ICEJ USA mobilizes young Christian leaders to confront antisemitism: 'Think big…the world desperately needs you'

In a forceful response to rising antisemitism across the United States, more than 275 young Christian leaders gathered this week in Orlando, Florida, for the Christian Leaders Summit, a collaborative initiative of the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem–USA (ICEJ USA branch).

The two-day gathering, held under the banner “Defending Truth, Strengthening Faith,” brought together pastors, campus advocates, ministry leaders, young professionals, and media voices for intensive training on standing with Israel and combating hate in an increasingly polarized cultural moment.

The overarching goal: To equip a rising generation of Christians with the confidence, biblical grounding, and practical tools needed to confront antisemitism. Key sessions included an exploration of the biblical and historical roots of antisemitism, a practical look at how antisemitism manifests today and how to recognize and counter it. Participants also heard from diverse voices expressing support for Israel, learned strategies for combating antisemitism on social media, and concluded with guidance on expanding their impact by activating within their communities in the current environment.

CAM’s Director of Christian Outreach and Engagement EJ Kimball warned attendees: “Antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem, and it does not only attack Jews. It is a societal scourge that destroys from within.”

He encouraged the young leaders to speak boldly and cautioned against complacency: “Today, we see prominent voices on the Right fully embracing antisemitism, yet too many remain silent.”

Pointing to recent political trends, he added, “New York City just elected an antisemitic mayor who supports calls to ‘Globalize the Intifada,’” referring to anti-Zionist New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

ICEJ USA President Susan Michael underscored the unique responsibility of the rising generation during her session: “You are here today because you are a new generation of Christian leaders,” she told the crowd. “Some of you are already leading, some are emerging, and some are still aspiring – but you are here to prepare for your leadership in this generation.”

She urged participants to adopt a broad vision: “Don’t think small. Think big. Think of ways you can be world changers, because the world desperately needs you.”

High-profile speakers also attended the event, including Florida Lieutenant-Governor Jay Collins and Brandon Orlando Tatum (Officer Tatum), an American conservative political commentator, and other social media influencers like Jewish-American comedian Ami Kozak.

Collins emphasized the theological and moral stakes: “Faith and truth matter. Standing strong matters… Standing with Israel means standing with the truth.”

Officer Tatum delivered one of the summit’s most impassioned messages, addressing the spread of conspiracy theories – many antisemitic – following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September.

“When Charlie was killed, a few things happened in the spiritual world,” he said. “Now you know who is on the right side and who is on the wrong side.” Officer Tatum cautioned that those whose first response was to promote conspiracies were “not hearing from God.”

Participants heard firsthand testimony from former Israeli hostage Almog Meir Jan and Nova Festival survivor and CAM Public Affairs Officer Natalie Sanandaji.

Meir, who spent 246 days in captivity, shared: “Days filled with fear, violence, hunger, and abuse… But it made me stronger and prouder to be a Jew.”

Philanthropist and WorldQuant CEO Igor Tulchinsky closed with a reminder of the shared covenantal bond between Christians and Jews. “We are here to stand together – Jews and Christians – children of one God, people of one promise,” he said. “When you defend the Jewish people, you defend faith itself,” he said.

A major highlight was the Strategy Lab, where pastors, campus activists, content creators, and young professionals crafted actionable plans tailored to their areas of influence to take back to their communities.

Organizers emphasized that this gathering marks the beginning of a long-term partnership to equip Christian leaders to stand courageously against antisemitism wherever it appears.

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