A foreign PR campaign funded by Israel is targeting American churches with digital ads. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how Christians can respond.
- This technique is very common, by a lot of different groups . But thanks for the heads up.
- Since Israel is, and has been, PR slammed by the MSM and liberal churches, as well as by liberals within churches that are not ‘officially’ liberal (my Catholic parish is an example), having a countervailing message isn’t necessarily bad - and since you’ve informed us I can take it for what it is.
- Most importantly for me, because I provide security for a Jewish Synagogue, this countervailing is - or can be - a corrective to maelstrom of vicious anti-Semitic venom propagated by “liberals”, venom which has led to not only vandalism but physical attacks.
So … thanks for the heads up, and - like everything - I’ll take the messaging with a couple of pounds of Morton’s.
As an American and Jew I strongly believe that our defense, be it Christian or Jew is up to each of us, and all of us. When one of are harmed, all of us are harmed. I wish geofencing didn’t have to be resorted to but Israel has for far too long been losing the world PR war. If this is their perceived best way to gain public support against an anti-judeochristian jihadi enemy then so be it and at very least they are not destroying houses of worship of any kind here or spitting at us or throwing Molotov cocktails at others. Remember from jihadi words, first the Saturday people and next the Sunday people. Jihad is an equal opportunity judeoChristianApostate killer. I’m a strong believer that Charlie Kirk had it all right. Each of us needs a strong faith based moral compass to confront jihadi hatred. United we stand for good. Divided we will all fall.
You misinterpreted my comment; you do such a great job with security; and politics seem to be able to alienate in today’s climate. No need to alienate people if their political opinions vary. We all need church safety and security - regardless.
Thanks, Betty. We are just hoping we can get the county or the state (MO) to put in either a flashing red light or rumble strips to make the intersection one that people notice-people have a tendency to drive this road at 60 or 65miles an hour… and they don’t realize that they are approaching a stop sign.
I’d love to however, right now my whole family’s income is stretched about as far as it can go as we are taking care of my mother who was involved in a near fatal automobile accident last November… we were hit by an under insured motorist.
I would much prefer Israel share the truth of what's been taking place since 10/7/23; than have the exact same geofencing done by CAIR, leftist 'education' institutions with 501c3 designations, and the rest of the terrifying principles being pushed. Believe me, I am familiar with the applications from my long career in the industry.
I think leaving your cell phone in your vehicle while attending services is a dumb idea - prove me wrong please. It’s a camera, communication, a complete asset for security teammembers so don’t leave it in your vehicle ever please!
I definitely agree. Everyone should have their phone available during service rather than relying on the security team to be the only 911 contact. And the more cameras the better.
A shout out to Pastor Jack Hibbs who has preached sermons and publicly denounced the idea that the Christian Church has replaced Israel in God's plan. With that said, I am a Messianic Jew (A Jew for Jesus). I have no an issue with Israel doing this as others do the same thing. I do have an issue with the use of the word "Propaganda" which is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a particular cause, doctrine, or point of view. I do not think that such ads are misleading. Three place in scripture, it says those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed. Just a thought, not a sermon. Shalom
3 My desire is to bless those who bless you, but whoever curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Genesis 27:29 Isaac to Jacob
Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”
Numbers 22:9 Balaam look out over Children of Israel
They crouch and lie down like a lion, and as a lioness, who can stir him? Blessed is the one who blesses you, and cursed is the one who curses you!
Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The promise is singular, to Abraham; "thee".
Also keep in mind that our Father divorced Israel and Judah. It is an abomination to remarry a divorced spouse.
Deut 4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
I don’t see a problem with this, and don’t agree it’s an invasion of sacred places. No one makes us carry phones or turn on our location, or share data. It’s a choice. There are more secure phones available. They didn’t invade a space the door wasn’t left completely open to. Considering the political situation, what Israel has done is smart. Use the tools available to reach your audience. Also, since they have to file, and knew it would be known, it’s completely transparent. It’s also completely legal. Before singling out Israel, we also should consider Qatar spending 93 BILLION to influence the U.S. https://www.thefp.com/p/how-qatar-bought-america
And that Iran actually sends people here to kill us.
