Hillel Newman, Israel’s Consul General to Los Angeles, convened a meeting last week with a dozen influential pastors from across Southern California to address the rise in anti-Semitism and to strengthen ties with the Christian community.
“We stand with our Christian brothers and sisters and appreciate their standing in solidarity with the State of Israel; this relationship exemplifies the importance of building bridges and acting in unity,” Newman said in a statement. “Pastors, as spiritual community leaders, serve as role models to many people who struggle with hate and discrimination. Our task is to strengthen the voices of moderation against radicalism.”
The Aug. 4 meeting, held at Newman’s residence in Los Angeles, included a discussion on how the Christian and Jewish communities can stand together against hate crimes and anti-Semitism, and how the Israeli Consulate can serve as a resource for Christian communities regarding current events and Israeli tourism.
The gathering included prominent Christian leaders from as far north as Bakersfield and as far south as San Diego.
The group decided to meet on a regular basis and invite additional pastors and community leaders to join in this effort.
