions of demonic forces are striving to maintain their hold over this world, and we find ourselves in the thick of this conflict. It is crucial to understand that a significant element of Satan’s strategy has historically been to foster anti-Semitism, particularly among Christians, with the ultimate aim of eradicating the Jewish people.
However, Israel still plays a crucial role in God’s plan. When Israel recognises and accepts the Messiah, God will defeat Satan and restore His theocracy (Zechariah 12:10–13:1; 14; Deuteronomy 30:1–10; Acts 3:12–21).
The Misguided Nature of Pro-Palestine Protests
In recent months, the pro-Palestine movement has gained significant momentum, with protests erupting worldwide in response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the passion and commitment of these activists may be seen as commendable, it is crucial to examine whether their protests are truly well-founded or if they are driven by a misguided understanding of a complex issue. My view is that the majority of these protesters are doing it because they just follow others like sheep, knowing nothing about Israel nor the terrorist nature of Hamas.
1. Simplification of a Complex Conflict
One of the primary issues with pro-Palestine protests is the oversimplification of a deeply intricate conflict. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is rooted in a complex history of territorial disputes, religious significance, and geopolitical interests spanning over a century. Reducing this multifaceted issue to a binary of oppressor versus oppressed neglects the nuanced realities on the ground. Such simplifications can lead to misconceptions and hinder constructive dialogue aimed at finding lasting peace.
2. Historical Context and Narrative Bias
Pro-Palestine activists often adopt a narrative that views Israel solely as an aggressive occupier while portraying Palestinians as passive victims. This narrative overlooks key historical events, such as the refusal of Arab states to accept the UN Partition Plan in 1947, subsequent wars initiated by neighbouring Arab countries, and the complex dynamics of Palestinian leadership. Ignoring these aspects fosters a one-sided perspective that fails to acknowledge the legitimate security concerns of Israel and the mistakes made by both sides.
3. Ignoring Internal Palestinian Issues
A major oversight in pro-Palestine protests is the failure to address internal Palestinian political and social issues. The governance of Gaza by Hamas, a recognised terrorist organisation, and the corruption within the Palestinian Authority have significantly contributed to the plight of the Palestinian people. By focusing solely on external factors, protesters overlook how Palestinian leadership has often acted against the interests of its own people, including human rights abuses and the suppression of dissent.
4. Antisemitism and Harmful Rhetoric
While many pro-Palestine activists genuinely advocate for human rights, a troubling undercurrent of antisemitism has marred the movement. Slogans, chants, and social media posts sometimes cross the line from legitimate criticism of Israeli policies to outright antisemitic tropes. This not only undermines the moral high ground of the movement but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and hostility towards Jewish communities worldwide.
5. Hindrance to Peace Efforts
Protests that advocate for the total dismantling of Israel or reject its right to exist undermine efforts towards a two-state solution—a widely supported framework for achieving peace. By focusing on maximalist demands, pro-Palestine activists often alienate potential allies and harden positions on both sides, making it more difficult to achieve the necessary compromises for peace.
6. Selective Outrage
There is a notable inconsistency in the level of outrage and protest directed towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict compared to other global human rights issues. For instance, the suffering of Uyghur Muslims in China or the war in Yemen often receives far less attention. This selective outrage can lead to questions about the underlying motivations of the movement and whether it is driven by genuine concern for human rights or by political biases.
While the desire to support the Palestinian cause stems from a place of empathy and justice, it is imperative for activists to approach the issue with a well-rounded understanding and a commitment to balanced, fact-based advocacy. Recognising the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, acknowledging the failures on both sides, and steering clear of antisemitic rhetoric can pave the way for more effective and constructive support. Only through a nuanced and fair approach can true progress towards peace be made.
Future of Anti-Semitism
Satan’s anti-Semitic efforts will persist until Israel repents. He has instigated persecution through various entities, including the Roman Empire, the Inquisition, Nazism, and modern terrorist groups, culminating in the Holocaust. The most intense period of anti-Semitism, however, is yet to come, as Satan and the Antichrist will devastate Israel before the Messiah’s return (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 12:13–15).
God’s Sovereign Purpose
Despite satanic persecution, God has placed Israel in a unique, permanent relationship with Himself (Deuteronomy 7:6; 10:15; 14:2; 26:18–19; 2 Samuel 7:23–24). God’s dealings with Israel demonstrate His sovereignty, blessing obedience and cursing rebellion (Deuteronomy 28:1–68). Anti-Semitism is part of the cursing, meant to turn Israel back to God.
God’s purpose includes bringing the Messiah into the world through Israel and using Israel as the spiritual leader in the Millennial Kingdom. The Jewish people will guide the Gentiles to worship the true God (Zechariah 8:22–23). God’s sovereign plan will ultimately break Israel’s rebellion, leading to their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfilment of His divine purpose (Zechariah 12–14).