I support Israel. Enough people have asked me about this that I felt I needed to address it. It’s not something I’m worried about. I think it was rolled out pretty poorly though. the difference here is we have an FARA that spells it out when normally people just do it and there’s no paperwork trail.
Not accusing you of anti-Semitism. I really appreciate your work as an NRA instructor, firearms engineer, and someone who’s volunteered on safety teams.
Lately however anytime there’s something that can be used as a vehicle to slight the Jewish people and Israel, there are those who use it for the purpose to promote hate. I wouldn’t expect that from you and am thankful for the clarification.
I would just point out the general issues with geofencing. You can bet it’s been going on a long time. It wouldn’t surprise me if the radical terrorist Christian’s were geofenced by the Biden DOJ. But digital privacy is an issue and everyone should write their lawmakers for a digital bill of rights.
Other than that, China, and oil rich countries who don’t have our best interests at heart have been spending billions and one of the outcomes of their influence operations is a growth of anti-semitism on both the left and shockingly the right.
Santa Clara County in California is trying to fine Calvary Chapel Santa Clara for staying open during COVID-19, and collected geofencing data as part of that effort. Now the church (aided by the legal charity Advocates for Faith & Freedom) is suing the county for doing that geofencing without a warrant.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Even though this instance is not a present physical threat, this technology can certainly be used in nefarious ways to affect the security of the congregation and the individual congregants. Our eyes need to be open beyond what we have traditionally considered a threat.
Continuing to pray for you, your health, and your ministry.
In many ways, this is a self-inflicted wound. We allowed politics to walk in the doors of our temples and churches. The Pandora’s box was opened when churches started dividing between conservative and liberal, democrat, and republican. Now, churches are on the radar of every fox and every hawk that has technological commercial capabilities. We need to re-institute the sanctity of the church by local ordinances, city, state and federal laws. A Holy place of worship should be off limits and protected by law. A place of worship should be illegal to target in America. The dictate should come with their tax exempt status.
The thought of targeting churches should not even be on their radar.
You are partially correct - this is self-inflicted, but it was when our pulpits walked AWAY from politics. Now those seeds are reaping terrible consequences on all of our society, especially in the USA.
That Israeli ad campaign is thy far he least of my concerns. I do see the use of this technological use already being used by entities that are nefarious or unacceptable to me though. I object much more to the myriads of public and private cameras being used to surveil, as well as very sophisticated and intrusive prying going, on many years, and accelerating. We do, of course, need more mandatory protection from unwanted spying and intruding on us by governments and other entities, which we are not likely to get or achieve, even in the USA.
As can be seen below, nerves struck.
For me, several points:
- This technique is very common, by a lot of different groups . But thanks for the heads up.
- Since Israel is, and has been, PR slammed by the MSM and liberal churches, as well as by liberals within churches that are not ‘officially’ liberal (my Catholic parish is an example), having a countervailing message isn’t necessarily bad - and since you’ve informed us I can take it for what it is.
- Most importantly for me, because I provide security for a Jewish Synagogue, this countervailing is - or can be - a corrective to maelstrom of vicious anti-Semitic venom propagated by “liberals”, venom which has led to not only vandalism but physical attacks.
So … thanks for the heads up, and - like everything - I’ll take the messaging with a couple of pounds of Morton’s.
Thanks Steve. From a Messianic Jew, thank you.
Thank you Stephen.
There seems to be a great push to make this a R-L issue, it is not. Conservative people can think, too.
Charlie suggested that they get out front on their public perception and this is what they think will work , right or wrong.
Pastors in the pulpit need more courage to spread the truth and not be afraid to speak out. For way too long churches have been silent.
