Jewish graves desecrated in Illinois

Another day, another desecration of Jewish graves. Anti-semitism in Europe has risen to levels not seen since before World War II. Anti-semitism has also risen in America on the left. But usually it's more subtle than in Europe. They call anti-Zionism or anti-Israeli occupation. Never mind that Arabs live better in Israel than in any other Middle East country.

Here's a portion of the story from the Chicago Sun-Times with photos by Brian Jackson. Click on the photos to view full-sized images.

Nearly 60 gravestones at a Jewish cemetery near Norridge have been desecrated with spray-painted, anti-Semitic graffiti and slurs, Cook County Sheriff's police said today.

The vandalism, which left an estimated $100,000 damage, occurred last weekend in a portion of Westlawn Cemetery, on Montrose between Chicago's Northwest Side and Norridge, officials said.

At least 57 stone grave markers were damaged with blue spray-paint, police said. No one has been charged with the vandalism, which Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart described as a hate crime.

The tombstones were desecrated with symbols that included swastikas, nooses and gallows. Slogans that included "Aryan Power,” "skinhead” and "juden raus” — German for "Jews out” were painted on other grave monuments.

Look at the pictures and weep. What is happening in our country?

For those of you who are Christians, what should be our response? I was raised as an evangelical and was taught from early childhood that Jews were and still are God's chosen people. God told the Jews in Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." 

Check out this list of Jewish Nobel Prize winners. It's no surprise to many of you, but the world has been tremendously blessed by the Jewish people. The proper Christian response is to bless the Jews in in turn. That doesn't mean dogging them to become Christians. It means action. Actively love the Jewish people. Make Jewish friends and take a real interest in everything going on in their lives. Donate money to Jewish organizations and synagogues. If you have a local Holocaust Museum, like we do in Dallas, visit it, buy their books and tapes, and give of your money and even your time. Take your teenage children to Holocaust museums and show them the horror of what happened a mere 60 years ago. If your town has a Jewish retirement center or home for the aged, go visit them.

Don't do these things to get a blessing from God; love the Jewish people because Jesus commanded us to love everyone, regardless of their race, religion, or background.

In short, love the Jewish people. Fight anti-Semitism with every fiber of your being. The Holocaust must never happen again.