Amidst great controversy among well-known conservatives, Behold Israel has released a strong position statement on the controversy surrounding the Antisemitism Awareness Act (HR 6090). Looking for the Blessed Hope supports and endorses this statement wholeheartedly.

Behold Israel on Antisemitism Awareness Act

As a ministry, Behold Israel’s primary focus is spreading the hope found in the Gospel and in God’s perfect plan for Israel and the world based on the Bible. Therefore, we do not take positions on political bills and candidates. However, we have received many inquiries regarding a concern that the Antisemitism Awareness Act recently passed by the house, and which is currently before the senate, references language provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) that could lead to portions of Scripture being banned. The controversy surrounds a definition of “antisemitism” that includes, as an example, those who blame Christ’s death on the Jewish people. Our stand is this:

1. Calling the Jews of today “Christ-killers” or in any way blaming modern Israel for the crucifixion of Christ is inaccurate, non-sensical, and antisemitic.
2. Laying blame for the crucifixion of Jesus upon the Jews of His day, as a people, is also inaccurate. If any finger-pointing is needed, it should be directed at the Jewish religious leaders of the day.
3. Ultimately, there is no one to blame for Jesus’ crucifixion, as there was no one who had the power to take His life. He had the power over His own life, and He willingly laid it down (John 10:17-18). If we are truly seeking responsibility, it should be directed toward each of us, because it was His goal to pay the penalty for our sins that led Him to the cross.
4. This plan of salvation, including the willing sacrifice of the Messiah, is woven throughout Scripture, and is not limited to any particular passages, be they Old Testament or New Testament.
5. In the definition of antisemitism provided by the IHRA, which is the foundation of the Antisemitism Awareness Act as well as that of the previous administration’s 2019 Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism, the reference to “Jews killing Jesus” is directed specifically at calling Jews today “Christ-killers” and has nothing to do with what is written in the Bible.
   
   

We are concerned when we see the sensationalism that is invading the church. It seems that the enemy is doing all he can to divide the body of Christ and divert us from our mission of being a light to the world. We encourage all true believers to focus on our calling, avoiding the distractions that so easily ensnare.

Here are helpful links regarding this issue:
A podcast by Tony Perkins that describes the bill very clearly –
https://www.tonyperkins.com/get.cfm?i=WR24E01
The text of the bill – https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6090/text
The definition of antisemitism provided by the IHRA –
https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism
2019 Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism –
https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-combating-anti-semitism/