Here’s what I learned: We must not take our friends for granted
Let me set the scene for you. In the vast cathedral-like atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building on Pennsylvania Avenue, more than 550 people gathered to support Israel, confront antisemitism, and stand with the Jewish people.
Speaker after speaker celebrated the enduring relationship between the United States and Israel and affirmed the Jewish people’s historic connection to the Land of Israel. “Amens” and “Hallelujahs” echoed through the hall as pastors, ministers, bishops, Jewish Federation leaders, Christian allies, and rabbis voiced their support. Bishop Robert Stearns led a stirring rendition of Hatikvah that filled the room with emotion.
For me, the experience felt almost surreal — like a giant hug of the Jewish people.
The event that I attended: an Advocacy Day for Israel, brought together Jewish Federations and rabbis alongside major Christian Zionist groups including Eagles’ Wings, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, and Israel Allies Foundation.
For years, evangelical Christians have been among Israel’s strongest allies. But that support can no longer be taken for granted. Social media has amplified anti-Israel voices, and even these supportive communities are beginning to feel the pressure. A few of my interactions in the next day confirmed this.
The next day, we traveled to Capitol Hill in small lobbying groups. Mine included four Christian clergy, two students from Oral Roberts University, a supporter from Montana, and myself. I enjoyed getting a chance to get to know the people in my group and to develop friendships with the other clergy.
One student proudly told us that the largest club on campus is the pro-Israel club. Yet she also shared that some classmates mock her support for Israel by attaching the word “Jew” to her name as an insult. She is experiencing more antisemitism than I am for her support of the Jewish people.
That was deeply sobering.
We visited the offices of two members of Congress and one senator. Since Congress was in recess, we met with staffers instead. At first, I assumed these meetings were somehow unimportant without the officeholder present. I quickly learned otherwise.
Staffers are often the gatekeepers. They decide which issues reach lawmakers’ desks and which concerns receive attention.
The offices we visited were strongly supportive of Israel, combating antisemitism, and increasing security funding for religious institutions. But when I asked what kinds of calls they receive, the answer was revealing: many angry calls condemning support for Israel, and very few expressions of gratitude.
That struck me.
Too often, people contact elected officials only when they are upset. But staffers told us clearly that calls, emails, and meetings matter. Supportive voices matter too.
My takeaway from this trip is simple:
We must build bridges with communities willing to stand beside us. We must advocate for ourselves. And when our elected officials do the right thing, we should take the time to thank them.
And finally, that the Jewish people still have friends — and we need those friendships now more than ever. But friendships require nurturing. We cannot remain silent or assume support will always be there. We need to find our friends and let them know how much we appreciate them.
Rabbi Wes Kalmar leads Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah in Glendale.
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