RPN

Roots of Division In America

Apr 30   -  Kim Driver

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Written by Marion Farrar


As anti-Semitism is increasing in this nation, we must ask ourselves what we are to do? Do you know what the roots of anti-Semitism are for this nation and for your local area? What heinous acts do we need to repent of for our nation and our cities?  Are you aware that our first President issued a decree that establishes the rights of our Jewish brothers and sisters to practice their faith and live happily in this nation without persecution? We must be informed and responsive.


As the Civil War of 150 years ago is remembered, the reality of racism and division in this nation continues.  According to apostle and prophet Chuck Pierce, “The root of all slavery is anti-Semitism linked with the concept of mammon…It resists the prophetic and brings about a hatred of the God of Israel.” (1)  Therefore if we want the issues of division and racism dealt with, we need to look at anti-Semitism. This article serves as a guide on one way to contend against anti-Semitism in your own blood line and in this nation.

Roots of Anti-Semitism in America


How did this insidious root of anti-Semitism come into this nation? I believe that it came with the people that settled these lands as well as through some key incidents later in American history that opened the door for anti-Semitism.

By taking an historical look at our nation, we find that Christopher Columbus professed his faith through the writings in his diaries.  He believed he was called by God to find new trade routes to India so that the gospel could be taken to these lands. After pursuing several nations to sponsor him, Columbus became convinced that it was God’s will for him to sail under the auspices of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. (2)


The Spanish monarchy’s treasuries were exhausted due to their war to rid Spain of all Moorish people, but because their Jewish finance minister (who had converted to Catholicism) pledged to pay part of Columbus’ expenses, they agreed to send Columbus on his voyage.  On the very day the Spanish King and Queen commissioned Columbus (April 29, 1492), the Edict of Expulsion of all Jews from Spain was announced. “The scheduled date of sailing, August 2, 1492, was also the deadline for Jewish departure.”(3)  The Spanish Inquisition killed thousands of Jews, tortured many, and their monies and possessions were acquired by the Spanish monarchy. The tumultuous ‘ethnic cleansing’ provided Columbus with more than funds for his voyage.  At least part of his crew were Jews who had converted to Catholicism.(4)  Some believed that it was no accident that the King and Queen sent Columbus off, knowing that their pockets would soon be lined with the monies of wealthy Jews.


Though Jewish money paid for the voyage, it was accomplished under the auspices of an anti-Semitic government. Is this a root of anti-Semitism for the United States of America? King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella certainly gave their authority to Columbus and covenantal agreements were made between them as well. Surely this is a door that needs to be dealt with. I believe the Lord is calling us as a nation to cut off this association of an anti-Semitic government with the discovery of the Americas!

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we thank God for the inspiration and the perseverance You gave Christopher Columbus to discover the New World. We are thankful that due to his explorations, the United States of America was founded as a nation that has allowed freedom of worship with no government-controlled church. But we as Americans renounce any ungodly covenants made by Columbus to an anti-Semitic government! Forgive him Lord.  Though Columbus loved you dearly and saw his exploration as a way to bring the gospel to nations who did not know you, he aligned himself with a government that hated Jews. 


We repent for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and the Catholic Church for their decisions to cleanse Spain of all Jews, Protestants and Muslims. Forgive them Lord for their zealousness for what they mistakenly perceived as a pure church and nation; they did not understand your love for all people.


We declare that the United States of America has NO ties to any nation, government or authority that practiced or practices anti-Semitism. Forgive us all for any ungodly ties to the Spanish monarchy that led to the discovery of the new World. We sever those ties with the blood of Jesus and decree a divorce from Baal worship and the death it brings!

An Answer to Anti-Semitism in America

On a trip to Newport, Rhode Island last year I had the opportunity to visit the Touro Synagogue, the first Jewish synagogue built in the United States in 1763.  They were originally named and remain known as Congregation Yeshuat Israel. (5)


The founders of Yeshuat Israel, meaning “Salvation of Israel,” came to Newport, Rhode Island seeking the religious freedom just as Roger Williams, John Clarke and other religious dissidents came desirous of practicing their religion without control of the government.  Fifteen Jewish families began worshiping together in Newport in 1658. Their ancestors fled the Spanish Inquisition generations before, moving from Spain and Portugal to London and Amsterdam, then to Brazil and eventually to the Dutch West Indies. They came to the “New Port” along with many others seeking freedom from persecution. Interestingly enough, God had a plan for the persecuted Jews of Spain when He sent Columbus to discover the New World. (6)


While touring the synagogue, I discovered that President George Washington visited the town of Newport, Rhode Island, as well as the Congregation Yeshuat Israel in 1790. Various officials and religious leaders of Newport presented the President with letters of welcome. One of the officials of the Yeshuat Israel congregation was allowed to read aloud to President Washington his letter which addressed his congregation’s desire for religious freedom. (You can find that letter at http://www.loeb-tourovisitorscenter.org/jll_gwlet.shtml). (7)


President Washington was so moved that he responded with his own letter affirming the Jewish people’s rights to religious freedom as citizens of the United States.

