Building Bridges: Catholics and Jews Unite Against Antisemitism
In response to a troubling rise in antisemitism worldwide, a diverse group of faith leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., to explore the power of friendship and solidarity between Catholics and Jews. Hosted by the Philos Project and the Catholic Information Center, the one-day conference titled “Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future” took place on March 10, 2025.
Phillip Dolitsky, an Orthodox Jew and strategic advisor at The Philos Project, shared his poignant experience of receiving overwhelming support from Christians following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas in southern Israel, which claimed over 1,200 lives. This tragic event occurred during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, leaving Dolitsky unable to immediately access his phone upon hearing the news.
“And I kept rejecting whoever it was that was calling me. And lo and behold, when I finally listened to the voicemail afterward, it was a Catholic professor at a university that I had never attended,” Dolitsky recounted. The professor’s message of solidarity, stating “I’m here for you,” exemplified the type of interfaith friendship Dolitsky believes is essential for healing and understanding.
The conference aimed to address the Catholic Church’s role in fostering better Jewish-Christian relations, especially in light of the increasing antisemitic incidents reported globally. Discussions highlighted the significance of the 1965 Second Vatican Council declaration, “Nostra Aetate,” which promoted mutual respect and rejected antisemitism.
Dolitsky emphasized that the foundation of a genuine friendship is curiosity and mutual respect, rather than conversion attempts. His collaborations with Philos Catholic Director Simone Rizkallah and Associate Director James O’Reilly exemplify this ideal of interfaith learning and respect.
Maggie Phillips, a writer for Tablet Magazine, encouraged Catholics to engage with their Jewish neighbors, suggesting actions like attending a Shabbat dinner with a “spirit of humility.” She passionately declared, “You know, I love Jews so much that I pray to a Jewish guy every day.”
As attendees reflected on the past and looked to the future, the conference underscored the importance of friendship and dialogue in combating antisemitism and fostering a world of mutual understanding and respect.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
