Diego Gomez is a DMV native and one of Passages’ standout alumni, someone whose story reflects what can happen when a student encounters Israel not just through Scripture, but through experience.
As a pastor’s kid, Diego grew up with a strong understanding of Israel’s biblical importance, and the responsibility Christians carry to stand with the Jewish people. But in the summer of 2017, just before beginning his studies at Georgetown University, Diego joined Passages on his first trip to Israel, and what he encountered in the land took what he had always believed and made it personal.
Diego shared that seeing Israel firsthand deeply strengthened his faith and solidified his resolve to stand with the Jewish people. Walking where the story of Scripture unfolded gave him a richer understanding of Christianity’s roots and its inseparable connection to the Jewish community. That experience didn’t fade when he returned home, it became a foundation. One that has fueled his passion for confronting antisemitism in all its forms.
Since that first trip, Diego has returned to Israel two more times. He often shares that each visit reveals new layers, new depth in the land, the people, and the story, and each time, he feels called deeper into friendship and allyship with Israel and her people.
After October 7, Diego noticed a stark and painful shift in the rhetoric around him. Blaming Israel and rejecting her as a friend and ally quickly became mainstream. Protests erupted across the country, including in Washington, D.C.,right in Diego’s backyard. And rather than staying on the sidelines, Diego chose to show up.
He has been present and outspoken, rallying alongside members of the community to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community as anti-Israel protests and mobs gathered outside the Israeli Embassy. In moments when fear and isolation have become a reality for many Jewish Americans, Diego has been determined to be a visible friend.
With a background in communications, strategy, and Capitol Hill work, Diego understands something crucial: education matters. He believes that many people simply don’t recognize antisemitism when they see it, or don’t understand its long history and how quickly it adapts and spreads. Diego is committed to helping others understand that history, identify antisemitism clearly, and call it out wherever it appears.
Today, Diego continues to advocate for Christians to deepen their faith by understanding their spiritual heritage and the unique connection between Christianity and the Jewish people. He believes Israel and her people are not only biblically significant, but vital friends and allies for anyone who values democracy, freedom, and truth. Diego’s story is exactly why Passages exists: because when students experience Israel firsthand, they don’t just return inspired, they return equipped, courageous, and ready to lead.
