In a bold digital maneuver, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a multimillion-dollar propaganda push targeting Christians in the American Southwest, with Arizona churches squarely in its crosshairs. Publicly filed documents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) reveal that a San Diego-based firm is using geofencing technology to beam pro-Israel ads directly to worshipers' smartphones during Sunday services, sparking debates over foreign influence in US houses of worship.
The campaign, dubbed the "largest Christian Church Geofencing Campaign in US history," is orchestrated by Show Faith by Works, LLC, a newly formed entity led by activist Chad Schnitger. Valued at $3.26 million, with potential expansions to $4.1 million, it aims to combat declining support for Israel due to the two year war on Gaza Filings submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice in late September explicitly list 38 Arizona congregations as prime targets. The Arizona-specific targets focus primarily on 38 congregations in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tucson, and Prescott. While the campaign broadly encompasses "every major church" across Arizona and other states, the disclosed lists do not currently extend to Mohave County churches.
Geofencing works like an invisible net: Virtual boundaries are drawn around church parking lots and sanctuaries. When congregants' phones enter these zones during peak worship hours with location services enabled, targeted ads pop up. Messages blend biblical references with calls to stand with Israel, often framing all Palestinians as aligned with "extremist factions." The strategy extends to tracking attendees post-service for follow-up digital barrages, promising to reach nearly 4 million Christians across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Colorado. This type of marketing strategy is commonly used at concerts and other large events, you opt in when you purchase your ticket, and was recently employed at the TPUSA memorial for Charlie Kirk.
Critics decry the effort as manipulative overreach. "This isn't outreach; it's astroturfed propaganda," argued Dr. Lena Khalil, a media ethics professor at Arizona State University. "Geofencing exploits faith communities' trust, turning prayer time into ad space for a foreign power." "It's deeply unsettling," said Rev. Maria Gonzalez of Faith Community Church in Tucson, one of the listed sites. "We're here to preach the Gospel, not receive unsolicited foreign policy lectures via our cell phones. This feels like an invasion of sacred space." Gonzalez, whose nondenominational flock numbers 2,500 weekly, noted a surge in congregant concerns after the filings surfaced last week. Similar unease echoes from Phoenix's Christ Community Church, where Pastor Elias Rivera called it "a high-tech Trojan horse for geopolitical agendas."
The initiative's toolkit goes beyond bits and bytes. Show Faith by Works plans to mail "Pastoral Resource Packages" with video sermons and history lessons tailored for pulpits. It envisions recruiting influencers such as actors Chris Pratt and Mark Wahlberg, or evangelist Joel Osteen, for endorsements. A crown jewel: the "10/7 Experience," a mobile virtual reality trailer touring church lots with immersive recreations of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, complete with props, wall-sized screens, and Israeli military footage. The exhibit, budgeted at up to $835,000, aims to evoke empathy through "updated pro-Israel media."
Israel's Foreign Ministry defends the program as vital public diplomacy. In a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, officials emphasized its focus on "fostering biblical solidarity" amid rising antisemitism. Yet, with US evangelical approval of Israel dipping below 50% in recent polls, the stakes are high. The campaign runs through December, but its digital footprint may linger.
If you or someone you know starts receiving these texts please contact us.