“In no way is this a reflection of our lack of love” for the Jewish people.
So assured Heath Rada, the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s moderator, at their annual Assembly on Friday, June 20, 2014, moments after his church voted to divest from three companies. Their crime: selling products to Israel security forces and Jews living in Judea and Samaria.
Supporters of divestment erupted in tears when the results were read out. It had taken ten years – previous votes had come close but didn’t receive enough support to pass – but on June 20, the Church voted, by a margin of 310 to 303, to single out Israel as the one nation on earth so uniquely evil that it merited the Presbyterian Church’s special condemnation and divestment of funds.
Amid the debate about Israel, no resolution was called for to demand the teens’ safe return.
Coming weeks after Hamas terrorists abducted three Israeli teenagers – one an American citizen – it seemed a cynical double standard not to debate the reality of terror with which Israelis live on a daily basis. Amid the debate about Israel, no resolution was called for to demand the teens’ safe return. No calls were made for divestment of Arab regimes with horrendous human rights record. The delegates did not suggest using their moral weight to persuade Hamas to release the teens. They did not address political situations elsewhere in the world, nor mention human rights abuses around the globe. Their focus remained firmly, narrowly, on Israel and its alleged crimes.
The vote has split the Church. One pastor confided afterwards “when I went to prayer after the Presbyterian General Assembly voted for ‘divestment’, I almost shouted to the Lord, ‘I am NOT a Presbyterian!” After the vote, Rev. Paul deJong of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers, Fl, deplored his Church’s double standard: “One must question the motives of anyone who vilifies Israel with greater fervor than any other nation, especially when we consider the numerous places in which violence is being reported continuously.”
Zionism as Evil
Others, however, cheered the results. One group that has been working towards divestment is the Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The group, which features a segment called “Boycott 101” on its website, urging the boycott of various Israeli goods, issued a study guide for Presbyterian congregations earlier this year called “Zionism Unsettled”. Focusing entirely on alleged Israeli crimes and ignoring any context or history that has led to current political realities, the study guide paints Zionism as evil and irrational. It’s been criticized by Jewish groups as grossly simplistic, unfair, and one-sided. The Anti-Defamation League called “Zionism Unsettled” perhaps the “most anti-Semitic document to come out of a mainline American church in recent memory.”
Another source of rabid anti-Israel sentiment within the Assembly – and among contemporary Christian churches in general - was featured speaker Rifaat Odeh Kassis. Described in the New York Times as “a Palestinian Christian who traveled from Bethlehem to urge the Presbyterians to vote for divestment”, Kassis is much more than a simple concerned individual. He’s a founder and organizer of the Kairos Palestine Document, a widely disseminated 2009 essay that calls on Christians of all denominations around the world to repudiate the Jewish state. It’s available for sale on the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s website, where it’s described as “the Letter from a Birmingham Jail” for our time.
Terror attacks are ignored, while Israeli reactions to violent provocations are depicted as Israel’s unstoppable blood-lust.
Kassis’ influential essay states that Israel, in its present form, is “a sin against humanity”. In the black-and-white world of the Kairos document – and the Presbyterian study materials that explain it – Israel is painted entirely as a bully, an irrational force for evil that has only to be countered, never sympathized with, learned about, or understood. Arab violence and terror attacks are ignored, while Israeli reactions to violent provocations are held up as examples of an unreasonable desire for violence, an unstoppable blood-lust on the part of Jews and the Jewish state.
Invitation Denied
Jewish groups and pro-Israel delegates tried desperately to present a more balanced picture at the annual meeting. In an unprecedented show of unity and action, over 1,700 American rabbis and Jewish leaders from all 50 American states signed a letter to the Presbyterian Assembly, urging them to reject calls for divesting from Israel. “Placing all the blame on one party, when both bear responsibility, increases conflict and division instead of promoting peace” the letter read.
One national Jewish leader even offered to broker a meeting between senior Presbyterian leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, so they could discuss their concerns and present the Church’s positions, on condition that they vote against divestment. The delegates declined, and instead, after hours of passionate, emotional debate, voted to divest Church funds totaling over $20 million from three companies that sell to Israelis, Motorola, Hewlett Packard, and Caterpillar.
Sadly, the Presbyterian Church is only the latest in a string of mainline Protestant churches that have begun to boycott the Jewish state. The Mennonite, Quaker and Methodist Churches have all imposed partial divestments of companies that do business with Israel in recent years.
Their divestments and one-sided proclamations on Israel, place them on the wrong side of history. Amid the repressive regimes of the Middle East and beyond, where Christians are increasingly persecuted, where human rights are routinely violated and ignored, Israel alone represents an island of tolerance, a liberal democracy where freedom of religion means that all can worship as they choose.
Following the Presbyterian vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an invitation: “fly to the Middle East, come and see Israel for the embattled democracy that it is, and then take a bus tour. Go to Libya, go to Syria, go to Iraq, and see the difference…. I would give them two pieces of advice: one is make sure it’s an armor-plated bus, and second, don’t say that you’re a Christian.”
(64) Don Krausz, July 24, 2016 4:11 PM
I had my Bar Mitzvah in 1943 in the Westerbork Transit Camp in Holland from where 102,000 Jews were sent to their deaths in Auschwitz and Sobibor.
None of us knew what the Final Solution entailed, but every week 1,000 of us were sent to the East and seldom heard from again.
So I asked my Bar Mitzvah teacher, a Mr. Finkel, what all this meant.
He answered that when one puts wood into the fire, it burns, but when one does this with iron, it turns to steel.
I am pleased to tell that both he and his son Yitzchak also survived.
