The exhaustion isn't from the miles covered on this Walk Across America, nor from the beauty of Shreveport. It’s a weariness of the soul, born from witnessing a disturbing trend: the escalating attacks against Jewish people, and the deafening silence of those who should be speaking out.
A troubling betrayal is unfolding. Too many Black ministers, once pillars of moral clarity, have traded biblical truth for a political ideology that consistently demonizes Israel, even in the face of unimaginable horrors like the atrocities of October 7th.
And on the right, a dangerous game is being played. Prominent voices cloak antisemitism in populist rhetoric, feigning concern while subtly spreading hate. Their claims of simply “asking questions” are transparent lies, designed to deflect criticism and disguise their prejudice.
The Jewish people are being abandoned, scapegoated, and actively demonized from both sides of the political spectrum. This is not a moment for neutrality; it demands a firm and unwavering stand.
The bond between the Black church and the Jewish community is a sacred one, forged in the fires of shared struggle. Jewish individuals were instrumental in founding the NAACP, marched alongside Dr. King in Selma, and even gave their lives for Black voting rights – Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and James Chaney stand as a tragic testament to that commitment.
Rabbi Heschel and Dr. King locked arms, united by a shared prophetic vision of justice and freedom. The echoes of Exodus resonated within the Civil Rights movement, a powerful recognition of a shared yearning for liberation. This alliance wasn’t accidental; it was divinely inspired.
That history carries a profound responsibility for today. Yet, a disturbing number of pastors have succumbed to a distorted ideology, aligning themselves with the Palestinian cause not through scripture, but through a radicalized interpretation of liberation theology.
While James Cone’s work on Black liberation theology arose from genuine suffering, its current application has devolved into simplistic narratives. Entire nations and peoples are reduced to caricatures, with Israel falsely portrayed as a white supremacist oppressor and Palestinians irresponsibly elevated as perpetual victims, even in the wake of horrific violence.
Where was the outrage over the slaughter of families, the abduction of children, the unspeakable acts of rape and mutilation on October 7th? Any condemnation offered was quickly overshadowed by a focus on Israel’s response – a chilling display of empathy dictated by politics, not by faith.
Let us remember that Jesus was a Jew, born in the land promised to Israel. The ancient covenants remain unbroken. To bless Israel is to invite blessing; to dishonor them is to invite a curse. These are not mere suggestions, but divine mandates.
Supporting Israel does not require ignoring Palestinian suffering. It demands a refusal to demonize a people who have endured millennia of persecution, exile, and genocide. It means recognizing the diversity within Israel, and holding Hamas accountable for its openly hateful charter.
I have always judged individuals and nations by their character and actions, not by their color. That principle remains steadfast, regardless of who asks me to compromise it. The enemies of freedom consistently target the Jewish people first, and for good reason.
Antisemitism isn’t simply hatred; it’s a warning sign. History demonstrates that civilizations which turn against their Jewish citizens inevitably abandon their own foundational values. The principles that birthed America – human dignity, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities – demand we stand against this rising tide of hatred.
To abandon the Jewish people is to betray the very idea of America. This is not merely a biblical obligation or a historical legacy; it is a test of our national soul. I see the attacks emanating from pulpits and political commentators, a coordinated assault from both the left and the right.
I will not look away. I will not equivocate. I will not sacrifice our shared legacy for a fleeting political advantage. With every step of this journey across America, I carry that commitment. Let us return to biblical truth, reclaim our legacy of solidarity, and stand with Israel – because Scripture demands it, history proves it, and basic human decency requires it.
Unity will always triumph over division. May God bless you, and may God bless America.
