Jesuit Father David Neuhaus, a Catholic priest of Jewish heritage, has stirred controversy with a sermon delivered in Johannesburg, accusing Israel of “creating hell” for Palestinians by misusing sacred scripture. Claiming the Bible itself has become a tool of “poison and venom” in the Gaza conflict, Neuhaus leveled accusations of genocide against Israel, suggesting its leaders distort texts like Joshua, Deuteronomy, and Exodus to justify military action. His remarks echo the Vatican’s increasingly critical stance, with its official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, accusing Israel of weaponizing scripture to rationalize the destruction of Gaza.

Neuhaus’s background intensifies the sting of his critique: born to Jewish parents who fled Nazi persecution, he immigrated to Israel as a teenager before converting to Catholicism. For decades he has taught Bible studies to both Catholic seminarians and rabbinical students, lending weight to his words. Yet his sermon marked a shift from political critique to theological condemnation, framing Israel’s defense as genocide cloaked in Biblical language. The episode underscores a growing fracture in Catholic-Jewish relations, raising alarm over how religious texts can be manipulated to inflame conflict rather than bring understanding.

Neuhaus’s accusations are more than theological controversy—they echo Zechariah’s warning that in the last days “all nations will be gathered against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:3). Scripture tells us Israel will stand increasingly isolated, not only politically but also spiritually, as religious institutions join the chorus of condemnation. What we’re witnessing is a foreshadowing of that global turning: even the Church, or at least parts of Christendom, aligning with narratives that vilify God’s covenant people. This is not merely a war of words; it is a war of worldviews, where Scripture itself is twisted to delegitimize Israel. Far from surprising, it’s a confirmation of the prophetic timetable and a reminder to believers to “stay awake, keep watch,” because the stage is being set for the fulfillment of end-time prophecy.

Stay Awake. Keep Watch.

SOURCE: Israel 365 News