More than a dozen Hispanic Christian organizations and leaders have issued a statement in support of Israel and against anti-Semitism and called on their voters to join in fasting and prayer until Hamas releases the remaining Israeli hostages.
“We call on the Church and all Latino and Hispanic Christians to join us as we commit to fasting and praying until the remaining hostages are returned; speak against evil with good (Romans 12:21); and to advocate for those in need (Proverbs 31:8-9),” the statement read.
The signatories represent more than 230,000 churches in the United States and millions of Hispanic Americans. The statement was led by the Philos Project, an organization promoting positive Christian engagement in the Middle East.
“These are Hispanic organizations and leaders that we have worked with over the years to raise awareness of Israel,” said Jesse Rojo, director of Philos Latino. “As an organization, we are focused on the Middle East, but it all starts with Israel.
“Israel represents our spiritual and historical heritage,” he added. “To understand what is happening in the region or in the world, you must first know what is happening in Israel. »
When the war broke out, Rojo was on his way to Israel with a group of Hispanic pastors. Some signatories were in Israel for Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) and found themselves stranded in the country, including the president of the National Alliance of Hispanic Pastors, who had to return to the United States via Jordan.
“For us, this is not a conceptual conflict that takes place thousands of kilometers away,” Rojo emphasized. “We felt the blow that day and are more motivated than ever to get involved and demonstrate our commitment to the Jewish community. »
The joint statement represents the unified voice of the Hispanic Christian community for Israel. It also emphasizes the commitment to combating anti-Semitism and promoting peace.
“We, the undersigned, condemn the level of hatred and incitement to violence that has been exacerbated by Nazi symbols and anti-Semitic euphemisms promulgated by Hamas sympathizers to the point of making it dangerous to be Jewish in Western societies », We can read in the press release. “We unequivocally reject and condemn such actions and come together to express our solidarity and friendship with our Jewish neighbors. »
Rojo stressed that “anti-Semitism is an attack on all of us and an affront to the very values we hold dear and intend to defend.” He said: “No one should feel unsafe for being who they are or practicing what they believe. »
Notable signatories of the declaration
NOTABLE SIGNATORIES of the joint statement include the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the Reformed Church in America, the National Alliance of Hispanic Pastors, the International Brotherhood of Christians and Jews, the Assemblies South Central Hispanic District of God, Confraternidad Latina de Pastores, Cathedral of Faith, Harper. Collins Christian Publishing, Lifeway Global, Altar7, Asociacion Glocal de Comunicadores, One for Israel and Latino Coalition for Israel.
The statement was released Friday, just a week after Philos Latino brought a group of more than 30 pastors from 17 states to the Capitol to rally in support of Israel and push their senators and congressmen to support the aid package additional financial support to Israel.
“We wanted to let them know that the Hispanic community has always been pro-Israel, and now we are coming together to let them know that we stand up for Israel and our Jewish neighbors,” Rojo said.
The Hispanic community in the United States has almost quadrupled over the past four decades. It now represents nearly 19% of the population, or more than 62 million people, according to the 2020 census, updated in 2022 by the USAFacts team.
Rojo said about 33% identify as Evangelical Christians and are pro-Israel. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 32 m. Hispanic Americans will be able to vote in this year’s presidential election.
Rojo said that although historically Hispanics have voted Democratic, in recent years the community is more conservative and more Republican. Additionally, he said, “Obviously the Hispanic community has become more aware of our numbers. As Hispanics in the United States, we come together in alliances to demonstrate our strength in numbers, to show that our vote matters, and that we are willing to use our vote for the things we care about.
He said Israel is not just a political issue but a “spiritual issue” for the Hispanic Christian community and that they see their role as defending Israel and opposing efforts “to sabotage Israel.” one of the only beacons of democracy in the Middle East.” .”
So will Hispanics vote?for Israel“in 2024?
Rojo said, “To the extent that Israel becomes an issue in the presidential election, Hispanics will pay very close attention to it, and Israel will be a major issue for us in the vote.
