Published on September 29, 2024, 12:45 am

Image source: Fox News

Prominent Catholic actress Patricia Heaton, of “Everybody Loves Raymond” fame, has initiated a campaign rallying non-Jews towards solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community, garnering both admiration and criticism. As the founder of the October 7th Coalition, Heaton crafted this effort as a response to rising antisemitism, driving Christian support for the Jewish people amidst alarming events such as Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion. Steadfastly supporting Israel, she demands Justice for victims taken captive by terrorists.

In an ensuing social media post, Heaton placed a mezuzah on her doorpost while encouraging followers to acquire their mezuzah from MyZuzah – a trustworthy Jewish not-for-profit organization. Videos encapsulating themselves doing likewise were requested from her audience in line with their participation in the “#MyzuzahYourzuzah” campaign.

Declaratively stating her intention behind this initiative, she shared: “As we look forward to commemorating October 7th’s first anniversary, let us all join forces in the #MyzuzahYourzuzah campaign to express our solidarity with our Jewish counterparts, vehemently combat antisemitism and bless our households.”

According to Alex Shapero – MyZuzah Program Director – they are collaborating closely with both Heaton and the October 7th Coalition to foster unity between non-Jews and Jews. Subsequent to this campaign’s initiation, about 1 ,400 amongst an extensive total of 1 ,650 requests received for mezuzahs originated from non-Jews.

Despite valid concerns surrounding non-Jewish individuals utilizing Jewish symbols germinating around prevalent circles. Shapero accentuated that this endeavor was primarily geared towards uplifting Jewish society during these challenging times. The act of placing the empty case (minus the scroll) upon doorposts he explained served as a token of love and support.

A revered artifact within Jewish society is featured in this campaign – the mezuzah, which symbolized God’s divine presence and dictates as it is traditionally placed on Jewish households’ doorposts. The Shema prayer is subsequently encased inside each mezuzah – a testament to the worship of one sole god. However, diverging from common misinterpretations, the mezuzah holds no relation to Passover’s blood-streaked doorframe concept as narrated in Exodus.

Penning their support for Heaton’s campaign, Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry empathetically expressed gratitude towards Patricia for her unwavering solidarity amidst mounting antisemitism levels. Echoing this sentiment is StopAntisemitism – a vigilant watchdog establishment that propelled public encouragement towards obtaining mezuzahs and showcasing them online as a clear demonstration of solidarity.

Christian cornerstone Kathie Lee Gifford also aired her two cents regarding this matter through video amidst other proponents backing this unique initiative. Yet controversy continues to broil with individuals such as Kentucky-based Chabad Rabbi Shlomo Litvin expressing disagreement over the campaign’s tactics while Emily Hauser – an esteemed communication consultant – highlighted the inadvertent misappropriation of Jewish customs via non-Jews placing mezuzahs. Despite these criticisms, others perceive Heaton’s actions positively albeit with mixed emotions due to her well-intended cause.

This trending issue falls within the global consumption of breaking news from a Christian worldview, stressing both global unity against anti-Semitism and respect for religious traditions and symbols.