SA, US students unite in Washington DC to stand against antisemitism

A dozen South African students recently joined hundreds of American Christian students and college and university alumni to deepen their understanding of antisemitism and their Bible-based faith.

Daniel Yakcobi, CEO of South African Friends of Israel (SAFI), which facilitated the SA students’ visit, said such initiatives give students much-needed support and tools to face antisemitism on campuses in their home countries.

“Our students are devoted Christians who value the importance of strengthening bonds with Israel, especially in such challenging times. We need to take a stand. We need to strengthen Christian Jewish relationships,” he said.

The students met for a weekend of training driven by Passages, a Christian organisation that seeks to combat bigoted behaviour on university campuses.

One of the participants, Mikateko Mnene, from the University of Johannesburg, said: “The experience heightened my knowledge about Israel and what is currently happening on ground. As a Christian and student leader, having been educated and exposed to truths, history and the people of Israel, I feel the responsibility to advocate for Israel. Standing with Israel means I stand for the truth and for my faith in its purest and most sacred form.”

Yakcobi explained that Israel is part of God’s plan, and a land meant for Christians and Jews alike. He added” “We’re seeking reconciliation and peaceful solutions while investing in the future leadership of South Africa; our youth and students.”

Embracing a shared vision, SAFI welcomes everyone who resonates with the enduring spirit of togetherness between SA and Israel. Its initiative is about building a community of diverse individuals united by a common interest in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Israel’s cultural and technological contributions.

Yakcobi said that SAFI is hoping to bring American students to South Africa to strengthen the relationship between young people in both countries. “We hope to encourage more support from South African Christians, who make up more than 85% of the population, as we stand against discrimination.”

“This really important weekend of training and uplifting hundreds of passionate Christian students who want to advocate for Israel and stand with their fellow Jewish students on campuses, where they are expecting an extremely challenging upcoming semester,” said Rivka Kidron, co-founder of Passages and a former advisor to Israel’s Prime Minister.

Yakcobi noted that SA youth seemingly face more discrimination than those in America.

Students participated in workshops about Israel and its history. They also met with two families of hostages taken from Israel and held in Gaza and held a prayer session with the families on the National Mall, where anti-Israel and antisemitic demonstrations had taken place.

Romi Gonen and Or Levy’s were kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7 2023. Students met their families as they spoke about their experiences and how they are working to free their relatives.

Over 1 478 Israelis have been killed since Hamas instigated war against Israel on October 7. At least 400 Israelis have been taken hostage, with 115 still in captivity as of July 24. All students participating in the event took a stance against Israelis being kidnapped by Hamas.

“Meeting with these passionate Christian students has been an extremely uplifting experience for us,” said Yarden Gonen, Romi’s sister, who has become one of the faces of the hostage families around the world. “We know that they have taken on our mission of ensuring that our loved ones are not forgotten, and that they will share our stories with their families, friends, churches, communities and on their campuses,” said Yarden.

“Passages was created precisely for these moments, as an organisation that will be a force-multiplier to help spread Israel’s case in the places where they are most challenged. They have been given the most important tools to meet these challenges and stand with Israel and the Jewish People,” Kidron said.

Passages has already taken more than 11 000 young Christians to Israel to provide them with tangible references to geographical and historical locations that are the physical location of teachings in the Bible, including many Old Testament locations. The organisation believes that the future of Christian faith and leadership depends on the next generation of Christian leaders being deeply rooted in their Biblical faith and values, as well as being exposed to modern Israel firsthand.

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