Should Jews attend a rally against antisemitism hosted by people who try to convert them?

A rally to combat antisemitism scheduled for later this month in Manhattan is receiving mixed reaction from Jewish leaders because it is sponsored by a group founded to convince Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

Amid rising antisemitism, some welcome the rally. Others, suspicious of groups that want Jews to adopt Christian beliefs, reject it. A group in the middle appreciates the support, but remains skeptical of the messenger.

The June 20 rally will be held at Palladium Times Square, a former movie theater in the heart of the theater district. It’s called “Oppose Antisemitism: Stop the Hate” and is sponsored by Chosen People Ministries. The group says it is dedicated to “proclaiming the Gospel message of salvation in Jesus the Messiah to Jewish people around the world.”

“We cannot stand idly by while antisemitism continues to spread its pernicious ideology,” its president, Mitch Glaser, said in a press release.

Here are the reactions of several prominent Jewish leaders. Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis

Jewish people have allies of all different denominations with whom we don’t fully agree. But when someone says, ‘I am with you,’ why should we reject them? What do we gain by rejecting those who are ready to make a statement of solidarity? During this painful period we need friends. We may not agree with their entire agenda, but we do need people who stand with us.

Rabbi Jill Jacobs, executive director of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

The Jewish community should completely ignore them and not participate in this rally. This is not a rally by a group that has the best interests of the Jewish community in mind and there is no reason for Jews to engage with them whatsoever.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles

All rules are off when you talk about a group of Messianic Jews. They are calling out antisemitism and that is their right, but if I was asked to participate as a speaker, I would not go. I’m not calling into question their commitment to fighting antisemitism, but our presence could be misconstrued.

The whole idea of a Messianic Jew is a nonstarter and misleading. For the mainstream Jewish community to embrace this group is a bridge too far.

Rabbi Steven Wernick, former CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

On the one hand, we need allies wherever they are. Antisemitism will not be defeated by Jews alone. On the other hand we have historically stayed away from Messianic organizations for fear of legitimizing them.

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