White House Bible Study Leader Says “Israel Executed the Messiah” Sparks Antisemitism Alarm

A preacher leading Bible studies for top White House officials and members of Congress is under fire after claiming in recent lessons that “Israel executed the Messiah.” The statement which echoes centuries-old antisemitic tropes has ignited outrage among civil rights groups and religious leaders alike. 

The preacher, Ralph Drollinger, has long been a controversial figure in Washington. Since 2010, he has taught private Bible studies to Republican lawmakers. His classes are currently attended by top names like House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and even members of the Biden-era White House.

In two recently released videos and study guides titled “The Biblical Case for Defending Israel,”Drollinger made repeated references to Jews being responsible for the death of Jesus, writing that Israel “executed the Messiah.”

“[T]he spiritual blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant accrue to the Church for a time… due to the present apostasy of Israel, having executed the Messiah,” Drollinger wrote in a guide dated June 13.

Blaming Jews for the death of Jesus has fueled Christian antisemitism for centuries. It’s a narrative that’s been used to justify violence from medieval pogroms to modern hate crimes.

One Republican senator, according to sources, even pushed for this very phrase to be excluded from a recent bill defining antisemitism raising concerns that this ancient slur is being normalized at the highest levels of government.

Drollinger has also been known to attack Catholicism in past study materials, furthering accusations of religious intolerance.

The Israel-Iran Connection

The timing of Drollinger’s remarks is also drawing scrutiny. He launched his latest two-week study series just one day after Israel began airstrikes on Iran. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pressing U.S. leaders to militarily support Israel and former President Donald Trump later ordered missile strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.

Drollinger’s materials appeared to urge U.S. officials to take God’s side in the conflict, arguing that biblical promises about defending Israel still apply today.

“God’s promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her still stands,” he preached, while also acknowledging Israel’s role in the crucifixion.

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