(63) Howard Sanshuck, October 29, 2015 6:02 PM
Divestment
Whenever I hear of people who curse the Jewish People, I think of the wizard Bilam. God turned his curses into blessings. I believe that either that will happen, or perhaps their curses by a small group of delegates to a conference will cause those Presbyterians who support Israel to rethink their affiliation with the Presbyterian Church.
(62) Vlad Seder, July 3, 2014 12:37 PM
PCUSA
PC - church of political correctness?
(61) Vlad Seder, July 3, 2014 12:25 PM
Cowards!
No wonder they single out Israel and don't bother to protest barbarity of its neighbors (traditional Christian anti-Semitism notwithstanding): it allows them to ride their favorite moral high horse - and it's completely safe! They boycott Israel - and it's PM invites them to come and see for themselves what the boycott, if they try to boycott a Muslim country - the "martyrs" will start murder Presbyterians all over the world.
(60) Anonymous, July 3, 2014 1:16 AM
seeking fairness is by choice
Anybody can choose what to think,hear or see. People are free to indulge their ignorance but one thing is sure. God has never failed the Jewish people and will never fail them. Any problem from any enemy is meant to strengthen them and so they must overcome.
(59) Dinah, July 2, 2014 3:58 PM
Hypocrites
I read this and find them to be hypocrites. Why not boycott ALL of Israel's products and be full fledged anti-Semites? Simple....They need the technology and medical advances Israel has made for mankind.
We see death reported daily by terrorists and yet they are never condemned by these sanctimonious people. Israel has the right to defend their people. Jews have gone through this for thousands of years and it won't change in our lifetime.
(58) Ndeanka Nsa Calev, July 1, 2014 2:01 PM
Religious cum Political Organization
I am least surprised by this religious cum political organization namely Presbyterian. It is the same blind organization that has recently voted unanimously in support of gay marriages. Most of the so called Christian churches nowadays are merely profit making organization succumbing to pressure from politicians and well-off congregants with little or no revelation as to what the Word of God is all about.
Lastly, I can only urge all members of this and other organizations of this sort to ponder at these vital quotation from the holy bible Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from the heaven saying, "Come out of her my people, that you not share in her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues,"
(57) Joe, June 30, 2014 9:44 PM
write to the PCUSA
I am a Christian who supports Israel and have submitted a message of disappointment and a call to repentance to the PCUSA at http://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/About-Us/Contact-Us.aspx Now that we have learned of the murders of the three teenagers, I suggest that others may want to also communicate the truth to the PCUSA. Please remember that the PCUSA is but a small number of people who believe themselves to be Christians.
(56) Neal Plotkin, June 30, 2014 6:19 PM
Let's hope...
Let's hope that all of the computers and cellphones being used by the Presbyterian church stop working.
(55) Anonymous, June 30, 2014 2:16 PM
I've got an idea!!!
The same way there are booklets listing the kosher or non-kosher (aditives E 471...) somebody should post on Aish.com a list of companies which support Israel, so everytime those of us, who wish to purchase sometithg, will do so based on the same criteria. Instead of BDS we'll have a SII (Support Investors in Israel) :)
Vlad Seder, July 3, 2014 12:15 PM
An excellent idea!
Even better: offer the companies on the list - which would want it - a stamp of approval that would refer to this list - like they have "dolphin-safe" - something like "Jews safe" or "business anti-Semitism free"
(54) Anonymous, June 30, 2014 1:38 PM
They should read the Bible
Yes, the Bible says: Those who bless Israel are blessed, those who curse Israel are cursed!
(53) Anonymous, June 30, 2014 11:32 AM
biblical answer to cursing Israel
We should tell the Presbyterians and others who wish to divest from Israel that this was tried before = Read the story of Bilam and Balak. History informs that those who bless Israel are blessed and those who curse Israel are cursed.
(52) Maxine K Winston, June 29, 2014 6:30 PM
Presbysterian Anti Semitism
We can do without Presbyterian so-called love for Jews. Their actions are clearly bigoted and Anti Semitic. The hypocrites who make up the Presbyterian Council should be ashamed of themselves and should certainly publicly apologize to the Israel Government and all Jews in general.. Maxine
(51) Basha Kline, June 29, 2014 5:39 PM
a matter of time..
Yes, it will be a matter of time when someone will need Israeli medical equipment and I fully expect they will turn down the opportunity to have their health restored with the aid of such mechanism. Also the presbyterian church's ignorance on the fact that arab's who work for Israeli farms, hospitals etc., will be affected but to the church's ideals, hatred of Jews and israel overrides rationale..!
(50) Pnina, June 29, 2014 10:08 AM
Turn the table on Divestment
Write letters of support to the three companies that sell to Israelis, Motorola, Hewlett Packard, and Caterpillar. and buy their products (within your means). Send them details of these purchases and tell them you are spreading the word.
(49) Len Bennett, June 29, 2014 8:05 AM
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has become anti-Semitic.
What other possible logic could these pseudo-intellectuals rely on to castigate the only liberal democracy in the Middle East? Are they so swayed by the Muslim Brotherhood and its progeny?
Israel is the one haven in the Mideast where gays, Christians, Baha’i, Bedouin and Africans can flee to escape persecution throughout the Arab world. Israeli Arabs are the only free Arabs in the region. They vote, have political parties and members in the Knesset and enjoy the finest universities and hospitals in the world. There is an Arab on Israel’s Supreme Court. Arabs represent 20% of the Israel Defense Force, including the officers’ ranks.
Israel’s neighbors hang gays, murder infidels, defile and torch churches, treat their woman as chattel, keep slaves and have confined Palestinian-Arab refugees in UN welfare camps in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan for generations.
