[Kaitlyn Renfer]

As Christians, it is important for us to keep the sad history of Christian antisemitism in mind when responding to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the present because it helps us understand Christianity’s role in the conflict and our responsibility to respond with compassion. Before taking this course, I would not have linked Christian antisemitism with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is saddening to comprehend the suffering the Jews experienced from the hands of those claiming to be Christ’s followers. Instead of building bridges with the Jewish people, many past Christians persecuted Jews, making it difficult for them to integrate into European culture. It is beneficial to understand this connection because it provides a sense of responsibility, that Christians should be concerned about the welfare of the Jewish people. When we learn the bigger picture, we are better able to respond with empathy towards both the Jews who fled to their ancient homeland to escape antisemitism and Palestinians who also considered the land their home. We realize that the Palestinians have not always hated the Jewish people and that Christians played a role in creating the current conflict through their antisemitic words and actions that drove the Jews back to Israel. Understanding this connection helps us learn from the past as we strive for peace in the future.