Maybe stick to protecting churches from physical harm? It seems like what you do best.
Enough people have asked me about this I felt it was important enough to address it. Why are you upset about the information?
As an American and Jew I strongly believe that our defense, be it Christian or Jew is up to each of us, and all of us. When one of are harmed, all of us are harmed. I wish geofencing didn’t have to be resorted to but Israel has for far too long been losing the world PR war. If this is their perceived best way to gain public support against an anti-judeochristian jihadi enemy then so be it and at very least they are not destroying houses of worship of any kind here or spitting at us or throwing Molotov cocktails at others. Remember from jihadi words, first the Saturday people and next the Sunday people. Jihad is an equal opportunity judeoChristianApostate killer. I’m a strong believer that Charlie Kirk had it all right. Each of us needs a strong faith based moral compass to confront jihadi hatred. United we stand for good. Divided we will all fall.
100%
Well said, thank you, Shalom
I stand with the USA! Thank you for the information Keith!
You misinterpreted my comment; you do such a great job with security; and politics seem to be able to alienate in today’s climate. No need to alienate people if their political opinions vary. We all need church safety and security - regardless.
I appreciate the information, I didn't know this was a thing. If they can do this then what else will come our way next?
Thanks, Betty. We are just hoping we can get the county or the state (MO) to put in either a flashing red light or rumble strips to make the intersection one that people notice-people have a tendency to drive this road at 60 or 65miles an hour… and they don’t realize that they are approaching a stop sign.
Maybe you'd like to donate to Faith that Works LLC, and help them in their mission? If you agree with their message, why not help spread it?
I’d love to however, right now my whole family’s income is stretched about as far as it can go as we are taking care of my mother who was involved in a near fatal automobile accident last November… we were hit by an under insured motorist.
So sorry to hear this! It's awful how common and devastating traffic accidents are -and how unfair insurance companies can be.
I would much prefer Israel share the truth of what's been taking place since 10/7/23; than have the exact same geofencing done by CAIR, leftist 'education' institutions with 501c3 designations, and the rest of the terrifying principles being pushed. Believe me, I am familiar with the applications from my long career in the industry.
Since Oct 7, I’ve had more pro Hamas ads via YouTube than pro Israel ads.
Lia, shlom thank you
I think leaving your cell phone in your vehicle while attending services is a dumb idea - prove me wrong please. It’s a camera, communication, a complete asset for security teammembers so don’t leave it in your vehicle ever please!
I definitely agree. Everyone should have their phone available during service rather than relying on the security team to be the only 911 contact. And the more cameras the better.
A shout out to Pastor Jack Hibbs who has preached sermons and publicly denounced the idea that the Christian Church has replaced Israel in God's plan. With that said, I am a Messianic Jew (A Jew for Jesus). I have no an issue with Israel doing this as others do the same thing. I do have an issue with the use of the word "Propaganda" which is information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a particular cause, doctrine, or point of view. I do not think that such ads are misleading. Three place in scripture, it says those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed. Just a thought, not a sermon. Shalom
Toda Raba Michael. Shalom.
Bevakasha
What are those 3 places in scripture where it says " those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed" ?
Genesis 12:3 G-d to Abraham
3 My desire is to bless those who bless you, but whoever curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Genesis 27:29 Isaac to Jacob
Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!”
Numbers 22:9 Balaam look out over Children of Israel
They crouch and lie down like a lion, and as a lioness, who can stir him? Blessed is the one who blesses you, and cursed is the one who curses you!
Not quite, Mike:
Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
The promise is singular, to Abraham; "thee".
Also keep in mind that our Father divorced Israel and Judah. It is an abomination to remarry a divorced spouse.
Deut 4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
So the US has "blessed" Israel with ALOT since 1948, how's that going for the US?
