Navigating a Rising Tide: How Passages is Equipping Christian Students to Combat Antisemitism and Advocate for Israel
The landscape of collage campuses is shifting.What was once a simmering undercurrent of anti-Israel sentiment, often intertwined with antisemitism, has surged in recent months, manifesting across the political spectrum. This concerning trend is prompting organizations like Passages to proactively equip the next generation of Christian leaders with the knowledge and tools to confidently advocate for Israel and confront prejudice.
Passages, a non-profit dedicated to connecting young Christians with the land and people of Israel, isn’t simply focused on pilgrimage. It’s building a movement of informed,articulate advocates prepared to navigate complex narratives and defend against rising hostility. As Executive Director Scott Bauer explains, the organization’s mission has taken on renewed urgency.
A Shift in the Narrative: From Pro-Israel Support to Active Advocacy
For years, Passages has observed a concerning trend: the presence of both antisemitic and anti-israel viewpoints, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly, within academic circles. However, Bauer notes a significant escalation in recent months. “It’s gone into overdrive,” he states, emphasizing the need to address this issue head-on.
This isn’t about blindly supporting a political position; it’s about fostering critical thinking and ensuring young Christians are grounded in facts. “Right-leaning students at colleges and universities, we want to make sure they’re hearing the facts,” Bauer clarifies. “We want to make sure that they have the facts and are not going to be easily swayed to believe some of the things that they’re hearing.”
The core of Passages’ approach lies in understanding why Christian support for the Jewish people and Israel is so vital. This isn’t merely a matter of geopolitical strategy, but a foundational element of faith. As Bauer powerfully articulates, “There wouldn’t be Christianity without Judaism. Judaism is literally the roots of the Christian faith.So, understanding that first is essential.”
The Passages DC Experience: Training a New Generation of Advocates
Recognizing the growing need for proactive engagement, Passages recently launched the “Passages DC Experience,” a conference held at the Museum of the Bible. Bringing together 150 students from across the country, the event featured prominent speakers – including former Vice President Mike Pence – and focused on practical advocacy training.
The goal was clear: to equip students to return to thier campuses as “effective pro-Israel advocates and to be able to identify antisemitism.” This included workshops on navigating difficult conversations, dissecting biased reporting, and understanding the past and theological context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Deconstructing Narratives: The Importance of Critical Analysis
A key component of this training is learning to critically analyze information, especially in the age of viral news and social media. Bauer points to a recent example involving a photograph of a child in Gaza published by The New York Times. “A story… went viral… And it comes out later that that child had a pre-existing medical condition.”
This incident underscores the importance of “digging deep” and verifying information before accepting it at face value. Passages aims to empower students to become discerning consumers of news, capable of identifying manipulation and challenging misleading narratives.
Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the Stakes
The oct. 7th terror attacks served as a stark wake-up call, reinforcing the urgency of Passages’ mission. Bauer emphasizes that sending students to Israel is not just about a transformative faith experience; it’s about cultivating a cohort of informed advocates prepared to defend Israel and combat antisemitism upon their return.
“While it’s great to send Christian college kids to Israel… we want to make sure that we’re sending kids there… to come back and be forceful, and impactful advocates for Israel and standing up against antisemitism.”
Furthermore, Bauer connects the attack on Israel to a broader assault on western values. He recounts observing protests where both Israeli and American flags were burned, highlighting a disturbing trend of interconnected animosity. “An attack on Israel essentially,in my mind,this is an attack on the Western values that our country was founded upon.”
A Call to Action: Standing with Israel and the Jewish People
Passages isn’t simply reacting to a crisis; it’s proactively building a foundation for long-term support. By equipping young christians with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of the historical and theological connections between Judaism and Christianity, the organization is fostering a generation prepared to stand firmly with Israel and the Jewish