Converge Responds: The Killing of Israeli Embassy Staff in D.C.

John K. Jenkins, Sr

Converge President

  • Culture & society

We are heartbroken by the horrific act of anti-semitic violence that claimed the lives of Yaron Lishinsky and Sarah Milgrim at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. We join so many across the world in expressing our sincerest empathy, condolences and prayers to their families and friends, as well as to the American Jewish community.

This tragedy is yet another reminder of the rising tide of antisemitism across our nation. God’s Word instructs us:

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15, NKJV).

And Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9, NKJV). We stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends and neighbors, raising our collective voices as Christians who embrace their presence as fellow citizens and bearers of the image of God. We commit to standing with them: to make their fears, concerns and desires for flourishing our own.

Now is the time for them to feel in their souls that they are not alone; that the Christian community loves them, grieves with them and supports them.

As Christians, we commit to opposing hatred in all its forms, working toward our shared vision of an America that celebrates our diverse democracy and building bridges of faithful community where we all share in our God-given dignity and peace.

Better together,

John K. Jenkins, Sr.
President, Converge


John K. Jenkins, Sr, Converge President

President Jenkins has a deep history with Converge - a movement of over 1,700 churches focused on church planting and strengthening initiatives throughout the globe. His home church, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, where he pastors, has been an affiliate member for nearly 25 years. President Jenkins was elected President of Converge in June of 2024, making him the first African American to lead the 170-year-old organization. Prior to that, he has served on the Converge Board of Overseers and its executive committee and as vice president/executive director of National Ministries for Converge. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of the National Associate of Evangelicals.

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