Ep 426: Disrupting Hate with Ken Schachter and guest Risto Huvila on hmTv

Episode 426 – Disrupting Hate

In this episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, host Ken Schachter speaks with Finnish political analyst and media host Risto Huvila about the evolving landscape of antisemitism, faith, and geopolitics in Europe. Broadcasting from Helsinki, Huvila offers a rare perspective on Jewish life in Finland, Christian support for Israel at the grassroots level, and the complex political alliances shaping attitudes toward Israel across the continent.

The conversation explores the role of education in countering hate, the rise of anti-Israel activism on campuses and in public discourse, and the importance of Holocaust remembrance as a tool for moral clarity. Huvila shares how his personal faith journey led him into decades of study on Jewish history, theology, and modern Israel, and why he firmly rejects replacement theology in favor of deeper Jewish Christian understanding.

This episode is a clear-eyed look at how misinformation spreads, how alliances form, and what individuals can actually do to push back. From engaging political leaders to highlighting Israel’s global innovations, the message is simple: education, courage, and honest dialogue are still the strongest tools for disrupting hate.

Transcript

Ep 426 – Disrupting Hate
Host: Ken Schachter
Guest: Risto Huvila

Humanity Matters. Hello, and thank you for joining me. I'm your host, Ken Schachter, and on today's episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv, we’re joined by special guest Risto Huvila. Risto is a political analyst and television host in Finland, a keen observer of Christian, Jewish, and European–Israeli affairs. He recently served as a Finnish delegate at the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance plenary in Israel and is chair of the Federation of Finland Israel Associations. Risto, thank you for joining us today via Zoom. I know you were on a U.S. swing in January. Are you back in Finland now?

Risto:
I’m back, thank you. Yes, here in the dark.

Ken:
Are you in Helsinki?

Risto:
Yes, that’s where I live.

Ken:
Just to orient our audience, Finland is a Nordic country of about six million people with a very long border with Russia. Does Finland have a large Jewish presence?

Risto:
No. Fewer than 2,000 Jews live in Finland.

Ken:
And what about the dominant Christian affiliation?

Risto:
The Lutheran Church is the major one. It’s not directly a state church, but it’s state-affiliated, and more than half the population belongs to it.

Ken:
Do you see an affinity between Finland and Israel given their small size and challenging neighborhoods?

Risto:
Yes. Both countries live in unpredictable neighborhoods. Finland has built one of the largest reserve forces in Europe, and we joined NATO recently. Security is always on our minds. And we both share blue and white flags, which people like to mention.

Ken:
How would you describe Jewish-Christian relations in Finland and Europe right now?

Risto:
Finland has many strong Christian friends of Israel at the grassroots level. Historically, antisemitism came from the extreme right, but in recent years, much of it has come with immigration from regions where antisemitic attitudes are common. At the same time, parts of the political left align with those voices. It creates strange alliances that are difficult to understand.

Ken:
We see some similar dynamics in the United States. As a Christian, what framework do you bring to ecumenical dialogue?

Risto:
Much of the support for Jewish communities comes from grassroots Christians rather than church leadership. Official church structures can be more cautious or critical of Israel. Around Holocaust Remembrance Day, everyone expresses solidarity, but sustained relationship-building is mostly driven by ordinary believers.

Ken:
What originally drew you into studying Israel and Jewish history?

Risto:
About twenty years ago, I had what I would describe as a spiritual turning point. I began reading the Bible with new focus, especially the Hebrew scriptures. I wanted to understand what they say about the Jewish people and Israel. That led me into Jewish history, Zionism, and the political developments of the modern era. It has been a journey through biblical, historical, and political dimensions.

Ken:
Replacement theology is common in some Christian circles. Has your view diverged from that?

Risto:
Completely. Replacement theology says God rejected the Jewish people and replaced them with the Church. I challenge that idea. If God rejected Israel for wrongdoing, what would that mean for the Church today? I don’t see that theology holding up morally or biblically.

Ken:
Are you working toward a more accepting view of Jewish people within Christian communities?

Risto:
Yes, but also politically. Many Christians focus only on the New Testament and don’t understand the broader biblical narrative. Beyond theology, we work with politicians to present Israel as a democratic society, a hub of innovation, and an important partner. Finland has strong defense and technological ties with Israel, which helps keep relationships solid.

Ken:
What threats do you see to that relationship?

Risto:
Mainstream media often frames the Middle East in a way that is critical of Israel. Education is crucial. We promote Holocaust Remembrance Week in Finland, encouraging schools, churches, and organizations to discuss what led to the Holocaust. Education of all age groups is essential.

Ken:
In the U.S., many were shocked by how entrenched anti-Israel narratives became on college campuses. Are you seeing that in Finland and Europe?

Risto:
Yes. It appears coordinated and well funded. Protests emerged immediately after October 7, and antisemitic incidents have increased. These movements are organized, and that is a serious concern.

Ken:
How can friends of Israel make the greatest impact?

Risto:
Engage politicians and educate them. Support leaders who stand for balanced and factual approaches. Also share the positive contributions of Israel, especially in technology and innovation. When people realize how much Israeli innovation affects their daily lives, it changes perspectives.

Ken:
Israel is often called the startup nation for good reason. From medical advances to agricultural technology, the contributions are significant. Risto, we’ve reached the end of our time, but thank you for sharing your insights. And thanks to everyone for tuning in to this episode of Disrupting Hate on hmTv. Be sure to subscribe, share, and stay connected for more conversations that matter. Until next time, take care and be well.