Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 9/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: 52 yrs old, Roman Catholic, just asking outta curiosity in order to be able to see both sides of an argument.  There is an icon, a symbol, that has a Star of David with a cross inside of it.   My ? is is that offensive to Jewish people?
Thank you very much, ANNIE

ANSWER: Dear Annie,

Thank you for writing.

With some additional information I might be able to be helpful, or at least offer an opinion.

Where did you see such a symbol and how was it used? By whom for what ostensible purposes?

Best wishes and thanks

Rabbi Dov

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Rabbi, it is a small icon being used on Facebook, such as anyone uses.   The person using it is a Christian and deeply religious.  She uses it as a symbol of Christians support of Israel & Jewish people.   The person confronting her is Jewish  (not sure conservative, orthodox, reform) stating it is offensive to Jewish people everywhere and that is used in conjunction with groups "Jews for Jesus".   I am not in the argument; I just wish to learn something new and I thank you in advance for helping me.   ANNIE

Answer
Dear Annie,

Thanks for the background.

In general, there are many Jews who would be offended, especially if there is no explanation for the symbol. It could and might be easily understood to be a pro-missionary Christian symbol or effort.

Yes, Jews for Jesus and Messianic Hebrews often deliberately mix Jewish and Christian symbols to suggest that Jews can accept Chritian faith principles and still remain Jews. It is often very effective in populations that have not received a Jewish education, e.g. immigrants from the FSU who never had an opportunity for a Jewish education on the basis of which they could then make informed decisions.

I would urge such a person on Facebook to perhaps use two icons: the cross to represent their personal faith and perhaps separately the flag of Israel to represent that support.

That might lead to another question - can or should an American citizen display the flag of another country without displaying as well the flag of the US.

Alternatively, one could use the symbol of the Menorah that stands in front of the Kenesset.

There is no end to the possibilities for confusion.

I personally, now that I understand the symbol, would not be concerned or offended. I'm just glad and grateful for support for the State of Israel given the international climate today of delegitimizing of Israel.

Thanks for the question and the effort to maintain "peace between neighbors."

Rabbi Dov