For Zion’s Sake: Why two Catholic theologians are taking a stand for Israel

Father Antoine Lévy and Dr. André Villeneuve have launched "For Zion's Sake: A Catholic Appeal in Support of Israel" to counter growing anti-Israel sentiment within Catholic circles. The initiative, discussed on the Inspiration from Zion podcast, aims to challenge the post-October 7 trend of delegitimizing Israel through political and theological arguments, including a revived supersessionism. The document affirms God's irrevocable covenant with the Jewish people and their enduring biblical connection to the Land of Israel, rejecting any notion that the Church has "replaced" Israel. It also addresses the historical context of Catholic-Jewish relations, including Pope Pius X's 1904 meeting with Theodor Herzl, and criticizes the Vatican's perceived silence on threats to Israel and rising antisemitism. The appeal defines Zionism as the Jewish people's right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland and calls for a balanced approach that supports Israel's right to exist and defend itself while upholding justice for all inhabitants. Lévy and Villeneuve emphasize that anti-Zionism functions as a contemporary form of antisemitism and hope the initiative will foster open discussion and deeper engagement with the mystery of Israel within the Church.