SouthernWorldwide.com – Christian leaders from around the globe recently gathered in Jerusalem for an urgent summit addressing the alarming increase in antisemitism worldwide.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) organized the three-day conference, driven by heightened concerns following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
This gathering took place as social media platforms continue to be utilized by influencers to spread antisemitic messages to vast audiences.
The summit highlighted the crucial need for the church to actively combat antisemitism, emphasizing that failing to do so undermines its own foundations and long-term survival.
A significant focus of the discussions was “Replacement Theology,” a theological concept suggesting that the Church has superseded the Jewish people in God’s divine plan.
Speakers argued that this doctrine contradicts the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, which clearly outline God’s enduring covenant with the Jewish people.
The Bible’s consistent emphasis on God’s name and the mention of Israel numerous times underscore the inseparable connection between the biblical narrative and the Jewish people.
Furthermore, the life of Jesus, his birth in Bethlehem, his ministry, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem, and his promised return to the city, all point to the centrality of Israel in Christian faith.
Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian world, George Deek, addressed the attendees. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee were also slated to speak at the summit’s closing event.
In a video message, Israeli President Isaac Herzog commended the Christian leaders for their commitment to confronting antisemitism.
President Herzog described the global surge in antisemitism as a grave challenge for humanity, likening it to an ancient and persistent plague that requires a unified response from thought and religious leaders.
He stressed that effectively countering antisemitism necessitates a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, judicial action, and education.
Herzog expressed his profound gratitude to the leaders present for their dedication to fighting antisemitism and for their willingness to convene in Jerusalem to strategize solutions.
Dr. Andrew J. Nolte, who established Regent University’s Israel Institute, noted that antisemitic tropes, such as the accusation that Jews were responsible for Jesus’ death, are still prevalent among students.
Despite recent criticisms regarding Israel’s treatment of Christians, often attributed to extremist elements, the nation is widely recognized as a bastion of religious freedom in the Middle East.
Official statistics from December 2025 indicate that Israel’s Christian population numbered approximately 184,200, representing 1.9% of the total population, with a growth rate of 0.7% in the preceding year.
Arab Christians constitute the majority of the Christian population in Israel, making up 78.7% of this demographic and 6.8% of the overall Arab population.
The majority of Arab Christians reside in the northern parts of Israel. Among non-Arab Christians, a significant portion lives in the Tel Aviv and Central districts.
Nolte pointed out that Christians in Israel hold influential positions, citing the provost of the University of Haifa as a Maronite Christian. He also highlighted that Christian communities in Israel generally experience relatively high income levels.
Moreover, Nolte stated that legal cases concerning civil rights and religious freedom brought forth by Christians in Israel have largely been decided in their favor.
He asserted that the status of Christians in Israel is considerably higher when compared to any Muslim-majority country in the Middle East, offering a more favorable environment for Christians in the region.
Christopher Kuehl, founder of Present Witness, highlighted that a decline in biblical literacy among younger generations contributes to misconceptions and confusion regarding Israel.
He cited a recent U.S. study indicating that only about 5% of Gen Z exhibit a strong adherence to biblical teachings, suggesting a potential disconnect with foundational religious principles.
Pastor Matthew Earls participated in the summit as part of Eagles’ Wings Ministries’ Israel Christian Nexus program, which aims to provide young Christian leaders with early exposure to Israel and foster a comprehensive understanding.
The goal is to equip these Christian leaders with enhanced knowledge, renewed energy, and practical tools to effectively combat antisemitism upon their return to their communities.
Research conducted by CAM has revealed how social media algorithms can amplify antisemitic content and conspiracy theories.
These algorithms are designed to promote engaging content that elicits strong emotional responses, often through anti-establishment narratives and conspiracy theories that fuel antisemitism.
The summit saw participation from over 200 theologians, pastors, and ministry leaders representing more than 30 countries in person, with an additional 3,000 individuals joining virtually.
