In a time of deep division at home and instability abroad, one area of enduring consensus among millions of Americans is support for the U.S.-Israel relationship, especially within our nation’s faith communities. That’s why our organizations are bringing together a coalition of 300 rabbis, pastors, and faith leaders to Capitol Hill this week to advocate for strengthening U.S. support for Israel, confronting the rise of antisemitism, and ensuring the security of faith-based communities.
Our presence in Washington is deeply informed by a somber historical predecessor that we see as fundamentally tied to our current mission: the Rabbis' March of October 6, 1943. Just three days before Yom Kippur, more than 400 rabbis marched to the steps of the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Their mission was desperate: to sound the alarm about the Holocaust and plead for American intervention to save the Jews of Europe.
While the march eventually helped spur the creation of the War Refugee Board, those rabbis largely stood alone, their voices often dismissed by the political establishment of the time. As we return to these same halls of power, we do so with the knowledge that the silence and isolation of 1943 must never be repeated. Today, the rabbis are not walking alone; they are joined by a chorus of Christian pastors and faith leaders. We believe that bringing these leaders together now is an essential fulfillment of the moral duty that went unanswered eight decades ago.
Our support is not incidental; it is rooted in shared spiritual heritage, moral conviction, and a commitment to democratic values. As antisemitism accelerates and Israel faces unprecedented political and cultural pressure, now is the time to come together to ensure that the Jewish people never have to walk alone. For Jews and Christians alike, the connection to Israel is both ancient and living. It is grounded in sacred texts, historical continuity, and a shared moral framework often described as Judeo-Christian values.
Israel is not only the world’s only Jewish state; it is also a place where religious pluralism is protected and where Christian communities are not only surviving but growing, an increasingly rare reality in the Middle East. Holy sites sacred to multiple faiths are preserved and protected under Israeli law, reflecting a commitment to religious freedom that resonates deeply with American ideals. This support persists despite the volume of criticism from a vocal minority.
Public opinion data continues to show that a strong majority of Americans align with Israel over Hamas in the current conflict. For many voters, this is not an abstract foreign policy issue; it is a moral one, informed by faith, values, and a belief in the importance of democratic alliances.
A strong U.S.-Israel partnership serves both moral and strategic purposes. Israel remains one of America’s closest democratic allies in a volatile region. Continued bipartisan support for Israel’s security and stability is essential—not only for Israel’s survival, but also for advancing broader U.S. interests, including regional stability and the defense of democratic norms. This includes maintaining robust defense cooperation, supporting life-saving systems like Iron Dome that protect civilians from rocket attacks, and ensuring Israel remains safe in a dangerous neighborhood.
At the same time, challenges at home demand urgent attention. Antisemitism is rising at alarming levels across the United States, coming from across the political spectrum. The data is alarming: the majority of American Jews report feeling less safe, and a significant portion have experienced antisemitic incidents firsthand. As we approach one-year since the murder of Israel embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, this work becomes even more critical.
Particularly troubling is the rise of antisemitic attitudes among younger Americans, often correlated with reliance on social media as a primary news source. This trend is not just a Jewish issue; it is an American one. Hatred directed at any group erodes the moral fabric of our society.
Confronting antisemitism requires a unified response from government, faith institutions, educators, and civil society. Closely tied to this is the growing need to ensure the security of faith-based communities. Houses of worship, including synagogues, churches, schools, and community centers, have increasingly become targets of violence and intimidation. Protecting these spaces is about preserving the fundamental right to worship freely. Ensuring adequate security resources for these institutions must be a national priority.
In moments of uncertainty, the values that guide us matter most. People of faith must come together to support the Jewish people, oppose the scourge of antisemitism, and stand firmly with Israel. We commit to standing together as Jewish and Christian leaders, ensuring that the lessons of history are finally learned and that in the face of hatred, our solidarity remains unbreakable.
