An Israeli Christian's Perspective on Israel-Palestine: Dr. Dan Sered
Apr 28, 2025
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Dr. Dan Sered, COO of Jews for Jesus, shares his unique perspective as a Jewish Christian born in Israel. He recounts his journey from a secular upbringing to embracing Christianity, highlighting the emotional toll of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The discussion emphasizes the importance of compassion amid suffering for both communities and reflects on Jesus' cultural impact under occupation. Dan also explores the transformative power of faith, dialogue, and shared cultural experiences in fostering unity amidst ongoing tensions.
Dr. Dan Sered's personal journey reflects a profound transformation from a secular Jewish upbringing in Israel to embracing Christianity and serving in ministry.
The podcast highlights the complex identity issues and historical grievances between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding amidst conflict.
In the wake of recent violence, there has been a notable increase in interest among Jewish people in Israel for exploring spiritual paths and the gospel.
Deep dives
Dr. Dan Sarid's Background and Faith Journey
Dr. Dan Sarid's journey is marked by a unique blend of cultural and religious experiences. Born in Israel to a secular Jewish family, he was raised in an environment lacking religious faith, yet found deep meaning in Jewish traditions and holidays. His discovery of Jesus at the age of 16 was sparked by a conversation with a fellow student who introduced him to the concept of Yeshua as the Hebrew name for Jesus. This pivotal moment led him to join the ministry of Jews for Jesus and ultimately return to Israel to serve the Messianic community for 17 years.
Insights on Israeli-Palestinian Relations
Sarid discusses the complex identity issues surrounding Israelis and Palestinians, highlighting the limited interactions he had with Palestinians during his upbringing. He notes that many Israelis view Palestinians through a lens shaped by historical conflicts, often perceiving them as enemies due to violent acts that have occurred. This perspective is compounded by sensationalized media narratives that influence public opinion and can lead to immense misunderstanding and animosity between both communities. The dialogue emphasizes the need for understanding and the importance of recognizing shared humanity amidst deeply entrenched conflicts.
The Impact of October 7th on Perspectives
The events of October 7th significantly shaped Sarid's views on the ongoing conflict, marking a turning point in his awareness of the complexity of Israeli security and the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians. Being in the U.S. at the time, he received an overwhelming number of messages from friends and family in Israel, alerting him to the crisis unfolding. He described the horror of witnessing graphic footage that reminded him of historical atrocities faced by the Jewish people. The trauma experienced on both sides led Sarid to passionately advocate for understanding and prayer, seeking to bridge divides exacerbated by violence.
The Search for Hope in Times of Conflict
Amidst the turmoil, Sarid highlights the growing openness to the gospel among Jewish people in Israel, with a notable increase in demand for the New Testament following the October conflict. He believes that the pain experienced has created a longing for hope and understanding, leading many to explore spiritual paths. Jews for Jesus has witnessed a significant rise in conversations and interest in Christ, highlighting how adversity can drive individuals towards seeking comfort and answers found in faith. Sarid encourages believers everywhere to engage with both Israelis and Palestinians in love and unity.
Fostering Unity Between Diverse Communities
Sarid emphasizes the importance of interfaith dialogue and building relationships among Christians from both Israeli and Palestinian backgrounds, showcasing the beauty of mutual understanding within the faith community. He shares examples of collaborative efforts, including creative projects that unite believers across cultural divides, demonstrating a shared commitment to peace and support. The dialogue showcases the necessity of compassion in addressing suffering while navigating complex political narratives and historical grievances. Ultimately, Sarid articulates a vision of hope that transcends divisions, rooted in the belief that the gospel can heal and unify.
Dr. Dan Sered is a COO for Jews for Jesus and overseas the Jews for Jesus teams in Europe, South Africa, Israel, and Australia. With a doctor of ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary, an MA in ministry and leadership from Western Seminary. Dan was born in Israel and had a secular Jewish upbringing. His family relocated to the United States when he was in his teens, where he came to Christ in the late 90’s. Dan helped to pastor All Nations Church in Israel for 17 years. He and his family returned to the US in 2020, when Dan was appointed chief operations officer.
