Beyond Boundaries: Rabbis And Ministers In Support Of Israel

Last Sunday, I traveled to Washington for the annual conference of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC). The ZRC is an organization of over 1,000 rabbis from across North America dedicated to fostering love and commitment to Zionism and Israel. We take public positions in committed support of Israel and work together to craft messages that resonate with American Jews of all ages and backgrounds. At a time when there is concern over the widening gap between the Jews of Israel and North America, we work to close that gap. In the words of our charter, "With unconditional love, yet not uncritical support, we are convinced that working together we can face any challenge."

Our three-day conference was filled with important meetings, lectures, networking, and direct engagement with elected officials in Washington. Among the notable speakers was Professor Shai Davidai, the Columbia University faculty member who was the first to criticize Columbia University for its failure to speak out against rampant antisemitism and threats to Jews on campus following October 7, 2023. We had a private meeting with Dr. Eliav Benjamin, Israel's Deputy Ambassador to the United States, who provided a special briefing on Israel's strategic situation. We met with leading writers, journalists, and opinion leaders who shared their perspectives on opportunities and challenges for Israel and the American Jewish community. I can honestly say that I learned something new at each of our many meetings and sessions.

The highlight of our conference was a unique meeting with the American Christian Leaders For Israel as well as a host of other leading Christian organizations including Eagles Wings, the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement, and Israel Allies. They too were meeting in Washington for a similar purpose: to talk about Israel, advocate for the release of hostages, demand the dismantling of Iran's capacity to build nuclear weapons, and support robust and sustained congressional efforts to investigate and deter all forms of antisemitic activity and actions.

I can't begin to explain the feeling of sitting—in the Washington Museum of the Bible, of all places—with over 300 Christian ministers and pastors from 28 different states who gathered to meet with like-minded friends, allies, and supporters of Israel and the Jewish community in pursuit of these shared goals.

I had years of experience working with the Christian Zionist movement early in my career during my time in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I witnessed firsthand the incredible yet often overlooked support for Israel within this segment of American Christianity. During my seven years in Knoxville, I spoke to over 100 different churches and organizations and saw the level of concern and passion for these issues, something I had never witnessed among our more traditional allies in the Christian community. Many, if not most, of the rabbis assembled had never witnessed this before, often associating such support with larger political movements and goals they do not share, or assuming that this zeal for Israel is merely a prelude to an effort to encourage conversion. But nothing could be further from the truth. This support is honest, heartfelt, and stems from a belief that safeguarding Israel and standing against antisemitism is not only a Jewish or Christian issue, but an American imperative. Many of my colleagues learned that for the first time on Monday night. I need every member of our community to know it as well.

That night, the guest speakers at our dinner were Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senator Cory Booker. Though their speaking styles, politics, and constituencies differ, their message was the same: These issues are priorities for them and for Congress. Their support, along with the love and friendship expressed by these Christian ministers and the pro-Israel network they have built, was a vivid reminder that we are not alone. We have friends, allies, and passionate support from both Republicans and Democrats and the overwhelming majority of American Christians. In our pain and sadness since October 7, we may have forgotten that. We must not.

On Tuesday, we formed teams of rabbis and ministers to lobby on Capitol Hill. I was invited to lead our group along with a Christian minister from Union, NJ. We met with the staff of newly elected LaMonica McIver from New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, as well as our very own Josh Gottheimer. Whereas Congressman Gottheimer is a leader on these issues, Congresswoman McIver is not and has said relatively little about matters related to Israel, Iran, and antisemitism. Our ability to speak to her and her staff about these issues and how they affect the lives of Jews living in New Jersey hopefully began what will be an ongoing dialogue to encourage her to advocate more forcefully on these concerns.

As some of you know, I don't travel often. However, working with the ZRC and building greater bridges to politicians, as well as groups and organizations that support Jewish interests, will be a greater priority in the immediate future. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this conference and look forward to continuing to share with the congregation how you can support these efforts as well.