Catholic Scholars Launch Initiative to Support Israel and Combat Antisemitism

Father Antoine Lévy and Dr. André Villeneuve, theologians and scholars, have launched an initiative called “For Zion’s Sake: A Catholic Appeal in Support of Israel.” The effort aims to counter what they describe as a growing trend of anti-Israel sentiment within Catholic communities, particularly in the wake of the October 7 events. The initiative seeks to challenge narratives that frame opposition to Israel as a moral or theological duty, often rooted in political accusations such as apartheid, colonialism, and genocide, alongside a resurgence of supersessionist ideas that downplay the significance of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.
The appeal, which draws on biblical texts from the Tanach to the New Testament, emphasizes God’s irrevocable covenant with the Jewish people and their enduring connection to the land. Lévy and Villeneuve argue that the Church has never replaced Israel, a claim they support by citing Romans 11, which describes the Jewish people as “natural branches” whose calling is irrevocable. They reject any posture of arrogance or condescension toward the Jewish people, aligning with the biblical call for humility and respect.
The initiative also references historical moments of Catholic engagement with Jewish aspirations, such as the 1904 meeting between Theodor Herzl and Pope Pius X. Herzl sought Catholic support for a Jewish homeland in Ottoman-controlled Palestine, but the encounter began poorly, with the pope expressing reluctance to endorse Jewish return to Jerusalem. Villeneuve notes that anti-Israel activists often cite this exchange as evidence of a long-standing Catholic stance against Jewish sovereignty, while omitting the context that the pope’s words were not a definitive statement of doctrine.
The scholars stress that the Church’s relationship with Israel is complex and historically nuanced. They argue that modern anti-Israel rhetoric often misrepresents Catholic teachings, particularly when it comes to the theological significance of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. By highlighting biblical foundations and historical precedents, the initiative seeks to foster a more balanced understanding of Catholic support for Israel.
In their efforts, Lévy and Villeneuve emphasize the importance of distinguishing between the actions of the Israeli government, the Jewish people, and the broader Zionist movement. They advocate for a nuanced approach that recognizes the moral and ethical dimensions of the conflict while upholding the dignity of all parties involved. Their work reflects a broader Christian commitment to justice, mercy, and the pursuit of peace, rooted in the biblical call to love one’s neighbor and seek reconciliation.

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