Antisemitic Attacks Renew Concern Among Jewish Christians

by Mark Forrester

Violent antisemitic attacks in Washington, D.C. and Boulder, Colorado are underscoring concerns about the rise of antisemitism throughout the U.S. Recent studies have shown alarming evidence of the increase in antisemitic rhetoric. Most Jewish young adults (83%) in the U.S. report to have experienced antisemitism on social media. Similarly, nine in ten report seeing an increase in antisemitism since 2023.

Michael Calise, president of the Assemblies of God National Jewish Fellowship, recently spoke with AG News about this disturbing trend—a trend that has directly impacted him. “This past week we received an antisemitic phone call and alerted law enforcement,” Calise says. “They are currently investigating this matter and trying to find the individual(s) involved in this. They are also increasing their patrol of our AG Messianic synagogue along with other synagogues here in New York.”

As a Messianic Jewish believer—a Jewish follower of Jesus—Calise finds himself at a unique cultural juxtaposition. “In Jewish communities, my beliefs about Yeshua [Hebrew for Jesus] are often met with opposition and rejections, as traditional Judaism does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah,” Calise explains. “In Christian circles, I often find myself explaining and sometimes even having to defend some Jewish customs and traditions that may seem unfamiliar to the Christian community, yet are heartfelt and meaningful expressions of my faith in Yeshua.” Calise is grateful that this special identity provides him “opportunity to foster dialogue and understanding in both communities.”

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were killed on May 21 at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Lischinsky was a Messianic Jew and attended the Melech Hamelachim (King of Kings) congregation in Jerusalem.

Calise says, “These tragedies serve as reminders of the dangers and hostility faced by Jewish believers today. The reality is every antisemitic act impacts me and every Jewish person because it reminds us of the constant threat against our existence.”

AG General Superintendent Doug Clay condemned the recent attacks. “These acts of violence and antisemitism are reprehensible and a symptom of moral decay when hearts turn away from God.” Clay encourages believers to “commit ourselves to prayer for and compassion toward Jewish people who are feeling the impact of antisemitic acts and rhetoric.”

The Assemblies of God, founded in 1914, has a history of condemning antisemitism as early as 1915. In 2022, the AG Executive Presbytery reaffirmed its stance against antisemitism, citing the “urgency to show unequivocal support of the Jewish people by repudiating every source, vehicle, or channel of antisemitism, and making clear to all people our stand against antisemitism, and all forms of racism against any ethnic group.”

Calise sees the rise of antisemitism as “fueled by misinformation, political extremism, and theological distortions.” Beyond this, however, he sees the trend as “part of a larger spiritual conflict, as Satan seeks to destroy the Jewish people to thwart God’s redemptive plan.”

Calise says, “For AG churches, it is crucial to recognize that antisemitism is not merely a political issue, it is a spiritual battle that impacts real lives and communities.” He says, “Through genuine friendship and a love that reflects the heart of the Messiah, churches can serve as a bridge for deep connections, fostering unity and demonstrating God’s love for all people.”

Because antisemitism is a constant threat, Calise says his congregation has learned to be vigilant and to have a working relationship with law enforcement and Homeland Security. Calise encourages his congregation to be “careful and cautious as they go about their business in the world” and to keep a “sense of having personal situational awareness . . .”

At a personal level, Calise encourages members of his congregation to “respond to hate with the love of Messiah.” He explains, “We utilize the power of prayer and exercise forgiveness to those who hate us reaching out to not only the Jewish people but to the community at large sharing the Good News and love of Yeshua.”

Photo: Capital Jewish Museum after 2025 shooting, Sdkb, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

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Mark Forrester

Mark Forrester is the senior director of Public Relations and Communications for the General Council of the Assemblies of God. He is a graduate of Lee University and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He is general editor of Trending Up: Social Media Strategies for Today's Church. Mark and his wife, Janine, have two children and live in Springfield, Missouri.