Christian Student Leaders Declare: “We Love You, We Stand With You, Don’t Lose Hope.”

Focus Groups with Christian Students at StandWithUs Convey Powerful Message

Alexandra Chana Fishman | Substack | May 22, 2025

In a time of rising antisemitism and moral confusion in higher education, a courageous group of Christian student leaders is stepping into the breach—not for political gain, but out of deep faith and a shared sense of justice. Their message to the Jewish people: “You are not alone.”

Christian college student leaders from Christian and non-Christian universities throughout the United States recently participated in research focus groups. These groups were designed by StandWithUs Data & Analytics and interviewed students participating in the StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship to better understand their motivations and challenges as Christian allies of Israel and the Jewish people on campus.

As a nonpartisan organization working with a broad spectrum of communities, StandWithUs held these conversations to learn directly from Christian students who, despite not being Jewish, choose to stand in solidarity. Their insights, including those rooted in faith, are shared here to reflect their voices and experiences. They do not represent official StandWithUs positions but are essential to understanding the broader landscape of pro-Israel student activism today.

Why Focus on Christian Students?

While much has been written about the hostile environment faced by Jewish students on campus, the unique experiences of Christian pro-Israel students are often overlooked. Yet these students also face isolation, discrimination, and, at times, significant personal risk for standing with Israel and the Jewish people.

It is important to note that focus groups are by nature small and qualitative, and the findings here are not generalizable to all Christian students. However, their stories align with broader trends. Recent surveys have shown rising hostility toward students who support Israel—Jewish and non-Jewish alike. These conversations provided a rare and important window into the perspective of Christian allies who are targeted not because of their own identity, but for the cause they have chosen to champion.

A Turning Point: October 7th

For many of these students, the catalyst for action came on October 7, 2023 after Hamas’s invasion of Israel and brutal massacres. The atrocities, and the lack of global response, prompted intense reflection and a deep sense of moral responsibility.

“After 10/7, I couldn’t stay silent,” said Sam. “Seeing people celebrate such evil—it made no sense to me as a Christian. Christ calls us to stand against darkness.”

Lenny, a self-described pacifist, said the images he saw reminded him of the Holocaust. “Then, a week later, students and even faculty were wearing keffiyehs. It was so isolating for my Jewish brothers and sisters. I had to speak up.”

Hannah, who had attended a Holocaust survivor lecture and traveled to Israel before the attacks, described a spiritual shift. “My campus has always been antisemitic—you can always find a swastika somewhere. After 10/7, I prayed for guidance. I made art about what happened. That’s when I got involved.”

Risking Everything to Stand Up

Speaking out does not come without consequences. Students shared stories of being ostracized by professors, peers, and even their own families.

One fellow was told by a professor’s wife that if she supported Israel, she would need to change her major. Otherwise, she risked failing the program. Another said her grandfather began calling her a “Nazi” for supporting Israel.

Despite these consequences, students found a new sense of community. New friendships formed—many with Jewish students who welcomed their solidarity. For these Christian fellows, the personal cost has only strengthened their conviction.

“Israel has to exist,” said Lenny. “Especially after the Holocaust. It’s the only safe place for Jews.”

Faith: A Foundation for Activism

While StandWithUs focuses on secular education and activism, students get involved in our programs for many different reasons.

A common thread in the focus groups was how deeply spiritual the commitment to Israel is for Christian students. It’s not about politics, they said—it’s about faith.

One student quoted Mary Karp, Director of Christian Outreach at StandWithUs: “Faith without action is dead. How can we say we love if we don’t show it?”

Emily added, “Jesus died for us publicly. We can’t live our lives privately. We need to go out and be the light that shines in the darkness.”

Others pointed to biblical lineage and shared heritage. “Abraham is our grandfather,” said Amy. “Romans (The New Testament) says we were grafted into the Jewish family. We should be fighting the same battle.”

“Jesus was a Jew,” another fellow emphasized. “Most people in the Gospels are Jewish. If we believe the Bible, how can we not stand with the Jewish people?”

Again and again, students underscored that their activism is rooted in a biblical and moral imperative grounded in love, justice, and truth.

Calling Out Christian Apathy

Frustration toward silence in Christian spaces was palpable.

“We need to show the (Jewish) people (that) we’re praying for(them) . They don’t see us in church,” said Emily. “Jesus was a Jew. If we’re silent, we’re not reading our Bibles right.”

Chloe added, “If we don’t stand up now, when will we? We saw what happened when Christians didn’t speak during the Holocaust. Imagine how many lives could’ve been saved.”

Sam agreed: “There’s so much darkness right now. And so few Christians willing to speak up. If we’re faithful, we must take action.”

The fellows called on fellow Christians to read their Bibles more carefully, to understand the spiritual and moral stakes of Jewish safety, and to take active responsibility for combating antisemitism.

A Message to the Jewish Community

More than anything, these students wanted to send a message to Jewish communities: you are not alone.

“Even if some Christians don’t support you yet, they will,” said Amy. “The Bible says those who bless Abraham will be blessed.”

“You are loved,” said Emily. “We will stand with you no matter what.”

“You’re not alone in this fight,” added Brad. “We’re fighting misinformation and hate with you.”

“Be bold. Be proud,” encouraged Chloe. “We love you. And you have people who support you.”

Another student summed it up: “We recognize the long history of antisemitism. But please know that today, there is a new generation of Christians ready to walk beside you.”

A Shared Stand Against Hate

In a world of increasing division and disinformation, these Christian student leaders are choosing moral clarity. Their unwavering commitment to their faith, truth, and the Jewish community moved me to tears.

Their message was strong:

“We love you. We stand with you. Don’t lose hope.”

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