Christian worship leader Sean Feucht has not been silent on his support for Israel since the October 7 terrorist attack where over 1,000 people, mostly civilians, were killed by a sneak attack of Hamas paratroopers. The resultant response from Israel, with air strikes and ground troops invading Gaza, has divided the world on the nature of retaliation, national sovereignty, and self-defense. It has sparked numerous protests against Israel, with accusations of genocide as civilians in untold numbers (reporting from Gaza has been criticized) have lost their lives since October 7. Columbia University has been the site of numerous anti-Israel protests since April 17, with the university handing out an ultimatum to students camped out at the campus that they must move or be suspended. The deadline to vacate was 2pm Monday and by 5:30 the school was handing out suspensions.
Feucht hosted the United for Israel March on April 25th outside Columbia University’s New York campus, featuring commentator Eric Metaxas and pastor Russell Johnson. Prior to the event, Feucht said the anti-Israel sentiment should worry Christians. “Every Christian and person of faith across America should be absolutely horrified at what we’re seeing take place right now on these university campuses that have become hotbeds for antisemitism and hatred of the Jews — an annihilation of an entire nation,” he said. He called on Christians to stand with Jewish brothers and sisters. “We understand that this is the work of the enemy. We’re coming to bring the light; we’re coming to say we’re not going to be pushed around and we’re going to join with our Jewish brothers and sisters,” he said, warning that, “we are in the last days.” “These are the end times … we’re living in the midst of it,” he added.
The march drew thousands of protestors and counter-protestors outside the university, with counter-protestors chanting things such as “God bless Hamas” and “Free Palestine.” There have been accusations of harassment, although police have yet to confirm any arrests. Speaking to the crowd, Feucht called out antisemitism. “We stand against the rising antisemitic spirit on college campuses across America. We said it started here, it’s going to end here,” he said. Speaking to Harris Faulkner on Fox News, Feucht condemned the calls against Israel. Feucht shared that he believed there are more that support Israel than are against and that “enough is enough.” He warned against “Nazi-like hatred” and announced the group will now travel to the University of Southern California on May 8. The campus has had to cancel its main commencement event, originally scheduled for May 10, citing security concerns. So far, pro-Palestinian protests have led to the arrest of 93 people on USC’s campus. Protesters are demanding that the university academically boycott Israel, cancel study abroad programs in Israel, and financially divest from endowments from Israel. The university’s valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, has made numerous pro-Palestinian posts. In a statement, the university stressed the importance of student safety. “This decision is not only necessary to maintain the safety of our campus and students, but is consistent with the fundamental legal obligation — including the expectations of federal regulators — that universities act to protect students and keep our campus community safe,” it said.