At a Time Such as This, Australian Churches Can Shine Light into the Darkness

Your church is able to help make antisemitism unthinkable in Australia

Mission and calling

As a people of God, we are called “to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The very character of God is as a stronghold for the oppressed (Psalm 9:9), and Jesus Christ was sent “to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). As such, the Church has a mission and a calling to respond whenever and wherever people are being oppressed.

With antisemitism increasing in our nation, the Australian Church is confronted with a community experiencing real distress  - our Jewish community. Jews and Christians share faith in the one, true living God, with Jews as the root and Christians as the branches. This is a sacred and precious relationship of profound spiritual origin and significance.

This places churches in a significant position to reach out and support the Jewish community at a time of crisis, and indeed for our whole nation.

At a time such as this, the Australian Church can shine its light into the darkness, reaching out, providing support and comfort, and building a bridge of justice, empathy, respect, tolerance and understanding between Jew and Christian, and between synagogue and church.

A growing concern in Australia

The Australian Jewish community has experienced wholly unwarranted hatred simply by being Jewish. Since 7 October 2023, this has been on the rise to an alarming extent, with Jewish people suffering verbal abuse and threats, assaults, hostile street protests with vilifying chants, vandalism, offensive graffiti and posters, boycotting of businesses, discrimination in employment, persecution in universities, and harassment of school children in streets and on public transport.

There have also been serious and violent incidents that have deeply affected communities.

In Australia, from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2025, there were 3,716 reported incidents of anti-Jewish sentiment, as recorded by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. These figures reflect a reality that many Australian Jewish people today are experiencing - feeling traumatised, unsafe and, at times, unwelcome in their own country.

Many feel pressured to hide who they are in public places. Many are broken-hearted though not defeated, bearing the scars of centuries of persecution and oppression. Nonetheless, support is deeply appreciated.

Beyond the Jewish community itself, there is deep division in our society, and social cohesion has been affected because of antisemitism, with all Australians impacted.

The response thus far

Many Australians, including many Christians, have been uncertain how to respond and what to do or say. News reports, social media and public protests - often promoting misinformation and misunderstanding - have shaped popular opinion.

Silence has often followed, including within churches, whether through indifference or because solutions have seemed too difficult.

For their part, Jewish people have responded in a quiet, dignified and resolute manner, encouraging awareness and understanding through conversation and dialogue. They have been instrumental in advocating for policy changes and stronger protections. However, there is more to be done, and a long way to go.

Moving forward

There are initiatives across Australia committed to supporting Jewish people in their fight against antisemitism. These efforts seek to equip Australians with the knowledge and tools to understand what antisemitism looks like today, why it is increasing, and how to respond thoughtfully and constructively.

This includes exploring the historic roots of antisemitism and examining how different influences have manifested within Australia. It also involves encouraging practical steps that individuals and communities can take to contribute to a united Australia where the Jewish community is safe and free.

The next step

It is hoped and prayed that many, many churches throughout our nation might be open to hosting this important, free seminar.

Where there are sufficient attendees, it may be possible for Mark Leach to present the seminar in person at a local church. Alternatively, a trained volunteer could facilitate a digital version of the seminar for smaller groups.

For those interested in considering these possibilities, contact can be made directly via [email protected] or, to arrange a Zoom meeting, via [email protected].

Conclusion

At a time of division and uncertainty, there is an opportunity for the Australian Church to respond with compassion, humility, and a commitment to justice. By fostering understanding, standing against hatred, and building meaningful relationships, churches can play an important role in supporting the Jewish community and strengthening the fabric of Australian society.

by A concerned Christian, David S, Victoria