Churches across multiple continents marked Holocaust remembrance this year not as isolated local observances but as part of a coordinated global effort. From North America and Latin America to Europe and Africa, Christian congregations deliberately aligned their services to confront the genocide of the Jews, the historic failure of much of the Christian world during that period, and the surge of antisemitism confronting Jews today. The scale and synchronization of these commemorations signaled an intentional shift from private reflection to public moral declaration.
At the center of this global effort was Solidarity Sunday, an initiative led by Eagles’ Wings that mobilized more than 600 churches worldwide, representing approximately 1,100 Christian leaders and tens of thousands of congregants. Now in its third year, Solidarity Sunday was created in 2024 in direct response to the October 7 massacre and the wave of antisemitism and anti-Israel propaganda that followed. Organized through Eagles’ Wings’ pastoral network, the Israel Christian Nexus, in partnership with the Moral Hearts Alliance, the initiative was designed as a one-day, church-centered action explicitly opposing antisemitism and expressing solidarity with the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Churches in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and parts of Africa and Europe hosted Jewish speakers who shared firsthand accounts, including Holocaust survivors and their descendants, survivors of the Nova music festival massacre, family members of Israeli hostages, IDF soldiers, Israeli public figures, and Jewish university students facing antisemitism on campus. Many congregations also screened video testimonies and joined a live global broadcast led by Bishop Robert Stearns in Buffalo, New York, underscoring the event’s international scope and unified message.
Other churches marked the day through denominationally organized services. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference highlighted the theme “Bridging Generations,” emphasizing the responsibility of each community to carry forward remembrance through education and moral action. The Methodist Church and several other Protestant denominations focused on repentance for historic anti-Jewish teachings while committing to actively challenge modern antisemitism. The Church of Scotland commemorated heroic figures such as Jane Haining, who died protecting Jewish children, and encouraged reflection on Christian responsibility in the face of injustice. Services often included lighting candles for victims, special prayers, and moments of reflection, as coordinated by groups like the Council of Christians and Jews. The United Reform Church issued an apology in 2026 after a social media post used inappropriate imagery, a reminder to approach Holocaust remembrance with accuracy and sensitivity. Together, these global efforts show that Christian communities are moving from reflection to moral action, acknowledging the past and committing to Jewish life and the security of Israel today.
