Campaign features three billboards in Tidewater and four billboards near Ivy League universities
In response to the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the nation, the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), CBN Israel, and Regent University have partnered with JewBelong, a national nonprofit organization that fights antisemitism and makes Judaism accessible, for a major multimedia awareness initiative.
Gordon Robertson, CEO of CBN/CBN Israel and chancellor of Regent University, announced the partnership just before the campaign’s launch on August 11, when three bold pink-and-white billboards went up across Tidewater, home to CBN and Regent University.
Featuring the message, “Standing against antisemitism is standing with America,” the billboards are located on I-64 near Tidewater Drive, on I-64 near Bainbridge Blvd., and 1001 N. Military Hwy near Virginia Beach Blvd. The billboards will remain up through September 29.
The Tidewater billboard campaign is the start of a broader effort by these organizations that includes placing similar billboards near four Ivy League universities – Harvard, Yale, Brown, and University of Pennsylvania –as well as social media and web advertising led by Regent University that will reach students at Southeastern Conference (SEC) universities. The goal is to encourage students, alumni, and campus communities across those schools to speak up against antisemitism and stand in allyship with Jewish students. CBN will cover the initiative on its TV programming and web platforms, reaching audiences nationwide.
This partnership comes at a time of growing concern. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Virginia ranks among the top 10 states for antisemitic activity, with 266 recorded incidents—a 19% increase from 2023. Nationally, incidents of antisemitism are up 893% in the last decade, marking the highest number since ADL began tracking some 46 years ago.
Robertson, who also serves as host of the newly-launched weekly TV show, 700 Club Israel, emphasizes the Christian responsibility to respond: “It is vital that Christians in Virginia—and across the country—stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
“Antisemitism is not just a Jewish issue—it is a human issue and a spiritual one. We are called to stand against hatred, to defend our neighbors, and to reflect God’s love through our actions. This campaign is one important step in that direction,” says Robertson.”
“It’s a terrifying time to be Jewish,” says Archie Gottesman, JewBelong co-founder. “Jews are just 2% of the U.S. population, and we can’t fight the hate alone. We are so grateful to the Christian Broadcasting Network for their support. Their allyship helps ensure a safe future for the Jewish community.”
JewBelong has previously launched similar billboard campaigns in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, as well as near Ivy League universities such as Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton and Yale.
For more information on the initiative, visit the CBN Israel blog.