In Support of Israel, Thousands of Non-Jews Order Mezuzahs

In a heartwarming show of solidarity, thousands of non-Jews have ordered mezuzahs following a campaign launched by actress Patricia Heaton. Heaton, best known for her roles in "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "The Middle," recently announced the #MyzuzahYourzuzah campaign as part of her nonprofit, The October 7 Coalition, encouraging people of all faiths to display a mezuzah as a symbol of support for Israel and the Jewish community.

Heaton’s video, where she affixes a mezuzah to her doorpost, quickly went viral, prompting a flood of requests to MyZuzah, a Jewish nonprofit dedicated to providing mezuzahs to Jewish homes worldwide. Most non-Jews opted to purchase the mezuzah case without the scroll, which is considered a sacred item in Jewish tradition.

“When a non-Jew comes to us, we encourage them to purchase a mezuzah case to show their support,” said Alex Shapero, MyZuzah’s program director. “If they want to buy the scroll as well, we explain that it’s an obligation for Jews, but they are welcome to.”

The campaign arrives in the wake of a surge in antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Heaton’s initiative, part of a larger effort to combat antisemitism, mirrors previous gestures of solidarity. From Montana residents displaying menorahs in their windows in 1993, to recent actions at universities like Indiana University, non-Jewish allies have found creative ways to stand with the Jewish community during times of distress.

The symbolism of the mezuzah, which contains a parchment inscribed with passages from the Torah, holds deep spiritual meaning for Jews, serving as both a reminder of faith and a protection for the home. Heaton’s campaign uses this sacred object to promote unity and resistance against antisemitism.

While some have expressed concerns about the use of Jewish ritual objects by non-Jews, Shapero reassures that the mezuzahs ordered through the campaign are treated with respect. “These requests come from a place of love and support for the Jewish community,” he said, highlighting the positive intention behind the campaign.

Patricia Heaton’s passion for supporting Israel extends beyond this campaign. Through her nonprofit, she has hosted unity dinners, collaborated with leading voices like antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt, and actively participated in pro-Israel rallies. Her campaign has already inspired countless people to take part in this meaningful gesture, emphasizing the importance of standing up for Jewish identity and against antisemitism.

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