As a pastor, I stand with Israel and with the Jewish community

Just a little disclaimer. I am not a politician, and I am not writing this from a political standpoint. I am just a pastor who happens to have a great affection for the Jewish people, and the views expressed are my own. 

The Christian community in Singapore has had a long and friendly relationship with the Jewish community. We are 2 colourful peoples, bound by an undeniable spiritual destiny, and often coming together to affirm friendship and appreciation for one another.

Singapore is one of the few nations in the world where the Jewish Community is not just tolerated but welcomed. An interesting article appeared several years ago in the YNET News entitled "Singapore, a tiny heaven for Jews." It was written by Ayelet Mamo Shay, who wrote about how the Jewish community here in Singapore is a tight-knit but hospitable community and no Jew coming into Singapore will ever feel alone. He also talked about how well the Jewish community had integrated into the Singaporean culture.

It is interesting that the first Jews to settle in Singapore were of Iraqi origin, mainly from India, who migrated to this city soon after Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading post in 1819. Today the population of Jews number anywhere between 3,000- 4,000. 

But let me venture to say that Singapore has a debt to pay to the Jewish people. It is a well-known fact that Israel helped build and establish our army. In November 1965, a group of Israeli soldiers arrived in Singapore under a veil of secrecy and their job was to help Singapore set up and establish her nascent army. Since then, security, research and development between the two countries have strengthened. Today, Singapore has a well-equipped and efficient army, which serves as a deterrence against other nations, and we have Israel to thank for this. 

It is also of interest that the first chief minister of Singapore before our independence, was a Jew, Mr. David Marshall.

In 2011, Chief Rabbi Mordechai Abergel felt a deep desire to celebrate Hanukkah in a public setting. He met with a wealthy Singaporean businessman who heard and accepted his appeal and for several years, the lighting of the Menorah on Singapore's busiest shopping street was of curious interest to many passers-by. 

In the face of rising anti-Semitism globally and especially in the West, I know it is a risk to stand up and say that “I support Israel”, but as a pastor, I have no other choice, because our destinies are intertwined.

So allow me to affirm again that I stand with Israel and with the Jewish community here in Singapore. I strongly believe that Israel, like any other nation, has the right to defend itself and her borders to prevent another Oct 7 from happening again. We might not be in agreement with the methods used, nor support the unnecessary loss of innocent lives, both Israeli and Palestinian, because as Christians, we are called to love all peoples regardless of background, race or religion. But that does not change my position

So to all my Jewish friends, you have many true and loyal friends in the Christian Community.

A pastor once remarked that the Jewish person who has crossed your path is not an accident. I agree with him. Israel is, and will always be, the apple of God’s eyes and the FIRSTBORN son of the Most High. 

Here’s a quote from Sir Winston Churchill. He said, "No thoughtful man can deny the fact that the Jews are, beyond any question, the most formidable and more remarkable race, which has appeared in the world".

I end with a note I wrote this morning to Chief Rabbi Mordechai Abergel, a delightful man and dear friend. I told him and I quote “Dear Rabbi Mordechai, in the midst of so much pain, anguish and turmoil on your people, let it be known that we the church stand with Israel. We love the God of Israel and we love the Jewish people. You are the true branch, my people are the grafted branch. We are praying for you and standing with you….” Ps Yang.

And his reply, “Hi Pastor, your message of friendship means so much and is deeply appreciated especially in these troubled times when Israel and Jews are again singled out in the most vicious way, thanks for standing by us and may the Almighty bless us to be united in our common cause always!”

It is my hope that Singapore will continue to have a long and deep friendship with Israel and I pray this will always be so.