Will Christian Zionism exist in the generations to come?

Shortly after October 7th, many young Jewish influencers (Montana Tucker, Zack Fox Sage and others) put their regular content aside to unapologetically take a stand for Israel and the Jewish identity on social media. They shared October 7th survivor stories, exposed rising antisemitism and advocated for the hostages held by Hamas. It would be expected that many young Jewish people would embrace and defend their Jewish identity in the face of such unabashed media bias and aggressive antisemitism but for young, Bible-believing Christians, the majority seem indifferent to the land and people to whom their faith is eternally connected. 

Since the October 7th massacre by Hamas, hundreds, including many members of the Millennial and Gen Z generations, took to the streets in support of the Palestinian “cause” but no large display of support has been seen among young Christians in support of Israel’s self-defensive war against terrorism.

Is this seeming indifference due to the failure of many Christian leaders to highlight the relevance of modern Israel to the Christian faith? Is it a lack of knowledge of Biblical promises regarding Israel? Or a quiet adoption of replacement theology? While select churches seem to understand the importance of Israel and the Jewish people and keep their congregations connected to the roots of their faith, there appear to be far fewer young pastors and Christian leaders even calling for so much as a time of prayer for Israel as a nation. What will become of Christian Zionism and Jewish-Christian relations in the generations to come?

There is a remnant working to keep this legacy alive.

Perhaps the most prominent young, Christian voice of empathy and support for Israel and the Jewish people is actor Nate Buzolic. Buzolic devotes his social media platforms to clearly outlining why his Christian beliefs lead to an organic and fervent support for Israel and the Jewish people. He often appeals to fellow Christians to abandon passive attitudes about Israel, educate themselves and to understand why antisemitism has no place in a faith that centers on a Jewish Messiah. Buzolic’s outspoken support has garnered much criticism, even from his fellow Christians but has also resulted in many positive relationships with Israelis and the global Jewish community, even landing him a modeling gig in Israel’s well-known sunglasses brand, Carolina Lemke.  

Alongside Buzolic is Liv Layne, a Gen Z Christian Zionist who also dedicates her social media platforms to advocate for Israel. Layne’s target audience is perhaps the generation most susceptible to misinformation packaged as “facts” and trendy social activism. Like Buzolic, she breaks down many common arguments against Israel, Zionism and the war in Gaza. Both Layne and Buzolic make frequent trips to Israel and have brought other Chrisitans along to show them the land that many of them have only read and heard about. 

So, what will become of Christian Zionism and Jewish-Christian relations in the generations to come?

As more young Christians (Buzolic, Layne and those like them) help to re-frame Israel in light of the current conflict through a Biblical and factual lens, they have a chance to reveal Zionism as being innate to the Christian life. Hopefully, the next generations will realize that when Christians of any age remain indifferent to Israel and the Jewish people, they rob themselves of a more intimate knowledge of their own identity and their own Messiah.