For many years, the Republican Party in the United States was considered firmly pro-Israel. But in recent days, the party has faced an internal uproar over what appears to be a troubling rise in antisemitic currents within its institutions.
Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, one of the most influential conservative think tanks, defended controversial right-wing broadcaster Tucker Carlson after Carlson interviewed white supremacist Nick Fuentes and provided a platform for statements such as “we must fight organized global Judaism,” while also mocking pro-Israel Christians.
At the same time, another shift is unfolding in the United States. For decades, the country’s Christian community offered unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish people. Today, a generational change is underway. Young pastors and church leaders are increasingly exposed to misinformation and distorted narratives about Israel, weakening their understanding of the historic relationship between Christians and Jews.
Against this backdrop, the Combat Antisemitism Movement, in partnership with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem–USA, held a special conference in Orlando. Some 300 young Christian leaders from across the country gathered alongside senior clergy, community leaders, educators, influencers and decision makers. Their goals were to assess the current landscape, develop tools to counter antisemitism in every arena, strengthen Christian support for Israel and reinforce the long-standing bond between Christians and Jews.
Among the speakers was Almog Meir Jan, who survived 246 days in Hamas captivity after being kidnapped from the Nova music festival and freed in Operation Arnon along with Noa Argamani, Andrey Kozlov and Shlomi Ziv. “My captivity in Gaza was a nightmare filled with fear, violence, hunger and physical, mental and even religious abuse,” he told participants. “But it strengthened me and made me even prouder to be Jewish.” Attendees also heard testimony from Natalie Sanandaji, a Nova festival survivor who now works for the Combat Antisemitism Movement.
The conference also included remarks from Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, social-media influencers Officer Tatum and Ami Kozak, and other prominent figures known for their commitment to combating antisemitism and supporting Israel.
E. J. Kimball, director of Christian engagement at the Combat Antisemitism Movement, told the audience that antisemitism is a societal threat, not only a Jewish problem. “Antisemitism is a social plague that tears society apart from within,” he said. “We see leading voices on the American right openly embracing antisemitism, yet too many people stay silent or dismiss it as fringe. The same thing was said a decade ago about The Squad, which was seen as a marginal left-wing group. Now New York has elected a mayor who supports calls to ‘globalize the intifada.’”
Dr. Susan Michael, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem–USA, urged the young attendees to recognize the urgency of the moment. “You are the new generation of Christian leadership,” she said. “Some of you already lead, some are growing and some are still on the way, but all of you are here to prepare for leadership in your generation. What many of you have viewed as ‘normal’ in recent years is not normal. God wants to use you to bring change. Do not think small. Think big. Think about how to be world-changers.”
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E. J. Kimball, director of Christian engagement at the Combat Antisemitism Movement
(Photo: Combat Antisemitism Movement)
Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, said the Orlando gathering was the culmination of a long-term strategic initiative to deepen engagement with young Christians and future leaders. “We believe in partnerships across sectors, from government officials and mayors to clergy, diplomats, cultural figures, educators and business leaders,” he said. “By mobilizing many disciplines, we can create a global coalition against antisemitism and drive meaningful social change.”
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Dr. Susan Michael, president of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem–USA
(Photo: Combat Antisemitism Movement)
Roytman added that the conference equipped participants with practical tools to identify and confront antisemitism in their own communities. “The fight against antisemitism is a daily battle,” he said. “We must work tirelessly to reduce this destructive and ugly phenomenon as much as possible.”