Jewish and Christian women in US unite to confront antisemitism, support Israel

For nearly two years, while Israel has been at war defending itself against the radical ring of fire surrounding its tiny nation, the simmering cauldron of antisemitism in the U.S. has reached a boiling point, resulting in an unprecedented level of threats and violent attacks across America’s Jewish communities.

Antisemitic murders, attacks, acts of violence, and harassment against Jewish people have known no ideological or theological boundaries. With the recent murders of Yaron Lischinsky and his girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim, outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington D.C., (both believers in Yeshua), the world became tragically aware that antisemitic hatred makes no distinction between traditional or messianic Jews, no matter what theological label one group might put on the other.

Many in the Jewish community are recognizing that theological divisions may be weakening their collective ability to confront a shared challenge: rising hatred and antisemitism.

In early June, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach Gardens accepted an invitation to join the SistHERS of Zion (SOZ), an organization grounded in Jewish and Christian values, at their inaugural summit. The transformative mental health and ministry event for women included advocacy for Israel and raising awareness about the growing threat of antisemitism in America, as well as throughout the world.

Honey Levy, a Shlicha (emissary) for the Jewish Federation and a keynote speaker at the summit, addressed an audience of Jewish and Christian women to share insights on the agency’s ongoing efforts both internationally and across the United States.

ALL ISRAEL NEWS spoke with Levy about her background and how the events of Oct. 7, 2023, have impacted her both personally and professionally.

AVIGAIL RIVKAH: You mentioned in your address to the summit that you grew up in the United Kingdom and made aliyah [immigrated] to Israel with your family when you were a child. You joined the staff at The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach Gardens just before October 7th. Can you tell me what that day was like for you?

HONEY LEVY: I woke up Saturday morning in West Palm Beach to 622 messages on my phone describing a living nightmare. Words that shattered my heart and will haunt me forever, "Israel is in war."

RIVKAH: What has your role at the Federation in Palm Beach been like since October 7, 2023?

LEVY: It’s not been easy; it’s probably been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to go through, but it’s so meaningful and purposeful that I would not want to be doing anything else since October 7th. As difficult as I knew my time was going to be (with the Jewish Federation), I knew the importance of what it means to be an Israeli emissary.

RIVKAH: After October 7th, when you went back to Israel, you said you saw the people come together to support one another and rebuild near the southern border. Can you elaborate on what you observed?

LEVY: There was such a strong sense of chen (favor or grace) over the people and the land. The way everyone worked and came together. It was just beautiful to see

RIVKAH: The mission of the SistHERS of Zion Inaugural Summit is to build bridges between the Jewish and Christian community, as well as advocate for Israel. How would you describe your experience here at the summit?

LEVY: It’s a blessing for me to be here and strengthen the connections for Israel.

Levy said she is grateful for the support she's received from the South Florida community since the attack, noting: "My phone has blown up from people that I've maybe met once – never met, which is the most incredible, incredible thing."

Last week, the Jewish Federation, along with nearly 400 Jewish leaders representing more than 100 Jewish communities across the nation, gathered in Washington, D.C., for the United for Security Emergency Leadership Mission to advocate for policies that enhance security for the Jewish community.

“We are here to speak with one voice," Jewish Federation CEO and President Eric Fingerhut stated.

“We know there are many things on the nation's agenda, but we must insist that the safety and security of the Jewish community and the battle against domestic terror be at the very top. Whatever other issues the Jewish community may care about, whatever differing opinions we may hold on some of those issues, we are united for security,” he said.

As antisemitism rises across the United States, Jewish leaders and advocates are calling for unity across denominational and cultural lines. In light of the growing hostility, many emphasize the urgency of setting aside differences to confront this mounting threat together.

The recent SOZ summit is a potential model for such unity, bringing together Jewish, Christian, and Messianic women in a shared commitment to healing, leadership, and advocacy. Organizers and attendees alike hope the conference will inspire similar initiatives across America and around the globe.