Standing Against Anti-Semitism: A Conversation with Ellie Cohanim

Nashville, TN – February 2, 2025

In a powerful discussion on anti-Semitism, Israel, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Pastor Alan Jackson welcomed Ellie Cohanim, a scholar, journalist, and former U.S. State Department official, to his program in Nashville. Their conversation touched on the recent ceasefire in Gaza, the rise of anti-Semitism on American college campuses, and the future of peace in the region.

Anti-Semitism in the U.S. and Abroad

Pastor Jackson opened the conversation by highlighting the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism, not only abroad but also within the United States. He pointed to the protests on American campuses where some students have openly supported Hamas—a designated terrorist organization—despite its stated goal of annihilating the Jewish people.

“It’s almost beyond imagination that people would campaign on behalf of terrorists,” Jackson said, emphasizing the dangers of such sentiments gaining traction.

Cohanim agreed, warning that hostility toward Jews has existed throughout history but continues to find “fertile ground” even today.

Ceasefire in Gaza and Hostage Releases

Discussing the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Cohanim expressed cautious optimism. She highlighted the emotional impact of the recent hostage releases, particularly in Israeli society.

“Every life that’s saved is like a universe that has been saved,” she said, quoting a Jewish teaching. She described the reunions of hostages with their families as a rare “ray of light” amid the darkness that followed Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack.

However, she acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding future phases of the hostage deal, urging patience as negotiations unfold.

Trump Administration’s Actions Against Terrorism Supporters

Cohanim also praised former President Donald Trump’s recent executive order allowing for the deportation of non-citizens who express support for Hamas and Hezbollah.

“What this executive order does is create a cultural shift,” she explained. “It sends a clear message that the United States will not harbor those who support terrorists or call for genocide against the Jewish people.”

She pointed out that, since October 7, many pro-Hamas demonstrations have taken place across the U.S., often tolerated in Democrat-run cities while swiftly shut down in Republican-led states like Texas.

The Path to Peace: Abraham Accords and Saudi Arabia

Looking ahead, Cohanim expressed confidence that a future Trump administration would work toward expanding the Abraham Accords, the historic peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.

“If there’s anyone who can make that history happen, it’s President Trump,” she said, noting that before the end of his first term, at least eight to ten more countries were ready to normalize relations with Israel.

She emphasized that Saudi Arabia holds the “crown jewel” of peace efforts.

“As the custodian of Mecca and Medina, whatever the Saudis do, the entire Muslim world follows,” she explained. “A peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be a game-changer for the entire region.”

Holocaust Remembrance and the Fight Against Jew-Hatred

With International Holocaust Remembrance Day just days earlier, Cohanim voiced concern over the growing ignorance about the Holocaust among younger generations.

“Many Americans can’t name a single Nazi death camp or even know that six million Jews were murdered,” she lamented.

She stressed that anti-Semitism is never just a “Jewish problem” but a societal one.

“The hatred that begins with the Jews never ends with the Jews,” she warned, pointing to the devastating consequences of unchecked Jew-hatred throughout history.

The Role of Parents and Churches in Educating the Next Generation

Cohanim called on American families and religious leaders to take an active role in Holocaust education.

“What happens in the home is more important than anything else,” she said. “Talk to your children. Teach them why we cannot let anti-Semitism grow.”

She also urged Christian leaders to speak out in their churches, standing with Jewish neighbors and publicly supporting Israel.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As the discussion wrapped up, Pastor Jackson encouraged his audience to use their voices in support of Israel and the Jewish people.

“It may not be fashionable, but standing with Israel puts you in the midst of the purposes of God,” he said.

In a world increasingly divided, both Jackson and Cohanim underscored the need for moral clarity. Whether through political action, education, or simply standing up against hate, they urged Americans to take a stand.

As the conversation ended, Jackson left his audience with a simple but powerful message:

“If each of us shows courage and bravery, we can push back against the darkness.”