The Jew-haters among the Presbyterian membership reject American values, but to what end?
Israel is an economic and scientific dynamo. It has relations and trades with most of the world. Its growth is a magnet for investment. The Presbyterians will dump their stocks at a loss and others will snap them up. The net effect on the Israeli economy will be zero.
Aside from the propaganda value, the BDS movement has been a total failure.
(48) Anonymous, June 28, 2014 6:03 PM
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you
Hashem has chosen you , you are the apple of His eye.
(47) IspeakEnglish, June 28, 2014 6:03 PM
language usage
Who used the word "crime"? No religious group can legitimately call anything a crime. A sin yes, in their narrow religious morality. So there alone their credibility drops to minus 12. a crime is a violation of a legal code of a government Last time I looked the Presbees have no government not even in Scotland. But then in line with their tenet of predestination, I guess their antisemitism & ignorance of the English language was pre-determined to happen?
If Yvette misused it or even did call the Presbies to task, then she shares the blame maybe even more so for not correcting it.
See a lot of older folks, when we something so very incorrect, then we tend to dismiss the rest as equally unreliable.
(46) Sheila Novitz, June 28, 2014 5:37 PM
They love an excuse to persecute us.
Yes, "...the Presbyterian Church is only the latest in a string of mainline Protestant churches that have begun to boycott the Jewish state." How all of them do love a "reason" to hate the Jews and to incite others into hatred. They derive a mind-boggling joy from it. When one points out truths such as the Arab Charter (much like Hitler's "Mein Kampf") which explains the Arab intention to annihilate the Jews, or the fact that Arabs daily shoot rockets into Israeli civilian areas and Israel's fire is only ever in reply to such atrocities, the so-called "Christians" become deaf and illiterate. They don't want to know, especially when there is such an ostensibly "good reason" to hate and persecute us. There is obviously little we can do about it, but I am a firm believer that their sin of libel, lies and slander against us will not go unpunished.
(45) Anonymous, June 28, 2014 9:48 AM
I forgot to say...
Sorry but I forgot to say that it was a good thing though that two of the pastors talked about in the article were against the boycott and this is commendable: "One pastor confided afterwards “when I went to prayer after the Presbyterian General Assembly voted for ‘divestment’, I almost shouted to the Lord, ‘I am NOT a Presbyterian!” After the vote, Rev. Paul deJong of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Myers, Fl, deplored his Church’s double standard: “One must question the motives of anyone who vilifies Israel with greater fervor than any other nation, especially when we consider the numerous places in which violence is being reported continuously.” " More of this condemnation of the boycott is needed from within the ranks of this denomination in order to give them a diplomatically redemptive reputation. These two pastors should spread the word that bigotry isn't called for and that the boycott is utter nonsense.
(44) Siuyin, June 28, 2014 9:39 AM
What a load of......
These Presbyterians are so stupid!!!! Don't want to be denominationally discriminatory but their ideology is divisive and ignorant. Can't they see that Christianity was invented by JEWS!!!! and in many respects (just look at the Tanakh) adores ISRAEL - so quit, I say to these divisive pastors of the Presbyterian Union, being so against the origins of a tradition that in other ways you are supposed to uphold and revere. Another thing about this ridiculous boycott is that it reflects something of the warped thinking of their founder John Calvin who was also warped in his ideological beliefs - he believed in this theory of predestination being about so-called divine selection, that some humans had been created by G-d to be saved and go to Heaven for eternity while G-d also made other humans who were destined by Him to go to hell. What a load of......!
(43) David V, June 27, 2014 8:17 PM
This sickens me
I cannot describe the sinking feeling of hopelessness that washes over me as I read this article.
I am not a Presbyterian, but I am a Christian, and I feel ashamed and angry.
I am a member of CUFI (Christians United for Israel). I support Israel however I can. We (CUFI) try hard to remediate the fear, disgust and suspicion that many Jews understandably feel toward Christianity. Then something like this happens. It is distressing.
I beseech my Jewish friends to consider that this is the work of a tiny minority of our faith.
Shalom
David, June 29, 2014 5:14 PM
Trojan horse
Jews welcome genuine gentile friendship. But you say your organization's objective is to "remediate" Jews' perception of your religion rather than to excise Christianity's intrinsic anti-Semitism.
We can no more rely on the integrity of a friendship with someone who believes in the blood curse of Christianity's Matthew 27 than you would count on the professed "love" of someone who accepts as divine truth that you are a child molester. Such friendships are inherently not real, and we see how they play out in the history of Christian shedding of innocent Jewish blood across Europe.
A gentile who sincerely wishes to befriend Israel doesn't carry a blood libel against her, and doesn't proclaim a "love" for Israel that is really intended as a conversation opener for a proselytization campaign. I challenge you to consider which is dearer to you: friendship with the Jewish people, or belief that they are guilty of deicide. You can only really have one.
(42) Aryeh Leib, June 27, 2014 2:25 PM
BOYCOTT BIGOTRY!
BOYCOTT: ignorance, prejudice, stupidity, hypocrisy, anti-Semitism, fear and hate. Boycott those who speak for the Presbyterian church.
(41) Sabus, June 27, 2014 11:16 AM
Woe Unto them!
I wonder how this descendants idiots live in this age. Am yet to believe that this synchronized fools of the modern era still live in a country like US. Worst of all the atmosphere shelter them to think, reason and execute their plans viciously without interruption or call to order. He that live in a glass house and throw stones will soon be without shelter. Before these grand juries of stupidity boycott or reject Israeli affiliation let them not breed lest the air not be the one that blow from or across Israel else they breath and kaput. He Who don't know the existence of the State of Israel is not man made should rethink and seek advice else his existence is doubtful. I see the gestures of the organization in question as if nothing a moral support to terrorists, antisemites , religious violence and evil perpetration. I suppose authority should see to their vote decision and stop them from their moral toxic acts.
