US summit promotes Israel advocacy among Christian students

For South African students, spending time with those from American universities “opened our eyes to the fact that campus leaders can play a pivotal role in changing society and the government’s decisions or attitudes”.

So says Klaas Mokgomole, a former activist for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) coalition and student, who now works with the South African Zionist Federation. Mokgomole was referring to the Passages conference in Washington at the end of July, in which 12 South African students joined hundreds of American Christian students and alumni. The goal was to deepen their understanding of antisemitism and their faith.

As one of the only groups from Africa, Mokgomole said, “We went to this conference because we wanted to network with other Christians from around the world about Israel.”

Another South African participant, Mikateko Mnene, who is studying education at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), said, “The experience heightened my knowledge about Israel and what’s happening on the ground.

“As a Christian, a leader of the Student Christian Forum at UJ, and a youth pastor, having been exposed to the history and the people of Israel, I feel a responsibility to advocate for Israel,” Mnene said.  “Israel is the foundation of my faith as a Christian. So, it was about going back to the roots of my Christianity in its most sacred and pure form.”

The South African group, all of whom are associated with South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) that had led the trip, participated in workshops about Israel and its history. They also met the families of Romi Gonen and Or Levy, who were kidnapped from the Nova music festival on 7 October. The families spoke about their experiences, and how they were working to free their relatives.

“Meeting these passionate Christian students has been an extremely uplifting experience for us,” said Yarden Gonen, Romi’s sister, who has become one of the faces of hostage families around the world. “We know that they have taken on our mission of ensuring that our loved ones aren’t forgotten, and that they will share our stories with their families, friends, churches, communities, and their campuses.”

Said Mnene, “It was a privilege to talk to people from Israel, people who are living in Israel, and hear the stories of what happened on 7 October and the impact it has had on their lives. Being exposed to the truth is such a precious opportunity in an environment of misinformation.

“I needed to go on this trip because, at the end of the day, some people have to be the light in communities and areas of influence,” Mnene said. “I believe that in my areas of influence, mainly the young people that I meet in my community, I can speak the truth about what’s happening in Israel, stand for Israel, and pray for peace.”

“We had the opportunity to talk to people who live in Israel and hear their stories,” said Mnene. “It was transformational because it gave me such a different perspective of what’s happening on the ground. We see what’s happening only from afar, but seeing people and experiencing their stories and emotions was powerful.”

For Mokgomole, “The experience made me realise that as much as I may be in Johannesburg advocating for Israel and educating people, there are other people around the world doing the same job. It gave me confidence to know that I need to continue what I’m doing, that what I’m doing is correct, and I shouldn’t be shy about it.”