Anti-Semitism appears to be on the rise in Canada. Calling for the boycott of establishments simply because they are owned by Jews is alarming to say the least. However, this incident in Toronto was not an isolated one. From a Star of David stamped with an image of blood pouring on it to Jewish schools being vandalized and Mezuzahs ripped from Jewish homes, there is much cause for concern.
The Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Michael Ford said on X, “we know that the recent rise in incidents of hate has many people feeling concerned” and are “extending the deadline for the Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant.”
He is speaking of a $12.7-million grant program to support qualified faith-based, First Nations, and cultural groups.
Jewish people in our communities needing to apply for grants to protect themselves is unacceptable and quite frankly, frightening.
“I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:3
The bible is very clear regarding God’s covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants. Based on Genesis 12 verse 3, it will not go well for antisemites. It is fearsome to think about the judgment that would come on those who hate the apple of his eye and especially those that would inflict brutality on them. Haman wanted to annihilate the Jewish people. He and his family were hung on the very gallows he built for Mordecai.
Pray for God's mercy. Pray that God would transform their hearts and that they would come to the knowledge of the truth. The only cure for antisemitism is the perfect love of Jesus.
When we see this kind of hate in our community, as the people of God, we cannot remain silent. Bonhoeffer said, “Not to speak is to speak and not to act is to act.” He also said, “If I sit next to a madman as he drives a car into a group of innocent bystanders, I can’t, as a Christian, simply wait for the catastrophe, then comfort the wounded and bury the dead. I must try to wrestle the steering wheel out of the hands of the driver.”
We should stand with Israel not only out of a sense of duty as Christians but also from a deep love for our God, who holds a special affection for the Jewish people. When we witness actions against them that unmistakably stem from the accuser of the brethren, our support is necessary and vital for them as well as for ourselves.
As believers, we are assigned the task to pray for the Jewish people. We are called to be Watchmen on the wall.
“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.”
Isaiah 62:6-7
Pray that they would come to know and receive Jesus as their Messiah.
Pray for God’s protection on the Jewish people in Israel and around the world.
“Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.” Psalm 144:11
Pray for the influencers in our society to speak the truth without bias or misinformation. Pray for Canadians to know the truth and the truth will set them free.
Pray that Canada becomes a fore runner globally to stand up against antisemitism. We give thanks to God for the politicians and leaders who are standing for truth and pushing back against the trend of hating Jews. Pray for the church to be able to respond with caring hearts for those who are being affected by antisemitism.
If your MP is standing against antisemitism, call them or send them and email to encourage them and tell them that you are praying for them.
コメント