On November 9, Christian and Jewish Texans joined forces to donate blood at a drive held by MAGEN DAVID ADOM, in partnership with Carter BloodCare of Dallas–Fort Worth. The blood drive was a key part of the Texas Israel Festival, a community celebration at Shearith Israel Synagogue in Dallas that was spearheaded by Christian Zionist student Arianna-Rosie Bourgoin.

Blood donations collected at the festival will save lives in North Texas while strengthening Blood Centers of America (BCA) to deliver on its insurance policy for Israel, should the nation’s blood supply be threatened by war, terror attacks, or natural disaster. It produced about 17 units of blood — which can save as many as 50 lives.

Bourgoin, a student at Texas Wesleyan University who has become well known for her Israel advocacy, chose to partner with MAGEN DAVID ADOM because she was aware of its work saving lives in Israel. She also felt that it was important to incorporate service into the festival’s program.

“I think it’s so important to recognize how the Jewish people are known for charity work and giving back, and I really liked that about the Jewish people and all of their events. So, I thought that there was a need to be able to give back to the communities,” she said.

To involve the larger Christian community, Bourgoin welcomed members of Eagle Mountain International Church, Gateway Church, New Beginnings Church, and Watermark Community Church. Pastor Troy Jackson of New Beginnings Church offered a prayer at the start of the event.

Bourgoin said that participants were eager to make a practical contribution to Israel’s safety, despite pervasive anti-Israel sentiment in places like college campuses.

“People don’t really know, but a lot of Christian Zionists get backlash for standing with the Jewish people and showing support for Israel. For me, I lost a lot of friends on campus. But I keep going and I keep showing my support for Israel. I know that it’s important to continue this work. If I don’t, who will?” Bourgoin explained.

Alison Gardy, director of external and partner relations for AMERICAN FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM , who collaborated with Bourgoin on the blood drive, is looking forward to similar efforts in the future.

“Our interfaith blood drives are unique opportunities for Christians and Jews to serve side-by-side, giving the gift of life and standing in solidarity with Israel,” she said.

For Bourgoin, the blood drive and festival are just the  start of other events bringing faith communities together behind a common cause.

“I think it’s important that we have more of these, because so many non-Jewish people came out to this event, not just Christians. There were Hindus and Muslims that came, and they learned so much,” said Bourgoin.

“One of the main reasons I did this is to educate the next generation, because the next generation is the future of the pro-Israel movement,” she added.