Debunking Common Myths About Jewish People Part 2

Antisemitism involves a specific view of Jews, often manifested as animosity towards them. This can include verbal or physical acts against Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and their property, as well as against Jewish community centres and places of worship. In the first part, we introduced the acronym CARE, if you have not read this blog please see here Now let's explore the top twelve myths and misconceptions frequently encountered in and around Christian churches, particularly since October 2023.

MYTH 1: The Jews of today are not the Israelites of the Bible

The notion that modern Jews are not descendants of the ancient Israelites is based on historical inaccuracies. To debunk this myth, we must consider historical, archaeological, and genetic evidence linking today’s Jews to the biblical Israelites. The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel, including Judah, Benjamin, and Levi, who emerged over three thousand years ago. Historical texts, like the Hebrew Bible, and archaeological findings, such as artifacts and the Dead Sea Scrolls, confirm a continuous Jewish presence in the region. These discoveries highlight the deep roots of Jewish cultural and religious practices. Genetic studies further reveal that Jewish populations, including Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews, share significant genetic material tracing back to ancient Middle Eastern ancestry. This genetic continuity underscores the connection to the biblical Israelites. Additionally, the cultural and religious traditions of modern Jews, such as Passover, reflect their Israelite heritage. Ultimately, dismissing the link between contemporary Jews and ancient Israelites ignores substantial historical, archaeological, and genetic evidence, as well as the enduring legacy of Jewish identity.

MYTH 2: Israel is a made up and demonic country

The assertion that Israel is a fabricated or "demonic" entity is an oversimplification that overlooks the complex historical, cultural, and political realities of the region. Israel's roots trace back thousands of years, with Jewish connections to the land documented in ancient texts, archaeological findings, and historical records. The land, often referred to as the Promised Land in Jewish tradition, is central to Jewish identity and not a modern creation. The State of Israel's establishment in 1948 resulted from Zionism, a movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a response to anti-Semitism and persecution. Israel's re-establishment in 1948 holds prophetic significance, fulfilling biblical prophecy. Zionism sought to establish a safe, sovereign Jewish nation. Israel is a democratic state with a diverse population, including Jews, Arabs, Christians, and other minorities, reflecting democratic values. Labeling Israel as "demonic" disregards its societal complexities and efforts toward peace and coexistence. The idea of Israel as "made-up" ignores the historical context of nation-states. Israel's formation involved conflict and displacement, particularly for Palestinian Arabs, emphasizing the need for balanced understanding. Recognizing the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians is crucial for peace. The myth that Israel is fabricated and demonic misleads and harms by oversimplifying a complex history and undermining legitimate rights and identities. A nuanced understanding acknowledges historical connections, self-determination aspirations, and the challenges both Israelis and Palestinians face in seeking peace and security.

MYTH 3: The Rothschilds created the state of Israel

A persistent myth suggests that the Rothschild family orchestrated the creation of the state of Israel, using their wealth and influence for personal gain. This narrative oversimplifies history by implying that wealthy elites manipulated global events. The movement for a Jewish homeland gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led by figures like Theodor Herzl, who responded to anti-Semitism and persecution in Europe. The Rothschilds supported Jewish causes, with Baron Edmond de Rothschild funding agricultural projects in Palestine, but these efforts were philanthropic rather than political orchestration. The establishment of Israel in 1948 was the result of complex historical, political, and social factors, including World War II, the Holocaust, and the British mandate in Palestine. The UN's 1947 partition plan was crucial, leading to Israel's declaration of independence in 1948. The myth that the Rothschilds single-handedly created Israel overlooks the broader historical context and contributions of many individuals and groups. It is important to approach such claims critically, acknowledging the multifaceted reality of Israel's founding. Israel's re-establishment in 1948 is prophetically significant, fulfilling biblical prophecy.

