United Voices Against Antisemitism
Contact: Jessi Marsh
Media Relations, United Voices Against Antisemitism
412-841-7449
jmarsh@dickersonbakker.com
“People from Jewish and Christian Faiths Gather in Cleveland to Address Antisemitism”
Cleveland, OH (9/11/24): Yesterday, Cleveland was the host city of “United Voices Against Antisemitism” (UVAAS), a conference at Corporate College East where Jewish thinkers and Christian leaders came together to share their insights on the roots of pervasive hatred Jews face, its global impact, and the strategies necessary to address it.
This was a rare opportunity for Jews and Christians to speak plainly to one another, to delve into the deeper causes of antisemitism, and to unite in their efforts to stand against it.
“We are encouraged by the thoughtful and courageous voices heard here today,” said UVAAS spokesperson Josh Turnil. “We are dreaming of a future when Christians stand together with the Jewish people. We have seen the power of just a few Christians standing with Jewish people – imagine if everyone did.”
Attended by about 100 people, the grassroots event was made possible by a coalition of groups and individuals who are working to build a world free of antisemitism including ACT International, Inherit, CMJ USA, Cleveland Shoulder Institute, Innovative Ministries International, Center for Christian VIrtue, Tikvat Yisrael, Talbot School of Theology and Talbot Espanol of Biola University, Jews for Jesus and Gateway Center for Israel.
In the 11 months since the terrorist attacks in Israel last October, the Jewish community worldwide has experienced an increase in antisemitism. For many who are part of Jewish communities, these months have felt different, raising concern and questions about the current nature of antisemitism.
The event was moderated by Maria Baer, co-host of the Breakpoint This Week. Executive Director of HarvestNet Ministries Tom Hare welcomed everyone to the event. Panel guests and speakers included Professor and Director of Talbot en Espanol Dr. Dominick Hernandez, author and expert on Anglicanism and history Gerald McDermott, Global Director of Zikaron BaSalon and recipient of the Simon Wiesenthal Award for work in combating antisemitism Sharon Buenos, organizer of Cleveland Run for Their Lives, Alee Abraham and Israeli speaker and advocate for hostages still being held, Noa Reuveni.
Israeli speaker Sharon Buenos shared that following the attacks last October, in France, for example, antisemitism has increased by 1000% and that 37% of Jewish students hide their Jewish identity but expressed hope in lessons learned by Holocaust survivors.
“There is hope,” Buenos said. “Holocaust survivors teach us strength. They survived. They went on to have families. They loved again.”
Other speakers touched on the theology of antisemitism and how it is not only an issue for Jewish people.
“Antisemitism is not simply a problem for Jews to deal with,” said Hernandez. “Antisemitism is a problem for any person who wants to live in any decent community.
One of the panelists, 25-year-old Israeli Noa Reuveni, described her text messages with her close friend, who, along with his twin brother, was taken during the October attacks.
“I told him to hold on, that I was here,” Reuveni said. “His last text said, ‘I’m scared.’”
The brothers are still missing.
While Jewish people and Christians have different beliefs, for example, the role of Christ, antisemitism is a topic most can agree is concerning and unacceptable.
“This is an opportunity for Christians to support God’s people at a time when many Jewish people feel vulnerable and even afraid,” said Turnil. “When Christians seek to listen and understand, then use their voices to support Jewish people facing discrimination and hatred, it makes a powerful impact.”
Local residents interested in getting involved are encouraged to join or support Run for Their Lives, a weekly weekend run that raises awareness and builds community among those working against antisemitism.
“I think it is important to keep fighting for them, said Abraham. “The families see and know that we haven’t forgotten them.”
Photos and video assets from the event can be found here.