'My faith propelled me' to Israel, Patricia Heaton tells 'Post' in exclusive interview

When Patricia Heaton first stepped onto a treadmill in a West Hollywood gym decades ago, she had no way of knowing that a brief glance at her neighbor would plant a seed that would years later lead her to Israel.

The elderly woman beside her had numbers tattooed on her arm – a visceral reminder of the Holocaust and a haunting symbol of history’s enduring injustices.

For Heaton, a devout Catholic and Emmy-winning actress, the encounter was more than unsettling; it was a call to bear witness to the Jewish people and their history.

Decades later, Heaton’s call to action crystallized in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel – a coordinated assault by Hamas that shocked the world and provoked a wave of misinformation and anti-Israel sentiment. It was in response to this watershed moment that Heaton helped establish the October 7 Coalition (07C), a Christian-led initiative aimed at mobilizing faith communities to support Israel, combat antisemitism, and foster interfaith unity.

Along the way, she navigated the pitfalls of Hollywood, a city known for its liberal leanings and often skeptical stance on public expressions of religious and political belief. Yet her Catholic upbringing, marked by deep family devotion – her grandmother was recognized as Catholic Mother of the Year by the pope – instilled in her a sense of moral obligation and spiritual duty that transcended career concerns.

“My faith is what’s propelled me here,” Heaton said. “It’s not about finding religion again. It’s about being faithful to God and standing up for truth, for morality, for civilization.”

Since the October 7 attacks, she has been a constant presence on social media, posting and reposting messages of support for Israel and railing against its detractors. Oct. 7, she said, revealed a troubling silence within the broader Christian community.

“I reached out to a lot of Jewish friends and said, ‘How are you doing?’ They said, ‘Not well. You’re the only one who asked.’ I was like, ‘Oh. Where are all the Christian voices?’ That’s how the October 7 Coalition was born.”

The coalition began with a simple but profound act: a letter signed by 148 pastors in Nashville, sent to local Jewish federations and synagogue leaders, expressing solidarity and offering support.

“The warmth of the people was overwhelming,” she recalled. “Everything you read in the media is often the opposite of what Israel really is. Despite the loss, the horror, the attacks, there is joy, optimism, people looking for peace.”

A particularly poignant moment came during a visit to the site traditionally associated with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. “As we were standing there, the Iron Dome was intercepting missiles,” Heaton said. “I saw this connection: blessed are the peacemakers. And yet, they’re having to defend their lives. It’s ironic but also the world we live in. History repeats itself – this battle for truth, morality, and peace is ongoing.”

For Heaton, the trip deepened not only her understanding of Israel but also her Christian faith. “Jesus was Jewish,” she emphasized. “Delving into the roots of our faith in the Jewish people and seeing the continuity of history has enriched my spirituality. History isn’t stagnant – it’s alive today.”

At its core, the Oct. 7 Coalition seeks to activate Christians to be visibly and vocally supportive of Jewish communities and Israel. Its initiatives range from advocating for Israel on social media to sponsoring cultural programs, such as the “Promise Sessions,” where Israeli musicians who have completed military service collaborate with American Jewish communities to produce music.

Through these programs, 07C emphasizes unity between Christians and Jews while reinforcing a broader commitment to truth, justice, and religious freedom. Heaton stressed that this mission is not only spiritual but also humanitarian and political. The coalition provides support to survivors of terrorist attacks, such as those at the kibbutzim massacres, and works to counteract the tidal wave of disinformation about Israel spreading across social media.

“We see this as part of our mission,” she said. “You don’t have to give your life to the cause, but even small acts – commenting online, checking on friends, being informed – have an impact.”

Her convictions extend to contemporary geopolitical realities as well. Heaton noted that the threats facing Israel – terrorism, antisemitism, radical Islamist ideologies – also manifest in the United States.

“Israel is like the first responder,” she said. “They are sending their sons and daughters into battle. This isn’t just a Middle East issue – it’s a global one, and Christians have to stand up for truth and freedom.”

“People will trust a Hamas-run ministry over Israel, which doesn’t make sense,” she said. “You have to ask: why trust a terrorist organization over a country committed to democracy and peace?”

Her stance is unapologetic, grounded in what she regards as fundamental Christian values: the defense of life, the pursuit of justice, and the preservation of Western civilization. “This is a fight for everything we believe in as Christians – for freedom, for faith, for democracy,” she said.

One of the coalition’s hallmarks is fostering interfaith dialogue and relationships. Heaton emphasized that many Christians who support Israel do so without meaningful personal connections to Jewish communities. The coalition seeks to close that gap.

“The more Christians and Jews come together in our towns and cities, the stronger we are,” she said. “When you know you have allies, it’s easier to be vocal and public about your support for Israel.”

Public advocacy for Israel, especially in Hollywood and other liberal-leaning spheres, has not been without controversy.

“In Hollywood, as a pro-life Republican, I was used to being ‘othered,’” she stated. Heaton acknowledged receiving negative feedback on social media, often driven by bots or politically motivated narratives. “A lot of people are afraid to speak out,” she said. “But there’s nothing to be afraid of. Speak truthfully. Stand for what’s right. That’s our obligation.”

She also addressed the challenges posed by extremist ideologies masquerading as social justice or political critique.

“There’s this cancerous antisemitic rhetoric that has been platformed in ways that surprise me,” she said. “All Christians need to push back against that because it threatens not only Israel but the moral fabric of our society.”

Heaton draws upon her own experience standing for unpopular positions in Hollywood – particularly as a pro-life Republican in a largely liberal industry – to contextualize her advocacy. “It’s not new for me to stand against the grain,” she said. “This is just another moral imperative. You can’t compromise on basic truths.”

Heaton emphasized that supporting Israel is not in opposition to American values. “Israel is our ally. Supporting it does not mean we’re not pro-America. It means we understand the importance of partnership, democracy, and freedom,” she explained.

The coalition also recognizes the importance of education and discernment. Members are encouraged to scrutinize media sources, verify facts, and counter disinformation wherever it appears.

“We are fighting not against flesh and blood,” she said, echoing Saint Paul, “but against principalities and powers. There’s a spiritual level to this battle that’s taking place around us.”

Her commitment is both personal and communal. She has witnessed the resilience and faith of Israelis, particularly those living under constant threat, and draws inspiration from their example. “They have a choice to lay down or embrace life to the fullest. That’s what the Jewish people have done. And Christians can learn from that courage and joy in adversity.”

Her vision for the coalition continues to grow. From interfaith events and educational campaigns to initiatives like My Zuzzah, Your Zuzzah, 07C seeks to expand its reach and impact. Heaton also stressed that anyone can participate, whether through social media, local community engagement, or personal acts of solidarity.

“Christians, if you’re looking for a way to be supportive, just express your support for the Jewish people,” she said. “Fight antisemitism wherever you see it. Join us at o7c.com. That’s the start.”

For Patricia Heaton, this mission is not a temporary chapter but a defining element of her life. She measures success not in accolades or public recognition but in spiritual obedience and communal impact. “I’m not thinking about legacy,” she said. “My concern is standing in front of God at the end of my life and hearing, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ That’s all that matters.”

In an era marked by misinformation, rising antisemitism, and global uncertainty, Heaton’s faith-driven activism and the October 7 Coalition offer a model of courage, clarity, and compassion. Their work demonstrates that advocacy rooted in moral conviction and interfaith solidarity is not only possible but essential.

And for Heaton, it is a calling she cannot ignore – a calling that began decades ago on a treadmill in West Hollywood and continues today in the heart of Israel. ■