Jewish-Christian Relations in the Wake of October 7 and the War in Gaza

Jewish-Christian relations in Israel are deeply shaped by the unique character of the state of Israel. Founded as a Jewish state, it is the only country in the world where national holidays follow the Jewish calendar, the weekend coincides with the Jewish sabbath, and Jewish faith and culture permeate daily life. At the same time, Israel was established with the values of a liberal democracy. Its Proclamation of Independence promised “complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.”

Today, those democratic values are under strain. The current government is pursuing a national agenda that has undermined equal rights for citizens of all faiths, placing new pressures on religious minorities.

Our speakers—Hana Bendcowsky and John Munayer, both from Israel—will discuss the impact of this political climate on Jewish-Christian relations in the Holy Land, and why these dynamics are important for us to consider here in the United States.