A Gathering for Unity
Last weekend, Building Community Thru Conversation (BCTC) had the opportunity to attend the inaugural Root & Branch Unity Conference, an event dedicated to strengthening relationships and solidarity between Jewish and Christian communities.
The conference was organized by Marziyeh
“Marzi” Amirizadeh and Jonathan Feldstein, founders of the Root & Branch initiative, whose partnership itself reflects the spirit of the gathering.
Marzi Amirizadeh, an Iranian American who immigrated to the U.S. after being arrested and sentenced to death in Iran for the “crime” of converting to Christianity, shared her personal story of growing up under a regime where religion and politics were deeply intertwined and where the consequences of extremism were visible in everyday life. Her experiences shaped her commitment to confronting antisemitism and building alliances between communities that reject hatred and violence.
Together with Jonathan Feldstein, an Orthodox Israeli-American Jewish advocate who has long worked to strengthen Jewish-Christian relations, they have created spaces where Jews and Christians can meet not only in conversation but also through shared experiences and partnerships.
Building Relationships Across Communities
The gathering last weekend brought together pastors, advocates, educators, and community leaders who share a commitment to standing against antisemitism and supporting Israel through faith, education, and relationship-building. The atmosphere was one of sincerity and openness — people coming together not simply to speak, but to learn, listen, and deepen understanding.
Several speakers shared their personal journeys and the work they do within their communities.
Speaking Truth While Preserving Relationships
Among them was Pastor Rod Ginn, from CUFI, Christians United For Israel, who spoke about the importance of maintaining relationships even when conversations become difficult. His message emphasized that standing with the Jewish people is not about arguments or social media debates, but about integrity, faith, and long-term friendship.
As he explained:
“We may have to agree to disagree on this, but I’m not going to stop speaking the truth.”
He also emphasized that arguments rarely lead to meaningful change:
“We waste a lot of energy in arguments. Better to use that energy to stand with our Jewish friends and family.”
Engaging Difficult Questions with Faith and Study
Pastor Greg Locke, from Global Vision Bible Church, discussed how many churches are increasingly confronting theological debates around Israel and Jewish history. He spoke about the importance of engaging those questions thoughtfully, encouraging Christians to study scripture deeply and approach the subject with humility.
“The Bible has a lot to say about this Jewish situation. When people don’t understand the truth of scripture, confusion grows.”
At the same time, he emphasized that conversations should aim for clarity rather than endless confrontation.
“When there is room for a real conversation, that matters. But arguing just for the sake of arguing helps no one.”
Engaging Difficult Questions with Faith and Study
Bryant Wright, the retired pastor from Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, and author, addressed the theological roots of Christian support for Israel. He explained that for many Christians, this support is grounded in biblical covenant and historical continuity.
“The root is Israel. The branch should not disrespect the roots, because the branch cannot grow without the roots.”
He also reflected on the deep connection many Christians feel toward the Jewish people and Jewish history.
“We would not have the Christian faith without the Jewish people.”
Jewish Voices and the Call to Confront Antisemitism
The event also included voices from the Jewish community, including rabbinic and community leaders, who reflected on the long history of Jewish-Christian relations and the significance of allies who speak out against antisemitism.
One rabbi reminded participants that antisemitism should be confronted directly and clearly.
“Call it what it is. You don’t need a complicated explanation. Sometimes it is simply hatred of Jews.”
Participants shared personal experiences of visiting Israel, building relationships with Jewish communities, and working within churches and organizations to educate others. Many described how their perspectives changed after encountering Jewish life and history more closely, leading them to dedicate their efforts to combating misinformation and strengthening interfaith understanding.
A Shared Commitment
What stood out most throughout the conference was the commitment to relationship.
These individuals support Israel and the Jewish people in many ways: through education in churches, public advocacy, visits to Israel, humanitarian support, and speaking openly against antisemitism. But again and again, speakers emphasized that the foundation of their work is not political — it is relationship, faith, and moral responsibility.
As one speaker noted:
“Different backgrounds do not have to prevent shared care, shared dignity, and shared responsibility.”
Why This Resonates with BCTC
For BCTC, this resonated deeply with our own mission.
Our work centers on creating spaces where people can sit together, ask questions, exchange perspectives, and build understanding through conversation. In a time when public discourse is often dominated by division, events like Root & Branch Unity Conference remind us that meaningful dialogue across communities is still possible — and necessary.
As one participant reflected during the conference:
“When people actually sit across from each other, the conversation changes.”
We were grateful to witness the dedication of so many individuals working within their own communities to foster respect, education, and solidarity.
Moments like these reinforce an important truth:
real change often begins with people willing to show up, listen, and stand beside one another.
Continuing the Journey
We thank the organizers and participants of the Root & Branch Unity Conference for the work they are doing and for welcoming these conversations.
At BCTC, we believe that relationships built through honest conversation are one of the most powerful ways to strengthen communities and push back against hatred.
Opportunities to deepen that understanding also extend beyond conferences and conversations. One of the ways Marzi Amirizadeh and Jonathan Feldstein bring this vision to life is through organized trips to Israel that invite participants to see the country firsthand, meet people on the ground, and better understand the complexities and realities of life there. These visits allow participants to build relationships, volunteer, and experience the land and its people beyond headlines. Those interested in learning more or joining future trips are encouraged to connect with Root & Branch and explore opportunities to participate.
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