(JNS)

Actress and advocate Patricia Heaton helped the Jewish Future Promise pass a historic milestone when she became the 100,000th signer of the pledge on Tuesday.

“As a Christian, my spiritual heritage exists in the Jewish people. The bond Jews and Christians share is deep and profound,” said the 67-year-old. “Along with that, our shared Judeo-Christian values are the foundation for the free and thriving democracies we see in Israel, America and around the world. The Jewish future is everyone’s future!”

Heaton has been a fierce advocate for the Jewish state, especially after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. She founded the Oct. 7 Coalition, “a network of Christians standing visibly and vocally against the rise of antisemitism in our country,” according to its website. It recognizes Israel’s right to exist; emphatically rejects antisemitism; and aims to strengthen ties and connections between Christians and Jews.

JFP founder Mike Leven stated that the 100,000th signature “is not merely a milestone; it’s a profound reflection of our collective commitment to the future of Jewish life.”

“Each of the 100,000 made is a promise to sustain our heritage and nurture the values that have defined our community for generations,” he said. “This is more than just a number. It is a living legacy.”

The JFP is a “moral commitment to share Jewish stories, values and traditions with family and friends,” that also asks that 50% of all charitable contributions made after passing be allocated to Jewish causes and/or Israel. “It is not a legal or binding agreement, but a promise to the next generation of the Jewish people,” per its website.

It was founded in response to a 2017 survey that revealed just 11% of donations from Jewish benefactors were invested in Jewish causes.
The Jewish Youth Promise, its youth initiative, recently surpassed 30,000 total signatures.