(40) Mary, June 27, 2014 11:09 AM
I'm sorry
I am so sorry this has happened! Please keep in mind that the presby assembly does not speak for all of us! I support Israel! Obviously evil has infiltrated the Christians that are supposed to love God's chosen people. I pray for your safety everyday! But bear in mind what we all seem to forget so quickly, " since God is for you, who can be against you!" Shalom!
(39) Christopher Moore, June 27, 2014 11:00 AM
This is only one example of the anti-semitism that runs rampant throughout the christian church!
(38) Sarah Goldberg, June 27, 2014 10:25 AM
Future of democracy in USA?
If the Presbyterian church,refused to hear the other side,if they were in a rush to listen to one side, ignoring the fact that Christians have been leaving all Moslem nations ( wherever it is possible) including Beit Levhem, what will guarantee that others will not follow and the next steps might be against having any right for any pro Israeli Here in the democratic land????
(37) Anonymous, June 27, 2014 4:42 AM
Let's deny these Presbyterians use of ANY of the Israeli tech and medical products.
Such ignorance of reality is embarrassing for all Christians. One visit to Israel would be all it takes. But, in the meantime, let's check whether patients are Presbyterians as they check into the hospital along with their insurance, then, since they deny Israel, let's deny them any of the life-saving inventions and medicines available, developed in Israel of course. Also, don't they use a cell phone? Are they prepared to give that up since the chips were developed in Israel. Can they show anything of human benefit that has been produced or developed by the "Palestinians"? No, only death and suffering, and that for their own people also. Sad.
Aryeh, June 27, 2014 12:29 PM
Church Ant--Semitism,
Sadly, the Church is allied with the worst players and seeks the destruction of the Jewish state. It is not coincidental that the Church only sees evil in Israel and purposely ignores the wholesale destruction of Christian communities in Arab lands and had no comment or concern when Christians were burnt alive in their Churches in Egypt. The evil of Hitler's ilk is alive and well in the leadership of the Presbyterian Church.
(36) samuel welsh, June 27, 2014 4:31 AM
church support jews
its foolish to boycott Zionism patriotism is not wrong
support Israel not curse.
(35) Laurette, June 27, 2014 12:05 AM
Presbyterian divestment
Shame on you who voted for divestment. What this shows, is that virulent anti-Semitism is alive among some Christians. The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was
right when he said that "anti Israel sentiment was the new anti-Semitism". The Arab who urged you to vote forgot to mention how the Christian population in Palestiine is going down because of persecutions and attachs on their Churches. While in Israel it is growing rapidly. I will urge the Israeli Government to to purge the country of all the Presbyterian Churches there. And lastly I and all the people I know will increase our support of the only humane democracy in the Middle East, by visiting more often and buying Israeli products. Since you want to boycott Israel, you may have to start buy tossing all your electronic devices which contain many Israeli innovations. And try not to get some diseases for which Israeli scientists found a cure. Do not let your Dr. Use any of the diagnostic machines in hospitals, and if you get into an accident and are bleeding profusely, you should be wearing a band around your wrist saying "DO NOT USE THE ISRAELI BANDAGE"
SHALOM
Remi Lessore, June 27, 2014 8:01 AM
not all Christians
I thank Laurette for saying that anti-Semitism is alive among some Christians. Please do not make us all guilty by association.
There are a great many Christians with an unqualified respect for Judaism and for Israel.
This divestment is politically, philosophically and theologically stupid and shameful.
David, June 27, 2014 4:21 PM
NEWSFLASH: Anti-Semites unmoved by word of Jews' scientific accomplishments
Scratch beneath the surface of any given reason for Jew hatred, and you’ll find it’s nothing but an illogical excuse based on incomplete and/or inaccurate facts. The Presbyterian boycott is a textbook example: they’re irrationally condemning Israel, while under deadly attack, for provoking those attacks by defending herself non-lethally against a terrorist society communally committed to her unconditional violent destruction.
Jewish entrepreneurs contribute disproportionately to medical and other technological advances, which is only a reason for rational people not to hate Jews. Since anti-Semites hate the Jews in spite of reason, there is no benefit to be had by throwing all the wonderful things Jews do in anti-Semites’ faces. The most productive discourse with or about anti-Semites is picking apart the lies du jour that underpin their always flawed arguments. Let’s stay on topic, and not follow their irrational lead.
(34) Terry, June 26, 2014 11:14 PM
Welcome to 1930s Europe
There were lots of Germans who weren't nazis, but persuaded themselves that the antisemitism of the nazis was merely a wake up call for those pesky Jews, who deserved (for some indeterminate reason) a kick up the backside.
No doubt, those such Germans who survived WW2 were incredulous at the actual results of their country's antisemitism. If the Pres Church got its way, the second Holocaust would surely follow, and church leaders would cry crocodile tears after the event.
But that's not going to happen, because Israel will stay strong, stay democratic, stay Jewish and stay moral light years ahead of these Jew hating neo-nazis. Am Yisroel Chai - it won't mean anything to the fascists in the Pres Church, but it will be uppermost in the mind of Hashem.
(33) Aryeh, June 26, 2014 11:09 PM
Nu, what else is new?
There is nothing new in having the Protestant Church calling Jews evil. Martin Luther, the founder of the Church, like Heath Rada also loved Jews.
