Skip to main content


Of all the religious groups around the world, Christians stand out for their love and support for Jewish people. Today, this bond is demonstrated by numerous examples of Christians showing solidarity with the State of Israel. What drives this deep-seated connection? What inspires this enduring love? Let us explore these questions by beginning with the sacred text for Christians, the New Testament, a collection of Jewish writings centered around Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah.

The Loving Examples of Yeshua and Paul


Yeshua models loving Jewish people throughout His life, from the very beginning. Yeshua ישׁוע)), which means “salvation” in Hebrew, was the name given to Him at His brit milah (eighth-day circumcision ceremony). He was given this name because, according to an angel of the Lord, “He will save His people [Israel] from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Yeshua shows His desire to set His people free while reading a haftarah portion (from Isaiah 61) in His home synagogue:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed,to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18–19)

Yeshua explained this passage as relating to His mission: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”(Luke 4:21). 

Yeshua the Messiah came to free His people from bondage to sin and death out of His deep love for His people, Israel. His love for Israel was so strong, even when Israel’s leaders committed egregious sins, which ultimately resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple, Yeshua responded by referencing Psalm 91, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” (Matthew 23:37). Yeshua gave up His life and rose from the dead so His people, and the rest of the world, could experience eternal life. Thus, a central theme of the New Testament—the crucifixion—is an act of love toward Jewish people.

Paul, the apostle, and one of the most influential Jewish leaders in history, expressed his deep love for Israel. He wrote, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for [Israel’s] salvation”(Romans 10:1). Paul taught how Jewish people retain all of God’s promises, including, “the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Messiah according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 9:4–5). Paul also claimed Israel’s “gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). In sum, Yeshua and Paul serve as models for all followers of Messiah, Jewish or Gentile, to love Jewish people with sincerity and passion, imitating God’s heart for His people. 

Christian Action Shows Love for Jewish People 

Yeshua’s love for Jewish people, rooted in the New Testament, has provoked countless Christians to radically defend and support Jewish people throughout the centuries. During World War II, many Christians showed extraordinary bravery in aiding Jewish people. For instance, Protestant Pastor André Trocmé in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, along with his village, sheltered around 3,500 Jewish refugees from Nazi persecution. Mother Maria Skobtsova, a nun in France, also played a critical role by providing shelter and forging documents to protect Jewish people from deportation. Despite being arrested and sent to a concentration camp, she and her collaborators’ efforts remain a powerful testament to Christian love for Jewish people. Similarly, Bishop von Galen, a Catholic bishop in Germany, publicly condemned Nazi policies, including those targeting Jews. His outspoken opposition to the regime’s actions helped inspire many to resist the Nazis. 

In contemporary times, Christian support for Israel and Jewish people remains steadfast. Following the horrific attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, various Christian organizations mobilized to support Israel with millions of dollars in donations to help in its war efforts against Hamas and provide aid for survivors, hostages’ families, evacuees, and others who are suffering. Christians in Bogotá, Colombia, showed their support for Israel by holding a rally protesting President Gustavo Petro’s decision to sever ties with Israel. Others held rallies to show Jewish people the love of Jesus the Messiah, including a well-attended event on Broadway in Manhattan on June 20, sponsored by Chosen People Ministries. 

Each of these examples of Christians loving Jewish people makes complete sense because their faith, grounded in the Jewish Scriptures, expresses sincere love for Jewish people. 

One personal story perfectly captures the deep love and support Christians have for Jewish people. Stephanie, a Jewish friend, was walking near a home in the American South, wearing her Magen David (Star of David) necklace, when she encountered a Christian woman with an “I Stand with Israel” banner on her porch. Stephanie stopped to thank the woman, who responded, “I pray for your people every day. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem every day. Every church here does.” 

Do Christians love Jewish people? Of course, they do! One of the ways Christians express this love is by praying for the peace of Jerusalem, as encouraged by King David, who wrote, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you’” (Psalm 122:6).