Testimony Of A Former Anti-Semite

by Alan C. Lazerte B.A.,LL.B.
Executive Director, Canadian Friends, ICEJ

There are many aspects to one's testimony concerning salvation, but the one I wish to emphasize here is to contrast my attitude towards the Jewish people "before" and "after" my conversion.

I had been in politics in Alberta in the 1950's and early 60's, had lost a close leadership race and was disappointed. During this time of disillusionment, by coincidence or otherwise, I became involved in an anti-communist organization that absorbed my political interests in a new direction but unfortunately lead me astray in the area of anti-Semitism.

After the initial introduction and the public lectures, I was introduced to the "Jewish-Communist world conspiracy" theory, consumed much literature on the subject, including the notorious "Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion" presented as proof of that conspiracy being Jewish. Unfortunately it was not until twenty years later that I learned that the "Protocols" were a fabrication put together in Russia by the Czar's anti-Semitic secret police to stir up the mobs against the Jews.

That type of prejudice, and others like it, such as proclaimed by the Zundels and Keestras, is quite widespread in Canada.

I was very outspoken, and my views led to the break up of my legal partnership. At the time I did not know that the Scriptures warned, "I will bless them that bless Abraham, and curse them that curse Abraham"... but then the Scriptures meant little to me in any event.

All that was to change dramatically about ten years later when I was confronted by the wreckage of my life's path, and brought to gracious repentance, and to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The ten year interval had seen a 1963 airplane crash from which I escaped with a broken back, a 1966 car accident in which others were killed and injured, a 1969 crash of a commercial airliner in which all persons seated ahead of me were killed, a heart wrenching family breakup and other painful events too numerous to mention.

Late in 1972, shortly after my remarkable conversion, I was telling my best worldly buddy, John, about my discovery of God's love and concern and way of salvation when he interrupted, "Oh yea, what about the Jews?". John never did waste words.

I ran the question through my brain: "What about the Jews?" My brain transferred the question to my heart, and to our mutual surprise I sputtered: "It's gone ... there is nothing there against the Jews!"

Little did I realize how significant this was to the heart and Kingdom of God .. and to my own future. I went to Israel in 1974 for seven weeks. The Spirit lead me powerfully and wonderfully as the Bible brought the land and people to life before my eyes. I took pictures and read books...and returned home to show slides and talk about Israel and the Jewish people in our church and community.

Eight years later my wife Rhonda and I would answer God's call by leaving our prosperous lifestyle, walking away from our new home, acreage, plane, boats and other worldly goods in order to befriend His first-chosen people.

As we studied the Covenants, and observed the Jewish people back in the Promised Land...and read His word about the future of the nations and Israel, we were irresistibly drawn by the Spirit of God towards becoming instruments to show the Jewish people His unfailing love.

We returned to Israel in 1977 and again in 1981 to attend the Christian celebration of the Jewish succoth, which we call the Feast of Tabernacles.

In 1982 I became one of the founders, and the Executive Director for Canada, of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem. Our first Chairman is the Reverend Bernice Gerard of Vancouver, B.C. where headquarters was established, until we moved family and headquarters to Oakville, Ontario in 1983.

"Canadian Friends" now has several thousand members and Chapters in twelve major cities, with a national Board of Directors of which Reverend Bernice Gerard is Chairperson.

We continue to labour; as the Lord leads, to encourage the Jewish people to seek their God, and comfort them "in the midst of their enemies" until, as Paul says, "All Israel shall be saved".

Such is the Providence and grace of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that He would reach down, touch and cleanse an anti-Semitic Gentile, and send him to be an ambassador to His beloved Jewish people.