"Alas, it cannot be anything but the terrible wrath of God which permits anyone to sink into such abysmal, devilish, hellish, insane baseness, envy, and arrogance. If I were to avenge myself on the devil himself I should be unable to wish him such evil and misfortune as God's wrath inflicts on the Jews, compelling them to lie and to blaspheme so monstrously, in violation of their own conscience. Anyway, they have their reward for constantly giving God the lie."
(32) Mary, June 26, 2014 10:06 PM
Lack of love
If this type of one-sided, totally irrational action does not reflect a lack of love for one group, I have yet to see anything that did.
(31) Paul, June 26, 2014 10:04 PM
You have my gentile support
Speaking as a cancer survivor I know how painful it is to fight for your life. It is worth it. Fight as hard as necessary. Do not lose hope. There are people like me that support you with all our hopes and will. Remember those of us who care while these lukewarm Christians play games.
(30) Barry Baldonieri, June 26, 2014 9:59 PM
divestment
I wonder what they will do with their 30 pieces of silver ...
(29) pesach kremen, June 26, 2014 9:29 PM
Countering Divestment
Buy stock, if u can afford it in Motorola, Hewlitt Packard,and Motorola to show there support for investing in Israel. Why I do not need any earth moving equipment or radios at this time, will move Hewlitt Packard to the top of my list when I need a printer.
(28) mlinder, June 26, 2014 8:07 PM
Church - it is not
When will the Presy Church USA realize that they shoot directly into the Fathers Apple of the eye? It will continue to decline, as it has over the last few years and eventually disappear in the sand. God said to Abraham, whoever is against you is against Me. So glad my Presy Church in my country is not associated with th USA outfit. Yes God will prevail and so will Israel. Just wait and see. History has already proven it.
(27) Anonymous, June 26, 2014 7:08 PM
Strange thing to do
Strange thing to do when Israel helps Christians of all sects and fights for their freedom in Arab Lands.
(26) StevenBell, June 26, 2014 6:54 PM
support Jewish values-divest
As in the Vietnam --if you love American - end the War.If you love Jewish values, Judaism and Israel's high moral grounds -divest and leave the occupied territories.
David, June 27, 2014 10:53 AM
If you "love" a nation, undercut its security?
And, did you really liken America's halfhearted fight against Communism in faraway Asia with Israel's daily struggle to prevent terrorism on her own soil?
Consider just saying no to drugs, friend.
Alan S., June 29, 2014 11:27 PM
A very unclear comment. Divest from what? What territory is officially "occupied"? Is it the territory that Israel has won in each of their wars? Or the territory that makes Israel able to defend itself?
(25) Dr. Noonian Soong, June 26, 2014 6:53 PM
what a pathetic group...
these "religious" should be ashamed of themselves. What a pathetic group of jew hating christians. And then, how can they truly call themselves "christians"? Maybe we ought to call them XTIANS...
Better yet, call them what they are: FOOLS.
(24) Marvin Katzen, June 26, 2014 6:30 PM
Old Jewish proverb
In every Gentile's heart there is a little hatred for the Jew.
Anonymous, June 27, 2014 11:10 AM
That's not in my old Jewish book of Proverbs
There are many good and decent gentiles. Like their non-Jewish forefather Adam, gentiles were made in G-d's image. Hate and sin are choices according to Judaism; the notion that mankind is innately depraved is distinctly contrary to Torah.
There is a Talmudic observation that the Christian world in particular seems locked in a perpetual irrational hatred of the Jews. But that's merely an observation. The primary evidence of that hatred doesn't lie in the Talmud, but in the anti-Semitic "new testament" and the millennia of persecution of Jews to which it has given rise.
(23) Shawn B. Zell, June 26, 2014 6:20 PM
Shame on you fore using terms such as more balanced
Please stop using terms such as more balanced and one sided
Would you have used such terms when Hitler issued boycotts against Jewish businesses
(22) bill r, June 26, 2014 6:18 PM
a wall. of shame
Very distracting viewe point has nothing to do with palistains a wall and the injustice of the wall. put by jews to make nonjews a desperate people 100% of the people suffering for the crimes of a few iis not democracy nor modern constructive thinking of an intelligent people it,s despontic
Anonymous, June 27, 2014 11:19 AM
Right, the whole problem in the Middle East is the nonlethal security fence that has demonstrably reduced the frequency of Arab suicide bombings in Israel. According to you, the way to solve the world's problems is to force Israelis to allow the Arabs to make good on their stated objective of wiping Israel off the map.
You are aware of Hamas' charter and the fact that the entire PA populace voted for Hama's to lead them?
Thank goodness fools like you are kept far from power.
Anonymous, June 29, 2014 11:33 PM
it is the constructive thinking of an intelligent people that has kept them alive by having a wall.
Bill, please learn how to write. Assuming that your comment means you are against the wall, I ask you how you would be able to live in an area if people kept coming over to destroy your home, or the bus you were riding on? Don't bother to answer: you wouldn't live -- unless you did something to protect your land so that terrorists could not gain entry.
(21) Pinchas Levin, June 26, 2014 5:55 PM
What were the religions of Germany under Hitler?
What were the religions of Germany under Hitler? Two-thirds were Protestants and one-third Catholics. I submit that the then pervasivet Protestant anti-Semitism created Hitler, rather than the other way around. Little, in fact, has changed, except 1) recent generations have forgotten (or never learned) the cost to the entire world in blood and treasure of their folly, and 2) the demagogue of hatred that was Hitler has been replaced by the Muslim hordes and their imams.
