Loving our neighbor when antisemitism spikes

Carino Casas • June 17, 2021

Anti-Semitic incidences – assaults, harassment, vandalism – increased 80 percent in the United States in the month of May

By the Rev. Cariño Casas
CMJ USA

Last month, Israel endured 11 days of rockets from Hamas-controlled Gaza. Hamas and related terror groups fired 4,369 rockets toward Israel . After nearly two-thirds fell off-target or misfired, the remaining 1,500 approached cities and neighborhoods. Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system, destroyed most of those. However, the 150 or so that escaped Iron Dome hit homes and vehicles, killing a dozen Israeli civilians. In Gaza, 243 people – mostly militants – were killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Some people look at those numbers, and because Israeli deaths were few, they decide that Israel must be at fault : Israel is the stronger entity, so Israel must be in the wrong. It’s not that simple. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex. While the Israeli government and military are not perfect, neither is Hamas an innocent victim. Their continued goal is to eliminate Israel “from the river to the sea.” Hamas victimizes not just Israelis but the residents of Gaza, among whom they hide their rocket launchers and military headquarters . Here in the U.S., after an election cycle that further damaged civil discourse and frustrations borne of 15 months of the pandemic, few want to make time for details and complexity.

As a result, anti-Semitic incidences – assaults, harassment, vandalism – increased 80 percent in the United States in the month of May . Anti-Semitism was already at an all-time high. Until a few years ago, no Jew in the U.S. had been killed for being a Jew since the lynching of Leo Frank in 1915. Then in October 2018, 11 were murdered in a Pittsburgh synagogue. In 2019 another Jew was murdered in a southern California synagogue, and several more were killed in a New Jersey kosher market. American Jews are worried, asking, “ Where are our allies? ”

Fellow Christian, even as our hearts burn with compassion for the Palestinians injured when their own government puts them in harm’s way, we must stand up and assure our Jewish neighbors that we are their allies, that we love and care for them. We must show ourselves faithful in loving our Jewish neighbors as ourselves. When they ask why, we must be ready with the answer: b ecause I serve Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah of Israel.

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Fuel the Mission: CMJ USA Day of Giving, October 14

By Carino Casas • August 25, 2026

2026 has been a remarkable year of connection for CMJ USA. Traveling across the country to meet so many of you in person—at churches, conferences, and gatherings—is always a highlight of our ministry. From our early trips through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to our upcoming visits in California, Texas, and Virginia (plus the meaningful Seders and teachings close to home in Pennsylvania), we are deeply grateful for every open door. As we look ahead, we are preparing for a major milestone: launching Emunah in 2027 and introducing it to congregations nationwide. To reach as many communities as possible, we need to build a strong digital and physical foundation today. Here is where your Day of Giving support directly makes an impact: Expanding Emunah: While Emunah will initially launch as a digital download, our goal is to expand into print editions and high-quality video instruction to maximize its reach. Travel & Outreach: Bringing the Jewish roots of our faith directly to local congregations requires flights, rental cars, and boots on the ground. Upgrading Our Digital Presence: We are optimizing our website to make key resources easily accessible and expanding CMJ’s voice on social media to actively counter anti-Jewish rhetoric with truth and clarity. How You Can Partner with Us Today Invite Us to Your Church: We would love to minister to your local congregation in person. Pray for the Ministry: Stand with us in prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and open doors. Invest in the Mission: Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving a strategic one-time gift this Day of Giving. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley often reminds us, "The Lord pays for what He orders." We also know He delights in using His saints as conduits of His abundant provision. To our faithful regular donors: thank you. You are integral to everything we do. Will you help us take this next step forward today?