Greg Laurie Denounces Antisemitism After Embassy Slayings
Saddened by two slain at mission Harvest pastor urges Christians to stand against any hate
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Shock And Sorrow Among Believers
In a recent Instagram post, Harvest pastor Greg Laurie reacted to the brutal killings of two Israeli embassy staffers, calling the attack “evil” and urging Christians everywhere to raise their voices against antisemitism. On @greglaurie’s feed, he shared a solemn message about the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who “were brutally murdered in an act of terror driven by antisemitism.”
He added, “This was evil. Full stop. As Christians, we must not remain silent. We are called to stand against antisemitism—on college campuses, in the media, in our communities, and anywhere hate tries to take root.” He concluded his caption with a prayer for the victims’ families and the verse, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18.
A Call For Christian Solidarity
Laurie’s post included hashtags such as #StandAgainstAntisemitism and #ChristianSolidarity, reflecting his belief that faith communities have a responsibility to speak out when hate targets a specific group. In an era of rising global tensions, he emphasized that silence can be complicity: “We pray for the families of Yaron and Sarah to be comforted by the peace that only God can give.”
His message follows a string of devotionals on social media, where Laurie routinely encourages followers to anchor their lives in prayer and compassion. Just days before, he reminded his audience, “Pray at all times. Be persistent. Prayer isn’t just an emergency button we push when we can’t think of anything else to do. It’s an essential communication channel that links us to God, our source of strength, courage, wisdom, comfort, and peace.”
Who Is Greg Laurie?
Greg Laurie is senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, and founder of the large‐scale Harvest Crusades evangelistic events. Since 1971, these multi‐day gatherings have drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of online viewers worldwide. Laurie also hosts the daily radio and podcast program “A New Beginning” and is the author of over two dozen books.
On Instagram, Laurie shares daily devotions, scripture reflections, and occasional personal updates. His feed mixes motivational quotes, announcements of upcoming services, and calls to prayer—garnering over 300,000 followers. He often uses Scripture to address current events, urging believers to respond with compassion rather than indifference.
Context Of The Attack
Details about the incident remain under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that Lischinsky and Milgrim were serving at the Israeli Embassy when they were targeted. Statements from the Israeli foreign ministry labeled the killings as a premeditated antisemitic attack, renewing calls for enhanced security around diplomatic missions.
Global leaders have condemned the violence. U.S. State Department spokespersons described the act as “a shocking manifestation of hatred against the Jewish people,” and reiterated America’s commitment to protecting diplomats of all nations.
Why This Matters To The Church
Laurie’s appeal isn’t isolated. Over the past year, reports of antisemitic incidents have increased on university campuses, in public spaces, and online. Christian churches have wrestled with how to address rising intolerance while maintaining a focus on their own communities’ needs.
By invoking Psalm 34:18, Laurie placed the event within a broader biblical narrative of care for the suffering. He encouraged congregations to view antisemitism not just as a Jewish problem, but as a moral test for anyone who claims to follow Christ’s teaching on love and justice.
Practical Steps For Believers
In his post, Laurie suggested several ways Christians can act:
• Speak up in your circles—challenge hateful remarks at school, work, or online.
• Pray daily for victims and for the transformation of hateful hearts.
• Support local Jewish and interfaith groups working on tolerance initiatives.
• Educate yourself about antisemitism’s history and modern manifestations.
He closed by reminding followers that standing against hate is an ongoing commitment: “We must be vigilant—wherever hate tries to take root, the church must be ready with love.”
Laurie’s appeal comes at a moment when faith leaders across denominations are reflecting on their role in combating bigotry. His high‐profile platform may help mobilize thousands of churchgoers to engage in dialogue, prayer vigils, and solidarity events in the weeks ahead.
As the investigation continues, Laurie and other Christian figures plan to keep the conversation alive, ensuring that Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim are remembered not only as victims but as catalysts for change within the global faith community.
Through prayer, education, and visible support for those targeted by hate, Laurie believes Christians can turn sorrow into a force for unity—and help ensure that an act of terror does not go unanswered by compassion and truth.
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