Sebastián Parra serves as the Director of Advocacy and Strategy at Passages, a Christian organization dedicated to bringing Christian students to Israel and equipping young leaders to support the Jewish state on college campuses and in communities across the United States. The organization’s mission includes boldly combating antisemitism and fostering greater understanding between Christian and Jewish communities. Ironically, Sebastián’s journey to becoming a strong advocate for Israel began with skepticism. As an undergraduate at a university in Georgia, he held deeply critical views of the State of Israel. Driven by curiosity and a desire to “see the apartheid… for myself,” he accepted an invitation to visit Israel through a StandWithUs-sponsored trip. What he discovered there challenged everything he had believed. Instead of the narrative he expected, he encountered a diverse, multicultural society, one that had been misrepresented by movements like Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS). Since that transformative experience, Sebastián has become a passionate and powerful voice for Israel. In his own words: “I hope that the Jewish people are comforted in knowing that you’re not alone, and there are many Christians who pray for your safety; and work to support Israel and protect the Jewish community.” Thank you, Sebastián, for standing on the right side of history and for your unwavering dedication to building bridges between the Jewish and Christian communities. Your commitment reminds us how much we need one another through both times of celebration and moments of challenge.
