An inspiring development has emerged from Ohio, where Pastor Juan Rivera has been appointed as the inaugural president of the Hispanic Israel Leadership Coalition (HILC). This newly formed coalition aims to foster support for Israel within the Hispanic Evangelical community and to create a strong defense against the rising tide of antisemitism. Rivera, who leads Victory Church in Youngstown, has long been committed to strengthening ties between Hispanic Christians and Jewish communities, a passion ignited during his first visit to Israel over 15 years ago.
The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), which represents a vast network of churches across the globe, announced Rivera’s appointment recently. His connection with the NHCLC dates back to its inception, showcasing his deep-rooted involvement in the organization.
In a heartfelt statement, Rivera emphasized, "The Hispanic Church stands at a prophetic crossroads. As antisemitism rises globally, now is the time for us to rise with clarity and conviction — declaring that we stand with Israel, we honor our Jewish brothers and sisters, and we will not remain silent." He underscored that the mission of HILC transcends political boundaries; it is fundamentally biblical and urgent.
Rivera’s journey into Jewish-Christian relations began with a pivotal trip to Israel in 2010. This experience motivated him to build bridges with Jewish leaders and communities, leading to his congregation’s regular donations to local synagogues and fostering friendships with local rabbis. His commitment deepened after he became the lead pastor at Victory Church, where he actively sought to strengthen these alliances. In 2018, he collaborated with other religious leaders to organize a trip to Israel for pastors, further solidifying these important connections.
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the NHCLC, praised Rivera’s visionary leadership, stating that his appointment signifies a crucial moment for the NHCLC and its relationship with Israel. Rodriguez noted, "For decades, the Hispanic church has been one of Israel’s most passionate and dedicated defenders. We remain committed to building a firewall against antisemitism in all forms, and there is no one more qualified to lead this effort than Pastor Rivera."
As Rivera steps into his new role, he will oversee strategic partnerships, advocacy efforts, and national initiatives aimed at enhancing the relationship between Hispanic and Israeli communities. His appointment comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, following a significant terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the tragic loss of numerous lives.
Research indicates that Hispanic Christians generally hold a favorable view of Israel. A 2017 study by Lifeway revealed that many Hispanic Christians express sympathy for Israeli suffering, with a significant percentage believing that the establishment of modern Israel fulfills God’s covenant with the Jewish people. However, this support can diminish within the broader Hispanic community, where media narratives sometimes conflate various struggles, creating misunderstandings about the situation in the Middle East.
Rodriguez highlighted the importance of addressing these misconceptions, stating, "In the Latino community, there’s an attempt through Spanish media to conflate the Latino struggle with the struggle of the non-Jewish population in the Middle East." His goal is to promote a message of solidarity while recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual.
In February, the NHCLC organized a delegation of Hispanic Evangelical leaders to visit Israel, further solidifying Jewish-Christian solidarity. As Pastor Rivera embarks on this new chapter, his leadership is poised to strengthen the bonds between Hispanic Evangelicals and the Jewish community, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect.
For more information about the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and their initiatives, visit NHCLC’s official website. You can also read more about the historical context of Jewish-Christian relations on My Jewish Learning.