President Washington’s words are as follows:



“…for happily the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.
“…May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.
“May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.” (8)

What better authority in the land do we have than the words of our first President to dispel this darkness that still influences our nation today? The Lord wants to cleanse our land of the heinous crimes and words spoken against His chosen people. The result will be to disarm the powers of darkness that keep this nation locked into anti-Semitism, racism and division! (President Washington’s letter can be read in its entirety by going to http://www.loeb-tourovisitorscenter.org/jll_gwlet.shtml).


Of course, not every anti-Semitic act can be traced in order to be dismantled by our acts of repentance and declarations. However, I have found as I search through various Jewish sites online, that the Jews do remember key incidents of Anti-Semitism. Below is a list from the Jewish Virtual Library (http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/anti-semitism/usanttoc.html).  They also list statistics concerning Anti-Semitism, Anti-Semitic people and organizations, as well as U.S. Congressional Reform concerning Anti-Semitism.(9)  Here is a partial list of the contents of their website.

Reaction & Incidents

• The International Jew (Dearborn, MI)

• The Lynching of Leo Frank (Atlanta, GA)



People & Organizations

• Father Charles Coughlin (Royal Oak, MI)

• General Grant’s Infamy (Holly Springs, MS, involving Jews in KY, MS, TN)

• Hate Groups in America 

• Henry Ford Invents a Jewish Conspiracy 

• New Amsterdam’s Jewish Crusader (New York)

• Mark Twain and the Jews (Hannibal, MO)

How Can We Respond?

Prayer: 

First, let us consider our own heart and allow Holy Spirit to uncover any racial prejudices. In Christ Jesus there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, black nor white. There is one new man created in Him; we are one blood. Father, in the name of Jesus, we come before You and ask forgiveness for being intolerant of one another. We repent for any racist thoughts, actions, and words spoken or even the times others made racist comments and we did not speak up. Set us free from the influence of public opinion. Forgive us for tolerating prejudice in the household of faith and in our own communities. We call to an end all dissensions, factions and division among us. We put on humility and meekness, having compassion for one another, not returning evil for evil, insult for insult, but on the contrary, blessing. Father, we imitate You, we purpose to walk in love as children of Light. Thank you, Father, that prejudice is being uprooted, in Jesus name.


Action:


Find out what has happened in your area. Let us make President George Washington’s letter a declaration coupled with identificational repentance over synagogues, Jewish cemeteries, legislative assemblies, court houses, schools, places of business, entertainment, the arts, media, even churches.

Let us cleanse our own hearts before the Lord. Pray to cleanse our family lines and repent for any anti-Semitism and racism from family members. It is time to rid our nation of hatred and division, that we might live in the God-given unity our founding fathers envisioned!

For more historical as well as current information, contact your local library. Also the Jewish Federations, which are located in most major cities, have libraries and archives that might be a helpful. For a location in your area, go to JewishFinder.com.

Works Cited:

1.  Chuck Pierce.  Interview by Sid Roth.  It’s Supernatural!  August 29, 2011.  http://www.sidroth.org/site/News2?news_iv_ctrl=-1&abbr=tv_&page=NewsArticle&id=10409&security=1041


2.  Marshall, Peter and Manuel, David.  The Light and the Glory.  Ada, Michigan: Revell, 1980.  Print.

3.  Howard Sachar. “Destination: The New World.”  MyJewishLearning.com. MyJewishLearning, Inc. Web.

4.  Ibid.

5.  Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. Visitors Center.  “Touro Synagogue - History.”  Loeb-TouroVisitorsCenter.org.  Web.  http://www.loeb-tourovisitorscenter.org/jll_syn.shtml

6.  Ibid.

7.  Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. Visitors Center.  “Religious Liberties and Bill of Rights”  Loeb-TouroVisitorsCenter.org.  Web.  http://www.loeb-tourovisitorscenter.org/jll_gwlet.shtml

8. Ibid.

9. Jewish Virtual Library.  “Anti-Semitism and the United States.”  JewishVirtualLibrary.org.  Web.  http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/anti-semitism/usanttoc.html

 

Marion Farrar longs to see true repentance that leads to holiness and revival come to God’s people. As an ordained minister and founder of Heart of Intercession Ministries, Marion’s chief desire is to seek the heart of God and to know Him and His ways. She has held leadership positions in state wide and regional prayer organizations and in several city-wide prayer groups; she has participated in prayer for Israel, as well as ministries to the poor, also serving in Moms In Prayer International for over 14 years. Marion currently serves the TN state team as executive coordinator with USRPN.