On October 22, CURE hosted the Oasis Community Town Hall in Detroit, Michigan, bringing together faith leaders and community members to discuss the historic relationship between the Black and Jewish communities and the importance of combating rising antisemitism.
The event opened with an acknowledgment of national tensions and a call for constructive community dialogue.
Pastor Claude May, Apostle Ellis Smith, and Rabbi Aaron Bergman served as key speakers at the town hall, emphasizing personal histories of positive Black-Jewish coexistence in Detroit, prophetic biblical alignments, the dangers of cultural narratives that pit communities against one another, and the urgency of education, critical thinking, and political engagement, particularly in Michigan.
Organized by CURE’s National Clergy Director, Torrey Snow, some of the key takeaways from the event included:
- A biblical worldview requires recognizing Israel’s unique place in Scripture and history; secular or liberation theologies that contradict this create internal inconsistency;
- Historical Black-Jewish coexistence in Detroit and partnership during the civil rights era provide a positive foundation that has been neglected in contemporary narratives;
- Michigan’s political environment makes local dialogue and voting decisions nationally consequential; and
- Antisemitism is not merely a Jewish problem; it threatens social cohesion and often precedes broader attacks on other minorities and democratic norms.
Apostle Smith concluded the formal discussion by quoting Colossians 3, affirming that in Christ nationality and ethnicity are secondary to identity in Him. Pastor Ralph Rebandt reminded attendees of historical examples of pastors who engaged in the public square and of the Niemöller warning against silence in the face of targeted persecution. He distributed community/yard signs conveying the message, “Blacks and Jews Standing Together.” Pastor Ralph also urged participation in the electoral process as an expression of biblical responsibility. The evening ended with prayer for mercy on the nation and for the gospel to transform lives.
On October 22, 2026, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education organized a Town Hall at the Oasis Community in Detroit Michigan—bringing together local pastors, community leaders, and Rabbi Aaron Bergman for a timely dialogue on faith, history, Israel, and the enduring relationship between the Black and Jewish communities.
In a season of rising antisemitism and efforts to pit groups against one another, CURE’s leadership created space for honest conversation rooted in shared history, biblical truth, and mutual protection. Speakers highlighted decades of positive coexistence in Detroit, the civil rights partnership, Israel’s unique place in Scripture, and the practical need for education and critical thinking.
The town hall demonstrated CURE’s ongoing commitment to equipping communities with accurate information, countering false narratives, and strengthening alliances that benefit both communities and the nation. Attendees left better prepared to share truth with their neighbors and engage thoughtfully in Michigan and beyond.
This gathering reflects CURE’s mission to restore faith, freedom, and family through constructive dialogue and historical honesty—priorities that remain essential for the health of our communities.
— CURE (@CUREpolicy) October 27, 2026