I don’t see a problem with this, and don’t agree it’s an invasion of sacred places. No one makes us carry phones or turn on our location, or share data. It’s a choice. There are more secure phones available. They didn’t invade a space the door wasn’t left completely open to. Considering the political situation, what Israel has done is smart. Use the tools available to reach your audience. Also, since they have to file, and knew it would be known, it’s completely transparent. It’s also completely legal. Before singling out Israel, we also should consider Qatar spending 93 BILLION to influence the U.S. https://www.thefp.com/p/how-qatar-bought-america
And that Iran actually sends people here to kill us.
Please makes sure this isn’t a one sided jab.
I support Israel. Enough people have asked me about this that I felt I needed to address it. It’s not something I’m worried about. I think it was rolled out pretty poorly though. the difference here is we have an FARA that spells it out when normally people just do it and there’s no paperwork trail.
Not accusing you of anti-Semitism. I really appreciate your work as an NRA instructor, firearms engineer, and someone who’s volunteered on safety teams.
Lately however anytime there’s something that can be used as a vehicle to slight the Jewish people and Israel, there are those who use it for the purpose to promote hate. I wouldn’t expect that from you and am thankful for the clarification.
I would just point out the general issues with geofencing. You can bet it’s been going on a long time. It wouldn’t surprise me if the radical terrorist Christian’s were geofenced by the Biden DOJ. But digital privacy is an issue and everyone should write their lawmakers for a digital bill of rights.
Other than that, China, and oil rich countries who don’t have our best interests at heart have been spending billions and one of the outcomes of their influence operations is a growth of anti-semitism on both the left and shockingly the right.
And it just might give those ‘believers’ who have been brainwashed by MSM a chance to learn some facts!
Shalom John Thank you
Regardless of how you feel, it is so sad that Isreal has to use this technology to reach Christians for support.
That's the real problem!
There is already at least one lawsuit in progress as a result of geofencing a church:
https://faith-freedom.com/cases-all/church-sues-for-government-spying
Santa Clara County in California is trying to fine Calvary Chapel Santa Clara for staying open during COVID-19, and collected geofencing data as part of that effort. Now the church (aided by the legal charity Advocates for Faith & Freedom) is suing the county for doing that geofencing without a warrant.
This is one of the instances I was thinking about.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Even though this instance is not a present physical threat, this technology can certainly be used in nefarious ways to affect the security of the congregation and the individual congregants. Our eyes need to be open beyond what we have traditionally considered a threat.
Continuing to pray for you, your health, and your ministry.
Did anyone else notice that the Israeli paid lobbyist seems to have misspelled "Isreal" in their FARA paperwork?
Just makes one wonder if it was actually an official lobbying campaign or a psyop...
In many ways, this is a self-inflicted wound. We allowed politics to walk in the doors of our temples and churches. The Pandora’s box was opened when churches started dividing between conservative and liberal, democrat, and republican. Now, churches are on the radar of every fox and every hawk that has technological commercial capabilities. We need to re-institute the sanctity of the church by local ordinances, city, state and federal laws. A Holy place of worship should be off limits and protected by law. A place of worship should be illegal to target in America. The dictate should come with their tax exempt status.
The thought of targeting churches should not even be on their radar.
Something to think about…
You are partially correct - this is self-inflicted, but it was when our pulpits walked AWAY from politics. Now those seeds are reaping terrible consequences on all of our society, especially in the USA.
Thank you for the warning. While I generally support Israel, I definitely don't like this approach.
That Israeli ad campaign is thy far he least of my concerns. I do see the use of this technological use already being used by entities that are nefarious or unacceptable to me though. I object much more to the myriads of public and private cameras being used to surveil, as well as very sophisticated and intrusive prying going, on many years, and accelerating. We do, of course, need more mandatory protection from unwanted spying and intruding on us by governments and other entities, which we are not likely to get or achieve, even in the USA.
Israel friend or foe?
https://youtu.be/-7WV_XsOoFo?si=Yx6JJYYkmroWmmU7
Excellent vid. If only the Church had courage to watch this .