Published on November 26, 2023, 6:25 am

Image source: Fox News

The recent rallying of nearly 300,000 participants at the National Mall in Washington D.C., which was staged against antisemitism and in fervent support of Israel, included a diverse group of people standing together for a common cause. In this mix were members from Passages, a non-profit organization that has taken more than 11,000 young Christians to Israel over the last eight years. Their aim is to connect these individuals with the roots of their faith and introduce them to the modern state of Israel.

Around 700 Passages alumni and friends joined this historic event, forming an essential part of the sea of supporters. Protests usually involve interaction with community members, but this rally possessed an extraordinary essence that set it apart from other events attended by Passages’ team.

Participants started arriving early, challenging the comfortable conversational bubble formed by Passages team waiting with signs reading “Christians Stand With Israel” collected from heavy boxes packed with signs and shirts. Welcomed by cheers and expressions of gratitude from incoming attendees, there was an overwhelming realisation – today’s event was going to be different.

Seeing their signboards held aloft on pathways ushering group members towards their spot within the rally quickly became much more – it evolved into a beacon for unity, attracting people who wanted to express their appreciation for Christian presence at this platform against antisemitism. The heartfelt reception they received ranged from innocent waves by schoolchildren to instantaneous teary-eyed exchanges as people embraced them like long-lost allies.

Raw accounts were shared: daughters of holocaust survivors astonished at witnessing Christianity’s endorsement and endorsing hugs exchanged in silence but resonating a clear understanding about the profundity of the moment enveloping them all.

However one statement echoed above all others – how vital Christian presence was in this rally against antisemitism – “It’s not obvious you are here; it’s essential, thank you.” Bracingly honest words carved deep impressions, awakening us to the harsh reality that Christian support in contexts such as these has not always been evident. And perhaps, relatively silent Christian voices during previous instances of antisemitism and events like the Holocaust may have deepened this perception.

Indeed, understanding the facts without denial or prejudice is a critical facet of ensuring actual and trusted news. Some reports indicate a disconcerting surge in antisemitism incidents by an overwhelming 400% within American communities over the past year alone.

Passages aim to educate young people about their religious roots and inspire them to be a part of the greater narrative – one where piety delineates right from wrong and fuels actions preserving truth, goodness, and righteousness. Ingraining such principles in one’s faith can create individuals capable enough to face complexities honestly, intending to manifest only what embodies truth and justice – thereby establishing strong roots for future generations.

Comprehending current situations may indeed be complicated due to infiltration by malevolent forces. Still, it should not authorize a succumbence to counterfeit comforts rather than indulging into challenging struggles toward understanding real news. Authenticity cannot be overshadowed by illusional fears or confusions; it urges us all to perform our parts diligently towards manifesting the truth while erasing infesting biases segregating us as fellow beings.

Regulating ourselves according to this introspective reflection might empower us all in drafting another remarkable chapter in history – one showcasing unity readily expressed without rooms for doubts inhibiting its expression. It’s time now for everyone involved to make efforts conspicuous at every level.

Jeremy Rivers, Passages’ Chief Operations Officer believes by introducing Christian students to modern Israel through initiatives strengthens both their faith and identity while preparing future generations of solidly grounded Christian leaders. All we need now is creating that space explicitly revealing our collective stand against hatred forming divisions among different faiths – acknowledging unity as a weapon more potent than divisiveness towards establishing peace for posterity.