Home > Online Magazine > Online Magazine: Edition 87 - Autumn (Mar-May) 2026 > Editorial - Responding to Rising Antisemitism with Love and Action
Responding to Rising Antisemitism with Love and Action
Editorial
2025 has seen an alarming rise in antisemitic attacks, particularly within Sydney's eastern suburbs, where many Jewish people live. These incidents include, for example:
- Maroubra - Childcare centre sprayed with antisemitic graffiti and set on fire.
- Newtown and Allawah - Synagogues sprayed with swastikas
- Woollahra - Cars and units sprayed with antisemitic graffiti. Cars set on fire.
- Queens Park - Cars sprayed with antisemitic graffiti.
- Bondi - Kosher Café set on fire.
- Bankstown - Two NSW Health nurses bragging about killing and refusing to treat Israeli patients.
- Bondi Beach - Culminating in what Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called "an act of pure evil. The local Jewish community were assembled at Bondi Beach to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah when two gunmen (father and son) opened fire killing 15 and injuring 42 innocent people. [1] [2] [3]
I am not sure whether to be more angered, saddened or frightened about these acts of hatred. This is not the welcoming "she'll be right mate" Australian attitude that I know. We are not used to seeing such open hate crimes in our country.
Understanding the Root of Hatred
How is it that a heart can be so full of hate that it spills out in actions like these?
- Separation from God - Hatred is one of the things that results from separation from God's love (Galatians 5:19-21). It is a reflection of the impact of sin on humanity.
- Cycle of Fear and Hurt - Those whose lives have been characterised by fear and hurt, may well find that their hearts are so filled with hatred that the outflow of this is acts of revenge like we are seeing here.
- A Response - This doesn't excuse the behaviour; but perhaps, in response, we feel the balance tipping more towards sadness, rather than anger, in this situation."
Our Christian Response
Hatred is countered not just by words but by active expressions of love and justice. How is it that we, as Christians, can be an instrument of God's love in the face of hatred?
Firstly - Feed your heart on love.
By beholding we become changed.
- And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)
- Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. (Philippians, 4:8, NIV)
- "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)
Receive God's love in our hearts through the working of the Holy Spirit
- And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5, NIV)
Secondly - Fill your heart with love.
- Love eclipses all. Love leaves no room for fear or hatred.
- "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18, NIV)
Thirdly - Find an outlet for the love that is in your heart.
- The love, that the Holy Spirit places in our hearts, naturally seeks expression.
- "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18, NIV)
Love calls us to:-
Speak out against hate.
- Silence allows hate to grow. Advocate for justice.
- "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV)
Support to Jewish communities.
- "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, NIV)
Pray for the perpetrators.
- "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44, NIV)
Teach the next generation.
- Within our personal sphere of influence, provide a life of love and acceptance for the next generation. Fill their lives with love to the exclusion of fear and hate. Instil in them the values of love, kindness, and justice.
- "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)
In Conclusion
Antisemitic attacks are a sobering reminder of the brokenness in our world. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to be reflections of His love. Through our words, actions, and prayers, we can stand against hatred, transforming hearts and communities with His love.
"Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21, NIV)
[2]
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-12/nsw-health-minister-on-online-doctor-veifer-video/104926206
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