Caribbean Christian leaders have been urged to push back against anti-semitism and pray for the people of Israel to be safe and find dignity and hope under God.
This call was made by the senior pastor of the Tarrant Circuit of Churches and the Freedom Come Ministries International (FCMI), Apostle Dr Jeffrey Shuttleworth.
In bringing greetings at the Caribbean Israel Connection Conference 2026 in Curacao this week, the pastor pointed to the role the Jewish community has played in countries like Jamaica in particular and, by extension, the Caribbean. He said a strong message should be sent that antisemitism is wrong.
“It is wrong when expressed through religious prejudice, racial hostility, conspiracy theories or online misinformation. It is wrong when Jewish people are threatened, synagogues are attacked, or children are made afraid because they are Jewish,” Apostle Dr. Shuttleworth declared.
“It is also wrong to hold Jewish people anywhere collectively responsible for the decisions of any government. Governments and policies may be debated and criticised. But disagreement must never become a disguise for anti-Jewish hatred,” he said.
Cases of antisemitism have been reported across universities in the US, Canada and the UK. Antisemitism at British universities has increased, with incidents up nearly 80% from before the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel. A survey released this year by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that many Jewish adults feel unsafe in the United States.
“A significant share of Jewish adults, about 3 in 10, say they or someone in their household has experienced physical assault, verbal abuse, online harassment or damaged property because of their Jewish background over the last year,” researchers found.
While acknowledging that Judaism and Christianity are not the same, Apostle Dr. Shuttleworth said the gathering of the Caribbean Christian leaders in Curacao is a demonstration that differences need not become divisions, and convictions need not become hostility.
“We have gathered in obedience to the Word of God, led by His Holy Spirit, according to the often quoted Psalm 122:6, which declares, ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee,'” he said.
The Caribbean Israel Connection (C.I.C) was established in July 2025. The focus is on strengthening friendship with Israel, combating antisemitism, encouraging constructive dialogue, and fostering meaningful cooperation between Israel and the different Caribbean Islands.
“We cannot achieve lasting peace and prosperity for the Jewish people and, by extension, the people of the Caribbean and world without Jesus, The Christ, Son of the Living God, by and through His Holy Spirit!” Apostle Dr Shuttleworth emphasise.
“As Christian leaders, we must also acknowledge that antisemitism has sometimes been taught or tolerated within Christian communities. We must reject that legacy. Our pulpits, classrooms and public witness must never perpetuate it.
Let us teach our congregations to recognise prejudice, challenge falsehoods and treat Jewish neighbours with love and dignity,” the senior clergyman encouraged.
A COMMITMENT TO CARRY HOME
Apostle Shuttleworth challenged those in attendance to make the following commitment:
First, let us educate: (that is) teaching accurately about Jewish history, confronting antisemitism and challenging misinformation.
Second, let us build relationships: (that is) cultivating enduring friendships in which listening is as important as speaking.
Third, let us serve: (that is) turning goodwill into cooperation that benefits people in the Caribbean and Israel.