(20) Anonymous, June 26, 2014 5:43 PM
USA Presbyterian vote of bias against Israel
shame on the USA Presbyterian church. How blind and coerced they seem to be. Have they fallen into the trap of believing news channels like the biased BBC? do they know the Bible? God said I will curse those who curse the Jews.Also you shall know the TRUTH and the truth will set you free. they are obviously blind and poor beggars. I'm a Christian and I say God Bless Israel, Bless Natinyahu and his cabinet.If Israel gives any more and bends any further they will be lying down and the world will simply walk all over them. the Presbyterians should learn how to draw close to God and KNOW His heart for His people and get on the right side in this spiritual battle. God will one day soon, vindicate Israel. The government in Israel have shown themselves strong,wise, patient, having a heart for ALL people and preserving life, not destroying it. Shalom for JERUSALEM.
(19) anon, June 26, 2014 5:42 PM
will they boycott all chinese goods? think not
there must be some human rights issues with china.
Will they not buy their products?
(18) Sheila, June 26, 2014 4:44 PM
Ugly Anti-Semitism is what it is
Thank you, Yvette. You have said it all. The "occupation", the welfare of so-called "Palestinians" have nothing whatsoever to do with Protestant Churches' behaviour towards Israel. It is the same as every Church's behaviour towards Jews throughout history. Nothing new. But, once again, they have grabbed at something they think can pass as a "reason" for their hostility and bad behaviour. It is fascinating that these self-righteous people say nothing at all about millions of slave-workers in Qatar, or about Sharia law and "honour" killings, or about despotic rule in every Islamist country. Too difficult for them. Much easier to attack the traditional target: Jews. As for a Jewish country - oh no; this must not be allowed to continue. I seem to remember reading that Lashon Hara is the worst sin of all; the only one that is unforgivable. Hmmm. Those "righteous" Protestants seem to give no thought to what will happen to them when they eventually meet their Lord. True "Christians" they are not. People who behave with this amount of cruelty have no thought for their own futures.
Ellery, June 26, 2014 6:13 PM
True
Very well said it's just hate from the evil one, I've been to many churches here and found nothing in most of them but their own agenda. Anybody against Israel will surely answer to the Almighty in the end.
David, June 26, 2014 8:16 PM
"True 'Christians' they are not"?
Actually, they are textbook examples of true Christians--claiming to love the Jews, and behaving in a manner directly opposite their claim.
Like their Christian forefathers, they drank the Pauline Jewish deicide narrative in their mothers' milk.
Like their Christian forefathers, their religion led them to hate and attack the Jews.
Bubbelove, June 26, 2014 8:58 PM
What a World!! America has failed us, not mentioning all the other countries.
I certainly agree with Sheila. They don't even understand (know) what Israel is giving to this world AND that Israel medically treats those horrible people =- adults and children. The jealousy to Israel and Jews around the world has not changed.We are the "Chosen People" - chosen for what? Am Yisrael Chai and b'nai Yisrael Chai.
(17) Bruce Kern, June 26, 2014 4:40 PM
They are actually displaying their lack of being Christians. In the end God will prevail.
Anonymous, June 26, 2014 8:25 PM
Who gets to speak for Christianity: you or the Presbyterian church?
I appreciate that you'd like to defend the honor of the Presbyterians' faith. Alas their church is displaying exactly what being Christian means to its membership.
(16) S. Hoffman, June 26, 2014 4:37 PM
Crusaders can keep their blood money
The CHURCH has been the cause of millions upon millions of murdered Jews, from the 1st century CE through the Holocaust (Christian Europe) and now. They are the Holocaust at work to this day. Love of the Jewish people? Bring back the countless millions you've slaughtered in the name of your man-god and I'll believe it. It's time to remove ALL presby churches from Israel ASAP.
Betty Hansen, June 27, 2014 1:04 AM
Ashamed
I'm a Christian who loves the Jewish people and am 110 percent against what they have done! Please know that they do not speak for the majority of Christians that I know and if I went to a church that did such a thing I would stop going there! I pray for Israel and the Jewish people every day and have visited your beautiful land. It is sad that people can get so off track, but it is the work of Satan in the last days! God Bless Israel and God Bless the Jewish people!!!!
(15) Liz, June 26, 2014 4:33 PM
Unfair bias
I am a UK Methodist, very strongly against the policy of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) which Methodist Conference instituted some years ago, and which I only recently found out about. It is up for discussion at this years conference, the aim is to stop BDS and stop debate for a couple of years in order to look at what the situation actually is. If they choose to continue with BDS I will seriously consider whether or not it is right for me to remain a member of Methodist church.
David, June 26, 2014 9:48 PM
Birds of a feather
You identify yourself as a Methodist and you acknowledge awareness now of official Methodist attitude and conduct toward the Jews that is patently, though not admittedly, hateful. Yet you haven't resigned.
If I were a member of a group that I discovered was persecuting any innocent nation--let alone G-d's chosen people--I would have left skid marks, immediately. But you are several ifs and years removed from taking concrete action in light of your discovery. Someone who is truly offended by anti-Semitism, who not only claims to love the Jewish people but who actually does, could not in good conscience maintain membership in an anti-Semitic organization for even a moment.
Perhaps you're not being completely honest with yourself about your true comfort level with your church's anti-Semitism. Something to think about.
(14) Antonio Perez, June 26, 2014 4:27 PM
Anti-semitism made to look like humanitarianism
I agree with Bibi. This divestment move is a thinly veiled act of anti-semitism. These anti-Jews come in many forms but their ends are the same, villify Israel, defame Jews and work for the destruction of Israel and its replacement by a Palestinian state. If I remember correctly, didn't the same thing happen in Ezra and Nehemiah?
