It is a shocking finding: antisemitism is once again present, including and especially in Germany. Therefore, it is time to break the silence and raise our voices: a voice of truth, clarity, and love. The Church, and Christians in particular, are called upon to take a stand.
A commentary by Tobias Teichen, Lead Pastor ICF Munich
I know how it feels when you talk about Israel – and suddenly sense the atmosphere shift. You share something about God's faithfulness to his people, about his promises, about what he has begun with Israel – and realize that the topic is polarizing. All at once, old prejudices resurface, sometimes even from people you would never have expected it from.
I am shocked by how prevalent antisemitism has become again. Today, it wears modern clothes, talks about "justice" and "freedom," but deep down, the same old heart beats – hatred of Jews. We see it in schoolyards, at universities, in the media, and on the street. And suddenly, it is once again a reality that Jewish children in Germany are afraid, that synagogues are under police protection, and that people hide their Star of David under their sweaters.
And the shocking thing is: this hatred doesn't just come from one side. It comes from the right, from the left – and unfortunately, also from the center of our society. Even from people who say, "I'm staying out of it." But this very silence is part of the problem. I often ask myself: have we forgotten where silence leads? Have we repressed what happens when truth becomes too quiet?
Many Christians are uncertain. They say, "I love all people. Why should I take a stand?" And yes, that's true. God's heart beats for everyone: for Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Christians. I myself have friends on both sides. I know people in Israel who pray for peace, and Arab Christians who faithfully follow Jesus in the midst of difficult circumstances.
I feel a connection to people who are suffering – on all sides. For the suffering of war knows no clear boundaries. It breaks families, it destroys hope, it leaves wounds – on Israelis, on Palestinians, on all those caught in the crossfire. For me, compassion doesn't mean taking sides, but rather reflecting the heart of God: a heart that sees pain and yet speaks the truth.
Love is God's perspective
Love does not mean concealing the truth. Love means adopting God's perspective – and the Bible is very clear on this point: Israel has a unique calling in God's history, and God has never revoked this calling. This does not mean that every political decision is right. Israel is a vibrant democracy where people are allowed to protest, debate, and hold differing opinions – this is precisely what the freedom of this country demonstrates.
It's okay to be critical, to ask questions. But that's different from antisemitism. Antisemitism doesn't attack people because of their political opinions, but because they are Jewish. It attacks their identity – the people God himself chose to bless the world. When we stand with Israel, we don't do so because we blindly approve of everything, but because we believe that God's word is true – and that his faithfulness to Israel is a sign of his faithfulness to all of us. From Genesis to Revelation, a common thread runs through the text: God chooses a people to bless the world through them. Through Israel, he reveals his character, and through a Jewish savior – Jesus – he opens the way to salvation for all people.
That's why I'm speaking about Israel. Not because I'm looking for a fight; quite the opposite. I know that you can easily rub people the wrong way for doing so. But following Jesus means standing up even when it gets uncomfortable. I often think of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who didn't remain silent in dark times. He said: "Silence in the face of injustice is itself injustice. Not speaking is speaking. Not acting is acting." His courage cost him his life, but his witness lives on. If he could stand up in his time, then we must not remain silent in ours.
The church must raise its voice
Today, lies are being shouted, images distorted, and hatred spread. And I believe: when truth grows silent, the Church must raise its voice. Not with anger, but with love. Not with aggression, but with clarity. I have decided not to remain silent. Even if it irritates people. Even if it costs me something. Silence protects no one – it only allows lies to grow.
But truth, spoken in love, brings light into darkness. Every year we say "Never again." But "Never again" is not a ritual, not a reminder of the past. It is a mission for the present: Never again to look away. Never again to remain silent. Never again to sacrifice truth to the noise of the masses.
I dream of a church that is courageous: one that stands firm and yet loves every person. A church that prays for Israel and for Palestinians. A church that understands that God is not a nationalistic God, but a God who draws all people to himself—through a people he called thousands of years ago. I long for Christians who are guided not by fear, but by love. Who stand firm because God is faithful. Who speak out because he is truth.
For “Never again” does not begin in memorials. It begins in our hearts. When we choose to stand, to speak out, to love—not out of ideology, but out of conviction. For God’s word is true. God’s love is greater. And God’s faithfulness never ends. Therefore, now is the time to rise up. Not to debate, but to lead. Not to condemn, but to guide. The Gospel is not a quiet message. It is the resounding truth that light is stronger than darkness.
I have made my decision: to speak. To stand up. To love. And I pray that we as a church will do just that.
This article first appeared in our newspaper "Israelaktuell," issue 143. You can order the newspaper here . We would also be happy to send you several copies for distribution.