MYTH 4: Jews control the world and politics

Antisemitism often portrays Jews as a malign and secretive group that controls aspects of the world and alleges that Jews are connected to secret groups who also allegedly conspire to control the world, such as the Illuminati and the Freemasons. Jews have repeatedly been said to conspire against whatever society holds most dear – from Jesus Christ to the nation’s interests. The anti-Semitic trope found a new lease of life in the forgery ‘The Protocols of the Elders of Zion’, made public in Russian in approximately 1905. The Protocols were translated into many languages across the globe and were even promoted by The Times of London, which later went on to expose the Protocols as a forgery. The Protocols allege that Jews conspire to take over the world by controlling the press; destroying religion; controlling land; controlling world economies; spreading pornography; controlling education; and scheming to control many other aspects of life. The false concept of Jewish world control had been festering for some time in Russia and Eastern Europe before the Protocols were published. For example, Jacob Brafman, who converted from Judaism to Lutheranism, claimed the Talmud and the kahal, the former Ashkenazi autonomous governments, were used to subvert Russia. In reality, the Protocols were revealed to be unequivocally fake. Perhaps drawing inspiration from those opposing Napoleon’s liberal policies towards Jews, French author and satirist Maurice Joly wrote a pamphlet ‘Dialogue in Hell. Between Machiavelli and Montesquieu’, published in 1864. Large tracts of the Protocols were directly lifted from Dialogue in Hell, confirming its fraudulent nature. The idea that Jews in the diaspora, as a collective, are working to rule the world is as crass as it is offensive.

MYTH 5: Jews are the cause of all wars and worldly ills

Jews have been falsely accused of being behind numerous wars, terrorism, diseases and

additional worldly troubles. This anti-Semitic canard is partly linked to economic antisemitism; the idea that Jews start all wars to profit from them. During the Middle Ages, Jews were accused of being responsible for the black death, the bubonic plague, which ravaged Europe. It was a pandemic that caused the death of an estimated 25 million people. This was a false accusation. However, as with many conspiracies it fed from kernels of truth. For example, there was a reduced degree of effect of the plague on the Jewish community at the time, which practiced swift burial of the dead, as is Jewish tradition. Jews were subsequently accused of poisoning wells, an accusation which persisted long after the period of the black death. Later, in the early 20th century, Jews were blamed for “stabbing Germany in the back”, the loss of World War I, a myth believed by many conservatives in Weimer Germany, a myth that Hitler opportunistically seized upon. In more modern times, conspiracy theorists have alleged that Jews are to blame for the September 11th 2001 terror attacks against America, as well as taking part in ‘false flag’ terrorist attacks. In some cases, these conspiracy theories will use the word “Israel” or “Zionists” instead “Jew”. This is a form of anti-Zionism which has crossed the boundary into antisemitism; blaming Jews as a collective for causing war or terrorism. During the ongoing 2019-2020 Covid-19 virus

pandemic, Jews were accused of being the cause of the virus within several anti-Semitic circles. Several themes emerged, including: the virus as a fake Jewish conspiracy, the virus as real but being spread by Jews for wicked purposes, and Jews as the principal spreaders of the virus. These patently false accusations echo the anti-Semitic conspiracy theory of Jews being the cause of the Medieval Black Death.

MYTH 6: I am not anti-Semitic but only Anti-Zionist

Many claim to be anti-Zionist but not anti-Semitic, yet struggle to explain the rise in anti-Semitic incidents following conflicts involving Israel. Since the October 7th, 2023 attack, anti-Semitic incidents have surged by over 200% globally. Zionism advocates for Jewish statehood and self-determination in Israel, while anti-Zionism opposes this. Criticizing Israeli policies isn't inherently anti-Zionist or anti-Semitic, but opposing Zionism implies denying Jews political mobilization and self-determination, relegating them to minority status reliant on non-Jews. This stance echoes historical subjugation and denies Jews equality and self-representation. Anti-Zionism confines Jewish identity to predefined roles, often aligning with outdated European views of Jews as merely a religious group. It denies Jews the right to self-identify as part of a nation. In theory, one can be anti-Zionist without being anti-Semitic, but the distinction is nuanced. Anti-Zionism can value Jewish existence in theory while disregarding it in practice, threatening their security and independence. The fine line between antisemitism and anti-Zionism must be scrutinized to prevent it from obscuring the troubling implications of anti-Zionist positions.

MYTH 7: The Jews killed Jesus

The accusation of Jews being collectively responsible for the death of Jesus is anti-Semitic, rooted in the concept of Jewish deicide from the gospels. This notion has fuelled attacks and persecution against Jews for centuries. Jesus was arrested by a Jewish council for claiming to be "King of the Jews" but was ultimately tried and crucified under Roman authority, led by Pontius Pilate. Historians argue that the Jewish community had no reason to prosecute Jesus, as many sects were not aligned with mainstream Jewish beliefs. The myth of Jewish deicide has been used to justify discrimination, including during the Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades. In 1965, the Second Vatican Council's Nostra Aetate declared that Jews today are not responsible for Jesus's crucifixion, and Jesus’s own words in John 10:18 suggest his death was voluntary. Despite this, the myth persists, as seen in events like the 1903 Kishinev pogrom. Accusing Jews of collective responsibility remains a harmful anti-Semitic trope.

