Antisemitism and Zionism in a Modern-Day Context
By Christopher Kuehl, Present Witness Founder
The first teaching track at the recent Jerusalem Summit focused on combating antisemitism, a virus that has a remarkable ability to reinvent itself. Present Witness Founder Christopher Kuehl described antisemitism as a chameleon, always accusing the Jewish people of being whatever society most fears, to create a scapegoat for deeper social frustrations and anxieties. In the excerpt from his transcribed message, he notes the prevailing Christian silence amid the current wave of antisemitism and urges Christians to examine the condition of the church itself.
There has been a dramatic decline in biblical worldview among younger generations. Foundational beliefs concerning truth, morality, identity and the authority of Scripture have weakened significantly. If young believers are unconvinced about these basic issues, they are unlikely to embrace more complex biblical teachings regarding Israel and the Jewish people.
[Ultimately], the crisis, therefore, is not primarily a Zionism problem—it is a discipleship problem.
Many Christian leaders have become hesitant to speak with clarity on controversial subjects. In particular, Israel is often avoided because it offers little cultural advantage and can carry significant social costs. Over time, this silence leaves younger believers without a framework for understanding the biblical significance of Israel.
Young Looking Backward
One of the most interesting observations about Gen Z is their growing fascination with ancient Christian traditions. Rather than searching for novelty, many young adults are searching for roots.
In a culture marked by instability, shifting identities, and constant change, ancient traditions provide a sense of permanence and belonging. Younger Christians increasingly want to know what believers before them believed, and why. This [shift] creates both an opportunity and a challenge.
The challenge is that many historical Christian traditions include theological ideas that marginalized or misunderstood the Jewish people. As young believers explore church history, they inevitably encounter these perspectives. Simply dismissing them is not enough. Christians must [instead] be prepared to explain why support for Israel is consistent with Scripture and how it fits within the broader story of God’s covenant faithfulness.
On the other hand, the opportunity is equally significant. The story of the Jewish people is itself a testimony to God’s faithfulness across generations. When properly understood, it offers exactly the kind of historical rootedness many young believers are seeking.
The New Battlefield
The media environment has also changed dramatically. Hostility toward Israel is no longer confined to one side of the political spectrum. Alongside traditional left-wing anti-Israel activism, new forms of antisemitism have emerged on the political right, often expressed through conspiracy theories about Jewish influence and power.
Historians have long noted the “cosmic conspiracy” view of history, the belief that Jews are secretly responsible for society’s problems. Such theories survive because every piece of evidence, including contradictory evidence, is interpreted as proof of the conspiracy. Today, digital media has amplified these ideas on an unprecedented scale.
As a result, younger generations are increasingly exposed to anti-Israel narratives through social media, influencers, and online communities. Surveys already show troubling declines in support for Israel among young adults.
Passing the Flame
Beyond these cultural shifts, I am concerned that the thread connecting generations is weakening. Older believers possess decades of experience, theological understanding, and commitment to Israel. Yet too often these convictions are not intentionally passed on to younger leaders. Ultimately, no ministry, church, or movement can survive if it fails to reproduce itself.
[For this reason], I have challenged pastors, parents, teachers, and Christian leaders to invest personally in the next generation on this topic. The task is not merely to communicate information but to cultivate conviction. Young believers need mentors who can explain why Israel matters, why antisemitism matters, and why these biblical truths remain worth defending.
Along with conviction, courage is also of great importance. Public support for Israel is becoming increasingly costly in many parts of the world. Positions that once seemed uncontroversial now invite criticism and opposition. Yet courage is often the [true] test of conviction.
The challenges facing the Jewish people, Israel, and the church are real. But every generation must decide whether it will remain silent or speak with clarity. The answer is clear: this is not a moment for retreat, but for resolve.
Ultimately, the future of the conversation about Israel may depend on whether today’s believers are willing to pass the flame to those who come after them.
Christopher Kuehl is an author and teacher known for bringing theological clarity to some of the church’s most contested questions. He is the founder of Present Witness, co-host of the One New Man Podcast, and author of Is God A Zionist, Finding God’s Story in a World Obsessed with Israel.
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