Jewish-Christian Relations in the Wake of Oct 7 and the War in Gaza

Faith Commons invites you to a conversation with Hana Bendcowsky and John Munayer, two respected leaders from Jerusalem whose work is rooted in dialogue, education, and peacebuilding.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Jewish-Christian relations in Israel are deeply shaped by the unique character of the state of Israel. Founded as a Jewish state, it is the only country in the world where national holidays follow the Jewish calendar, the weekend coincides with the Jewish sabbath, and Jewish faith and culture permeate daily life. At the same time, Israel was established with the values of a liberal democracy. Its Proclamation of Independence promised “complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.”

Today, those democratic values are under strain. The current government is pursuing a national agenda that has undermined equal rights for citizens of all faiths, placing new pressures on religious minorities. The war in Gaza and the events of October 7 have further deepened tensions and reshaped relationships among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in the Holy Land.

About the Speakers

Hana Bendcowsky is the Program Director of the Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations (JCJCR). With nearly three decades of experience in interfaith education, Hana teaches in universities, seminaries, and government programs across Israel and abroad. She leads study tours in Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter and has particular expertise in the Christian communities of Israel and Jewish-Christian relations in the Israeli context.

John Munayer serves as Director of International Engagement for Musalaha, an organization dedicated to reconciliation and relationship-building between Israelis and Palestinians. Born and raised in Jerusalem, John has been active in dialogue initiatives since a young age and holds advanced degrees in international relations, theology, and religious studies from universities in Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and London. His work explores Palestinian Christian identity, Palestinian theology, and interreligious understanding.

Together, Hana and John will discuss how the current political climate affects religious minorities in Israel, how Jewish-Christian relations are evolving in this moment, and what these realities can teach those of us seeking to live out our faith responsibly in the United States.