MYTH 8: The Church has replaced Israel, they are no longer relevant.

The belief that the Church has entirely replaced Israel in the plan of God is a common misconception that has been perpetuated throughout history. This idea, often referred to as "replacement theology" or "supersessionism," suggests that the covenantal promises made to Israel in the Old Testament have been transferred to the Christian Church, rendering Israel obsolete in the divine narrative. However, this perspective overlooks the complexities of biblical theology and the enduring significance of Israel in God's redemptive plan. To understand why this myth is misleading, it is essential to explore the biblical context surrounding Israel's role. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is depicted as God's chosen people, with whom He established a series of covenants. These covenants, including those made with Abraham, Moses, and David, are foundational to understanding God's relationship with humanity. They signify not only a special status for Israel but also a commitment from God to fulfil His promises through them. In the New Testament, while the Church is indeed portrayed as the body of Christ and a continuation of God's redemptive work, this does not imply that Israel has been cast aside. In fact, many passages highlight the ongoing significance of Israel. For instance, Romans 11 emphasizes that God has not rejected His people, Israel, and that there remains a future for them in His plan. Paul articulates a vision where the Gentiles are grafted into the olive tree of Israel, suggesting a partnership rather than a replacement. This metaphor indicates that the Church and Israel can coexist within God's overarching narrative. Moreover, the prophetic literature of the Old Testament contains numerous promises regarding the restoration of Israel. These prophecies speak of a future time when Israel will be redeemed and restored, indicating that God's plan encompasses both the Church and Israel. The book of Revelation, for example, depicts a vision of the end times where Israel plays a crucial role alongside the nations, further affirming that God's covenant with Israel remains intact. Additionally, the early Church was predominantly composed of Jewish believers who viewed their faith as a fulfilment of their heritage rather than a rejection of it. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, and the Church's emergence was seen as a continuation of God's work through Israel, not a replacement. This historical context is vital in understanding the relationship between the Church and Israel today. In conclusion, the notion that the Church has replaced Israel is a myth that fails to recognize the depth of God's covenantal faithfulness. Rather than viewing the Church and Israel as mutually exclusive, it is more accurate to see them as distinct yet interconnected components of God's redemptive plan. Both have unique roles and purposes that contribute to the unfolding narrative of salvation history, emphasizing the richness and complexity of God's relationship with His people.

MYTH 9: Jews are of the synagogue of Satan

This myth has its roots in a complex history of anti-Semitism, which has often sought to delegitimize and demonize Jewish communities throughout the ages. The phrase "synagogue of Satan" originates from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, where it is used in a context that has been misinterpreted and misappropriated over centuries. This biblical reference has been taken out of context to foster hatred and prejudice against Jews, painting them as adversaries to Christianity and humanity at large. It is important to understand that this characterization is not only misleading but also deeply harmful. The notion that Jews are somehow aligned with evil or malevolence is a baseless accusation that has fuelled persecution, violence, and discrimination against Jewish people throughout history. Such stereotypes ignore the rich cultural, religious, and historical contributions of Jewish communities to society, and they perpetuate a cycle of misunderstanding and hatred. Furthermore, this myth oversimplifies the complex relationships between different religious groups and the historical contexts in which they have interacted. It fails to acknowledge that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share common roots and have influenced one another in various ways over the centuries. By framing Jews as the "other," proponents of this myth ignore the shared values and teachings that promote peace, compassion, and mutual respect among all faiths. In modern times, it is crucial to challenge and debunk such harmful myths, promoting instead a narrative that emphasizes understanding, dialogue, and respect among different communities. Education plays a vital role in dismantling these stereotypes, as it encourages individuals to engage with the history and experiences of others, fostering empathy and reducing prejudice. By confronting these myths head-on, society can work towards a more inclusive and harmonious future, free from the shadows of hatred that have plagued it for far too long.

