Friends, there is growing concern that anti-Semitism is creeping into American conservatism. It threatens to fracture the conservative movement, which is what concerns some. My concern, however, is just the opposite: some of America’s most prolific conservatives seem to be stirring up anti-Semitism in efforts to somehow keep conservatives conservative….? It doesn’t seem to make sense to me. If one is anti-Semitic, are they more conservative? If so, count me out!

True…it is still early in this press toward anti-Semitism, and at times what may come across as anti-Semitism may not be. However, the danger is that “a little bit” of anti-Semitism will spin very quickly out of control if left unchecked.

Very popular conservative influencers have already crossed the line, and though he has not yet voiced similar anti-Semitic remarks, well known and beloved conservative activist and vocal Christian, Charlie Kirk, has entertained those with anti-Semitic bends without refuting it. Does that mean it is condoned? (Standing with Israel in the face of anti-Semitism and refuting the lies is part of what it means to bless Israel.)

To add depth to the concern, anti-Semitism seems to be building among young people…of which Charlie Kirk has incredible sway. To set the record straight, I have great respect for Charlie Kirk. I don’t agree with everything he says, but he has definitely led the charge in standing up for Christian values, and there is much to appreciate about him. However….

Recently, at TPUSA’s Student Action Summit, Charlie hosted a focus group in which the topic of anti-Semitism was discussed. True, disagreeing with Israel’s government, military or people does not necessarily constitute anti-Semitism. Standing with Israel doesn’t mean we give them a free pass to do and say whatever they wish. However, blessing Israel does mean we support Israel when their existence is put in jeopardy and when they are inappropriately attacked (as they have been regarding causing the fake “famine” in Gaza).

Take some time to listen to the focus group discussion moderated by Charlie Kirk and determine for yourself how close some opinions come to anti-Semitism. Below, I have noted just a few concerns I have with comments in this video clip.

• During the 6:00 mark, mention was made of the $319 billion in aid given to Israel over the years. True, the US has entered large defense contracts with significant aid to Israel. What isn’t mentioned is the amount of intelligence and research and development associated with those weapons the US reaps from the partnership. Also, a very large percentage of the aid given to Israel comes with stipulations that they spend the funds on American-made weaponry. We get much of that money back, and it provides jobs. This is one common example of misunderstanding of aid to Israel.
• Beginning around the 9:00 mark, discussion shifts to Ted Cruz’s ill-fated attempt at quoting Scripture to defend against Tucker Carlson’s questionably anti-Semitic statements in a recent interview. The idea in question is that of God blessing those who bless Israel. I am not a fan of defending political positions with Scripture if you are unable to handle the Word of God accurately. Probably not the best moment for Ted Cruz.
• Moreover, in that same section, one of the students opined that “new flesh” is not the same as the people in the Old Covenant. The student states, “New flesh is everybody.” This is Replacement Theology (RT) at its basic level, claiming that current Israel is not the Israel of the Bible. RT holds to the theory that, because “old Israel” rejected Jesus as Messiah, the church has now become the “new Israel” and all God’s promises are now transferred to the church. In that theory, God is done with Israel. That cannot be further from the truth. RT is anti-Semitic because it disregards God’s unique calling to the Jewish people and puts the church in place of Israel. Simply not true.
• Around the 11:15 mark, a student makes the statement that prophecy as policy is generally problematic. It is subtle, but potentially anti-Semitic nonetheless. That statement dismisses God’s plan for both the Jews and the Gentiles. To disregard prophecy is to disregard 30% of Scripture. Should our leaders simply throw out Bible verses and hope for the best in foreign policy, etc? Of course not! Yet, to give heed to the truths of Bible prophecy is wise. Israel is at the center of Bible prophecy. To disregard God’s Word regarding the end times is to disregard Israel. That is a mistake and potentially flows into anti-Semitism.
• Beginning around the 12:20 mark, Charlie Kirk asked about impressions of what is happening in Gaza. I agree the focus on war steals focus from the hardships of young people who cannot afford housing, etc. I honestly do feel for today’s young people who have suffered more than most generations. (See more in next item.) However, the focus of their impressions is on destruction and loss of life. Be reminded that Palestinians had sovereignty over the Gaza Strip and were at peace on October 6, 2023. It was Hamas who not only started a war, but horrifically murdered and maimed 1200+ innocent civilians and kidnapped another 250. The fact Hamas refused to negotiate tells us all we need to know: they do not want peace with Israel, they want no Israel to exist. The tragedy of Gaza falls squarely on the heads of Hamas, not Israel.
• Gen Z is indeed at a disadvantage when compared to prior generations. They cannot afford housing and they have been very wrongly (and more severely) impacted by COVID, illegal immigration, and a very unfavorable prior American administration who took away advantages. We need to rectify that, but Israel is not to blame for that.

Those are only a few misunderstandings or misconceptions from the focus group discussion.

In general, I am grateful for the part Charlie Kirk plays in drawing young people back toward conservatism. However, leaning toward anti-Semitism must be met with Biblical truth. We should not agree with everything said and done in Israel. They are human, after all, and battle the same sin problems we do as believers. But we should absolutely stand with Israel when they are falsely accused, falsely attacked, and inappropriately spoken of.

Be careful who you follow, and be sure to filter everything through the filter of God’s Word. We do not have to agree with Israel, but we are commanded to stand with them, pray for them, and comfort them!