Anonymous, June 26, 2014 9:06 PM
Hurray for Antonio Perez
Wish there were millions more like you!
(13) Anonymous, June 26, 2014 4:15 PM
Israel Divestment
Ok now let the Jewish people boycott prebetaryian business in response to this .
Vanessa Ram, June 27, 2014 2:15 AM
I agree with you! Lets organize!
Totally agree, I think, us Jewish folk, need to organize, find out what businesses these people / Church own (s) and stop doing business with them. Period. I support Israel wholeheartedly, been there many many times, seen what it's like to live with these Palestinian "neighbors"... Feel frustrated that Israel, only trying to defend her / our right to exist, are targeted by pretty much the rest of the world. BTW, tons of Scientists / Universities in Europe and US are doing the same "boycotting". Can't wait for the day when all of these "hamans" get what they deserve one way or another!
(12) Alan S., June 26, 2014 4:02 PM
Excellent commentary Ms. Alt Miller.
Ms. Alt Miller's articles are always sharp, focused and correct. As is this one.
(11) Anonymous, June 26, 2014 4:02 PM
For God .. For Israel Against God .. Against Israel
I'm sick to my stomach. But you either believe the Word of God and stand; walk in the principles it says or you don't and you don't please God and wobble all over the place. I would not want to be a part of the ones who speak evil of Israel. Woe Woe Woe
(10) Beverly Margolis-Kurtin, June 26, 2014 3:56 PM
Okay...
North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Libya, Egypt...if a Presbyterian wore a cross while attempting to enter those countries (and there are others) they would soon find out that ISRAEL is the only country that they could enter without major difficulties.
Christian Churches are routinely burned to the ground in all Arab countries because Islam is the ONLY religion permitted. If a Presbyterian tried to smuggle in some of their Christian bibles, they would soon find out who the real criminals are.
OTOH, I look at the vote and how narrow was their "victory." I find that their narrow victory -- SEVEN -- means that the real majority of the Presbyterians voted against.
Think about the number SEVEN for a moment. I iew that as Hashem having had a hand in that vote; agreed, it was not all that much of a victory, but is going to split that once solid church and maybe that is what needs to be done.
More than one of their churches is planning to leave the main organization.
Not all Presbyterians are so stupid as to blast their ONLY protector in the Middle East.
(9) Kibbitzer, June 26, 2014 3:54 PM
Church antisemitism.
The real reason that the Western Churches are so anti-Israel is that Israel's success and very existence negates their theology. This states that by rejecting J.C. as the messiah, Jews have lost God's blessings which have now passed to the Church. Jews must forever be homeless wanderers until they see the 'light'. But the Jews have their homeland and it works! So it must be snuffed out, otherwise their doctrines are nonsense and that can't be- can it?
C Dorsett, June 26, 2014 4:29 PM
I agree with you 100% Kibbitzer
(8) Roz Klaiman, June 26, 2014 3:36 PM
None so blind
None so blind as those who will not see - a return to Middle Ages thinking, sad state of the world.
(7) Rena Groot, June 26, 2014 3:29 PM
well written article
This is a well-written article. I am so sad that Israel is perceived as the villain, when clearly it is a bastion of democracy and freedom in the midst of repressive regimes. I pray that God will protect Israel and His shalom will cover Jerusalem & all Israel.
(6) nuala wainwright, June 26, 2014 3:10 PM
Fully agree with Prime Minister's views!
I would like to add my voice to Prime Minister of Israel's views on this matter. Let those people go to Israel and then on to the Arab countries but MAKE SURE you hide your identity as "so-called" Christians! In my humble opinion divesting from these three companies was NOT a Christian act.
(5) John Wakefield, June 26, 2014 3:02 PM
Stalin & Hitler chuckle in their graves
Yet again, the 'useful idiots' (in this case the Presbyterian Church in the USA), who have swallowed this liberal doctrine, come to this pathetic and embarrassing conclusion. This Church, which was born to tolerance in a religiously intolerant age, should reverse this vote at once.
Josh Pactor, June 26, 2014 5:11 PM
Anti-Semitism is bipartisan
Labeling BDS movements as "liberal" is wholly disingenuous. They are anti-Semitic programs which found success in preying on liberal sensibilities. And now that they've found their initial champions, they're speaking in the ears of nochrim who barely needed any excuse to return to their old hatreds. The only way to combat BDS is intense public education over the truth of the situation. Support organizations like Stand With Us and participate in campus and organizational outreach. Most importantly, we need to come together as a people and prove that a true Torah lifestyle is the REAL light of the world.
Anonymous, June 26, 2014 6:58 PM
Presbyterians as useful idiots
if you have the facts hammer the facts; if you have logic hammer the logic; if you have nothing (like Mr Wakefield) hammer the table
Anonymous, June 26, 2014 8:02 PM
The problem at hand is not liberalism
It's folly to link anti-Semitism to liberalism in the aftermath of the Holocaust. European Christians perpetrated that mega-crime under the banner of fascism.
Yes, many planks of today's liberal platform are anathema to Judaism. But a majority of contemporary Jews have adopted that platform anyway. They're not all self-hating.
We need to be clear about why the Presbyterian community has become radioactive. It's not their liberalism that makes them toxic. It's their anti-Semitism.
(4) Anonymous, June 26, 2014 2:55 PM
These folks should be sure they divest themselves of the jewish physicians and scientists that are saving their lives and the attorneys that are saving their behinds. LET MY PEOPLE BE! I am in disbelief that such ignorance abounds.