MYTH 10: God is finish with Israel and the covenants were conditional

God's character is revealed through His names and covenants, especially as "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." These covenants highlight His relational nature and commitment to humanity and Israel. Among the eight covenants in the scriptures—Edenic, Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, Land, and New—the Abrahamic Covenant is foundational. It defines God's relationship with Israel and the nations, serving as the basis for subsequent covenants. The Abrahamic Covenant, first mentioned in Genesis 12:1-3, was unilaterally ratified by God, indicating its unconditional and eternal nature. Abraham was promised to be the father of a great nation, Israel, and to inherit the land of Canaan. The covenant included blessings for those who bless Israel and curses for those who curse it. Through Abraham, all families of the earth would be blessed, and circumcision was the sign of this covenant. Unlike the conditional Mosaic Covenant, which required obedience to the Law, the Abrahamic Covenant depended solely on God's promise. Its three main aspects—Land, Descendants, and Blessing—are expanded into the Land Covenant, Davidic Covenant, and New Covenant, respectively. Though not all promises have been fulfilled, particularly regarding land boundaries, they are expected to be realized in the Messianic Kingdom. The Abrahamic Covenant remains a cornerstone of God's dealings with Israel and the nations, underscoring His eternal and unconditional commitment to His promises.

MYTH 11: There was peace between Jews and Arabs before 1948

The notion of peace between Jews and Arabs before 1948 oversimplifies the historical relationship marked by both cooperation and conflict. The interaction between these communities was influenced by social, political, and economic factors over centuries. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw rising nationalist movements among Jews and Arabs, leading to tensions. Jewish immigration, driven by the Zionist movement, increased competition for land and resources, intensifying Arab grievances. Socio-economic disparities widened, and disputes arose as Jewish settlements expanded on traditionally Arab-cultivated land. Key events like the 1929 Hebron massacre and the Arab Revolt from 1936 to 1939 highlighted the fragile coexistence and deep-seated grievances. The British mandate further complicated matters, attempting to balance conflicting aspirations but often fuelling animosity. While periods of calm and cooperation existed, the idea of a consistent peace is misleading. The historical reality involves a complex interplay of cooperation, competition, and conflict, crucial for understanding the roots of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

MYTH 12: Jesus Christ was a Palestinian

Jesus was a Jewish man from the land of Israel, not a Palestinian or a symbol of modern political movements. Born in Bethlehem, under Roman rule, he followed Jewish customs and traditions. The term "Palestine" was a later Roman invention, postdating Jesus by a century, intended to erase Jewish ties to Judea. Claims that Jesus was Palestinian are not only false but serve to delegitimize Jewish historical connection to Israel. This narrative is part of a broader strategy to undermine Jewish claims, casting Jews as "colonizers" in their ancestral land. The erasure of Jewish history fuels division rather than peace. Supporting Palestinian rights doesn't require rewriting history. Recognizing Jesus' Jewish identity doesn't negate Palestinian identity or rights. Denying his Jewish roots is regressive, echoing past attempts to reshape Jewish identity for political gain. The focus should be on acknowledging historical truths without compromising modern rights. Jews lived in Jerusalem long before Christmas, a fact that should not be contested.

Editor's Note: Hatred towards Jews was embedded in Christianity from its early days, intensifying by the end of the 11th Century and peaking during the high Middle Ages. This anti-Semitism laid the groundwork for the Holocaust and persists today. After Christianity triumphed under Constantine, Jews were in a predominantly Christian world, with the Church viewing Judaism as a rival. Many pagans and Christians converted to Judaism, but the Christian Roman Empire, unlike the tolerant pagan one, claimed to be the sole true faith, making Judaism anathema. Constantine's decrees restricted Jewish practices and positions, such as prohibiting Jews from holding public office or military rank. Early Church Fathers like St. John of Chrysostom and Gregory of Nyssa fuelled anti-Semitism with harsh rhetoric, depicting Jews as godless and evil, which contributed to long-lasting negative attitudes. Antisemitism is both a religious and secular issue, evolving from religious to political and racial forms. The Holocaust was the culmination of centuries of Christian persecution. Understanding this history helps dismantle modern anti-Semitic myths, such as financial conspiracy theories stemming from medieval Christian economic restrictions, and anti-Zionist movements reflecting traditional Christian Supersessionism. “Antisemitism mutates. It started in theology but spread into politics, economics, and culture. Unless we confront its Christian roots, it will continue poisoning society in new forms.”

Next time, we will finish off this blog series with - What you think about Israel matters to God and truly it does.