The horrors of October 7 served as a brutal wake-up call for Jews across the world, jolting us all into a harsh new reality. As antisemitism surges globally and support for Israel wavers, an unexpected partnership is emerging across the United States.

Teaneck is no exception. On a warm July evening, Congregation Bnai Yeshurun became ground zero for a potentially game-changing dialogue between Jews and Christian Zionists. The event, co-sponsored by Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Israel 365 and The Philos Project, provocatively titled “Why Do Christians Help Jews—And Should Jews Be Wary?” didn’t shy away from hard questions. Instead, it tackled them head-on, challenging long-held suspicions and forging new paths for collaboration.

Why should we care?

The answer is as urgent as it is simple: survival through solidarity. With antisemitic incidents skyrocketing and anti-Israel sentiment infiltrating even traditionally supportive spaces, the Jewish community stands at a critical crossroads. Can we afford to dismiss potential allies based on historical grievances? Or is it time to cautiously embrace those who stand with Israel, even if they champion Israel’s cause through a unique ideological lens?

Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, who moderated the event, set the tone early. With his deep understanding of Jewish history and thought, Rabbi Schacter provided valuable context throughout the evening. His presence helped frame the discussion within the broader scope of Jewish-Christian relations over the centuries. Rabbi Elie Mischel, one of the two panelists alongside Philos Project Executive Director Luke Moon, acknowledged: “We have a rough history with Christians. Why should things be different now?” This question reflected the curiosity and perhaps wariness that had drawn many Jewish attendees to the event. But as the evening progressed, that wariness gave way to hope and appreciation.

One of the most compelling aspects of the evening was hearing about Moon’s journey to becoming a loyal supporter of Israel. Moon revealed that he “didn’t really know Jews until 2011,” yet has since become one of Israel’s most vocal non-Jewish advocates.

Moon’s transformation from outsider to insider in pro-Israel activism captivated the audience. His story demonstrated how education, personal encounter, and shared values can bridge even the widest of gaps, serving as a blueprint for stronger Jewish-Christian alliances.

Moon recounted standing alone against 250 anti-Israel protesters in Teaneck during the May 2021 conflict, known as Guardian of the Walls. “I was initially going as a journalist,” he explained, “but then on my way there, I decided, no, I’m gonna go as an activist.” Moon has had many similar experiences since then: In April 2024, when protesters disrupted a Zaka event, coincidentally at Bnai Yeshurun, Moon stood shoulder to shoulder with Rabbi Elliot Schrier, the rabbi of Bnai Yeshurun, and the Jews of Teaneck.

Moon’s acts of solidarity deeply moved the Jewish attendees at the recent event. Rabbi Schrier, in a message following the conversation, expressed: “Luke is just an amazing person with an incredible story.” As noted in the event, “he accepted Jews are God’s people, and he’s not here to convert us.”

But the evening wasn’t just about a complicated history or personal growth journeys. It was about the future—specifically, the launch of Israel 365 New Jersey. Dr. Moshe and Renee Glick, major community activists in West Orange, are spearheading this new initiative.

Israel 365 New Jersey aims to increase the impact of pro-Israel activism by bringing Jews and Christians together. Rabbi Mischel hopes that “instead of getting 400 people at our events, we should have 4,000 or 40,000. If we work together with our Christian friends, we can amplify everything we’re doing already.”

This concept of amplification emerged as a key theme. While the Jewish community in New Jersey is vibrant and engaged, it’s still relatively small compared to the growing anti-Jewish community, especially in the greater tri-state area. However, partnering with aligned Christian supporters will exponentially increase the potential for impact.

The launch of Israel 365 New Jersey represents a practical step forward, turning goodwill and shared values into concrete action. It’s an opportunity for both communities to come together, learn from each other, and work towards common goals.

As the event drew to a close, excitement was in the air, with attendees from both faith communities eagerly discussing future collaborations. “There’s endless possibility,” Rabbi Mischel shared. “So much work needs to be done, and what we start here can be the flagship hub of a bright future of interfaith relationships between Jews and Christians.”

Whether one is a rabbi or a layperson, this new chapter in Jewish-Christian relations demands attention. Today’s geopolitical landscape is complex, to say the least. The question isn’t just whether Jews should trust Christians—it’s whether, at this point, we can afford not to explore every avenue of support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

To learn more about Israel 365 New Jersey and how you can get involved, please visit https://israel365.com/new-jersey/.

As antisemitism continues to mutate and spread, as Israel faces existential threats from Iran and its proxies, and as Jewish communities worldwide grapple with increasing hostility, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history. The alliance forged in Teaneck last week may well be a blueprint for survival and strength in the face of adversity.

The path forward is clear. The time for action is now. Will you answer the call?

Sara Lamm is a writer at Israel 365.