(3) David Fink, June 26, 2014 10:59 AM
What if this is OUR fault?
What if these people see "Hollywood" Jews as bankrupting their "pure" culture and see hurting Israel as the only way they can take a swipe at those Jews in their country destroying it from within? If that is the case then the best thing we can do for Israel as Jews is not to whine, but to become better people and to promote values that are universal, holy, and bring God's light to the world.
David, June 26, 2014 2:51 PM
that's ridiculous
Anti semitism is not the Jews fault. Do you also blame the blacks for slavery?
Bruce, June 26, 2014 3:35 PM
shame
I was baptized a Presbyterian when I was a baby. I am now ashamed of them. They have taken a liberal stance.
Anonymous, June 26, 2014 7:38 PM
Thank you!
I just want to let you know that it can be slightly depressing to see the worst parts of history repeat themselves, including Church anti-Semitism. And you fall into that elite group of people who I think of as Church survivors--those who were immersed in Christian anti-Semitism from an early age and yet blossomed into thoroughly decent adults who repudiate the baseless hatred of Jews. I know you only from your post, but I think you're an awesomely inspiring example of a great person because you literally defied nature, at least statistically, by overcoming the negativity you were surrounded by. You made the right, but hard, choices. In so doing, you proved that we are all not only obligated but also capable of rising to our potential as images of the Creator.
Beverly Margolis-Kurtin, June 26, 2014 3:48 PM
Uh huh...
David, Fink, Jew hate is Jew hate is Jew hate. It has no logic. Arabs have infiltrated the Presbyterians and have got their brains so twisted that they do not recognize that they are supporting monsters who burn their churches. It ain't us!
Sheldon Liberman, June 26, 2014 3:58 PM
Actually, the original post is closer to reality than your reply...
It's hard to believe that, in terms of treatment of Jews we expect more of the non-Jews than we do of ourselves. How do you expect world to live at peace with us when we are decreasingly living at peace with each other?
David, June 26, 2014 7:22 PM
Aha, since all Jews don't get along, it follows that the nations should single us out for persection...
Mmm, you may want to re-think that "logic". It doesn't flow.
StanleyTee, June 26, 2014 3:55 PM
Really?
Are you serious? Do you really need to twist your argument into such a pretzel-like shape to justify their hatred for us? Read a little history - or just read the very first post in response to this article (thanks, Dr. S) and educate yourself.
Alan S., June 26, 2014 4:00 PM
Really??
For many years, I have written comments on this web site (and similar sites) strongly advocating taking the high road when commenting on other people's comments, and not writing in a demeaning tone. However, Mr. Fink's comment is so way off base that it pales from the depths of its stupidity. Is it the Israelis fault that they must protect themselves from Palestinian terrorism; or is it "Hollywood Jews" that has caused these Christian churches to look deeply and decide that the only way to get back at the "Hollywood Jews" is to swipe at Israel? Mr. Fink, please do not be ridiculous.
What would you say, Mr. Fink, if we did become "better people" but the Christian churches still wanted to divest from Israel because of whatever reason they decide?Whose 'fault' will you then look to assign this 'blame' to? Mr. Fink, how much Jewish blood has to be spilled before the Christian world decides that dead Jews have really lit up the world with G-ds values by being dead?
(2) David, June 25, 2014 10:58 PM
Actions speak louder than words
Christian professions of love for the Jewish people, which are mainly voiced only in the service of proselytization, don't alter the reality that their anti-Semitic faith drives them to hate the Jews. Their religion impresses upon them the simultaneously offensive and paradoxical notion that the villainous Jews of the Church's twisted testament, who were no match for their merely human Roman conquerors, had no trouble dispatching an all powerful Christian god.
Propagating that deicide libel on Christian Europe has had its effect. Christians perpetrated the Holocaust not in spite of their religion but because of it; hardly any Christians opposed the Holocaust (the few who did were so exceptional they're now the heroic subjects of books and Hollywood movies). The genocide was halted only as a happy side effect of the Allies' determination not to live under German autocratic rule, and today it's quite common to find Christians with the inestimable gall to revise Holocaust history to portray their co-religionists not as perpetrators but as the prime victims of the pan-European Christian effort to stamp out Jewry. One third of the world's Jewish population was annihilated in that Christian endeavor.
In Hitler's time, silent pope Pius abetted the Holocaust by refraining from speaking out against it. Today we have a pope who travels to the Holy Land to smile for the camera with Holocaust-denying Arab terrorists bent on wiping Israel off the map. No one with an inkling of Christian history familiarity expected a real demonstration of actual love from a Christian church. The latest Presbyterian outrage is par for the course, a reflection of ancient Christian attitudes, and hardly newsworthy. If anything notable is to flow from this story, it will be the uplifting recounts of rare defections from the Presbyterian church by righteous gentiles who repudiate Jew hatred. But there will be no real love for the Jews forthcoming from the Church itself.
(1) Dr. S., June 25, 2014 1:58 PM
Myopic Presbyterians
I heard the news about the divestment while working in the ER in Jerusalem, treating BOTH Arabs and Jews using Motorola communications for ambulances. This Church is evil. Would they rather the 7 month pregnant Arab woman would die from her accident as we would not hear the EMS report? I know they don't mind Jewish deaths, but they have divested from a company which has many non military, and life saving, equipment. We depend upon Motorola to save lives. This decision proves, not for the first time, that anti semitism and Jew hatred trumps all reason, even when it results in damage to the haters' own interests.
Anonymous, June 26, 2014 7:24 PM
Very interesting observation, and well said
Also, thank you VERY MUCH for working in an ER in Jerusalem. You're doing holy work in a holy place.