Liberty University Statement on Continued Support for Israel

Dear Liberty University family:

As you know, Liberty University is firmly committed to the inerrancy and authority of God’s Word and the work of the Great Commission. It is the foundation upon which we Train Champions for Christ. Since our founding in 1971 by Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty has always had a close, special relationship with the nation of Israel. As a part of our biblical commitment and spiritual emphasis, we have strived to teach our students about the historical and theological significance of Israel as part of our academic programming. For the past five decades, we have hosted dozens of student trips to the state of Israel, providing life-changing opportunities for our students to be connected to the Holy Land.

The Nov. 8 Convocation was no exception. It gave our student body an inside look at how the horrific atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 and since that time have devastated the lives of innocent men, women, and children in Israel. There are simply no words that can bring the ultimate comfort or erase the devastating loss caused by Hamas. Liberty University stands with Israel and condemns the evil acts perpetrated on that day in no uncertain terms.

Since October, in the days following those events, Liberty University has lit our tower in the colors of the Israeli flag to raise continued awareness. Many of our Liberty student clubs have also hosted prayer vigils for hundreds of students on campus since October 7. Many of you still might be asking, “What can I do to show my support for Israel?”

Let me try and offer a few suggestions of things that you might do as a student and as a Champion for Christ in support of Israel:

• Pray for Israel. As Psalm 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” we are also reminded of the words our founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, said, “Nothing of eternal significance was ever accomplished apart from prayer.” We believe in the power of prayer. So, pray for God’s perfect peace and justice for the people of Israel. Pray that the Lord Jesus Christ would do what only He can do and that the Gospel would be magnified in this moment. God still has a promise and plan for Israel (Rom 11:29).
• Give to Israel. There are opportunities to respond by giving cheerfully and responsibly to Christ-centered organizations that can offer organized, logistical support in providing humanitarian aid, medical resources, food, water, shelter, and other life-saving assistance to the nation of Israel. Samaritan’s Purse has a web page devoted specifically to disaster relief and humanitarian aid. The International Mission Board in Richmond, VA, also has a site dedicated to aid for Israel. There are many other worthy organizations that support Israel, too. I encourage you to please give somewhere, no matter how great or small the gift.
• March for Israel. Liberty University students have the opportunity to sign up and take part in a special March for Israel event in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Attendance is free, absences are excused, and breakfast and lunch will be provided to all participating students. Buses will depart from Freedom Tower at 7 a.m. and return to campus at 8 p.m.

(UPDATE: Liberty’s plan to coordinate student travel to the March for Israel was cancelled due to travel issues. On Nov. 15, the day after the march, Liberty held an on-campus prayer vigil on the steps of the Montview Student Union.)

Finally, Liberty family, we know these are challenging times. We see it and recognize it every day when we wake up and go to bed. Right now, there is tragedy and heartache in Israel. As the church, we are called to “mourn with those who mourn” (Rom 12:15). We are also reminded that as we mourn, we do not mourn “as those with no hope” (1 Thess 4:14). Jesus said, “Fear not, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). So as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, let us be mindful that all God’s promises find their Yes in Jesus Christ (2 Cor 1:20).

In Him,

Dondi E. Costin, Ph.D.

President