• 44 min
From Enemy to Brother: Jewish-Arab Reconciliation Through the Gospel
Prisoners of Hope
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After losing his best friend to Hamas torture, Aaron Abramson—CEO of Jews for Jesus—found Christ in a Jerusalem church led by a converted Druze pastor ministering to former Muslims. In this episode, Josh interviews Aaron about how the tragedy of October 7, 2023 is sparking the most unexpected revival. Secular Jews who never questioned their worldview are suddenly asking: "Why do people hate us so much? Is there any meaning in this suffering?" Jewish conversion rates have quadrupled.
But the real story isn't just numbers—it's transformation. Aaron shares jaw-dropping accounts of supernatural reconciliation: former enemies becoming family, ancient hatred melting into brotherhood, and the gospel doing what politics, education, and peace treaties never could.
Listen today to get a front-row seat to watching God turn one of the most intractable conflicts into a powerful demonstration of grace.
Show NotesOpening Introduction
- Joshua's Gospel Coalition article on Israeli-Palestinian conflict
- Call for Christians to be peacemakers, not take political sides
- Focus on gospel reconciliation: "first to the Jew, then to the Gentile"
Aaron's Testimony
- Mixed Jewish-Catholic upbringing, family move to Israel
- Orthodox Yeshiva experience and spiritual questioning
- IDF service and losing close friend to Hamas torture/murder
- Reading the New Testament and finding faith at Jerusalem Church
- Parents' positive response to his conversion
Jewish Conversion Challenges
- "Civic death" in Jewish communities - family rejection spectrum
- Jews for Jesus toolkit: housing, discipleship, cultural navigation
- Philosophy: "Be more Jewish, believe in Jesus"
- Supporting new believers through years-long transitions
October 7th Spiritual Impact
- Trauma breaking down hope in political solutions
- New Testament requests doubled/tripled immediately
- Conversion rates quadrupled: ~20 to nearly 100 in one year
- Rising global anti-Semitism creating spiritual receptivity
Reconciliation Stories
- Vision for supernatural Middle East reconciliation
- Former Hamas member turned believer who loves Jewish people
- Lebanese convert washing feet of Jewish believers
- Mutual prayer and ministry support
Questions from Listeners
- Question about persecuted believers praying for each other
- Joshua's Iraq trip, where converts are gathering for fellowship
- Special bond when "the afflicted comfort the afflicted"
Connect with Us:
- Submit questions: podcast@htp.org
- Support persecuted believers through Help The Persecuted: htp.org/donate