Judea and Samaria is Israel’s heartland, where most of the events of the Bible took place and where Jews have maintained a continual presence for thousands of years. One would think then that it is universally recognized as an indisputable part of Israel, but that is most certainly not the case. Much of the world’s outrage today centers on this piece of land smaller than the state of Delaware.

Israel's claim to Judea and Samaria

It was in Elon Moreh, Samaria, more than 3500 years ago that Abram received the promise from God, “to your descendants I will give this land.” We read of the promise coming to fruition under the leadership of Joshua.

Since then, the story of the Jewish People has been inextricably linked to the Promised Land, in particular the mountainous areas that today comprise Judea and Samaria. Even during times of exile, there was always a remnant that remained, and Jews in the diaspora longed to return to their homeland.

No people group other than the Jews made a claim to Judea and Samaria until the early 1900’s when the Jews began making efforts to reestablish the nation of Israel. A name with no historical connection to any people group was given to the diverse population of nomads, Syrians, Egyptians and others who had recently made Israel their home; they were called Palestinians. It’s important to note that the Palestinian cause was founded on hatred for Israel, and not because of any legitimate interest in the welfare and dignity of the people. Today, Palestinian leaders continue to use their people as pawns, cultivating hatred, funneling aid money to terror, and keeping thousands in refugee camps.

The “Palestinian cause” helped lay the foundation for the most common expression of antisemitism today: antizionism, which is opposition to the Jewish nation, Israel. We often hear talk of a “two-state solution.” Proponents demand that Israel is illegally “occupying” the “West Bank,” and must give it up for the creation of a Palestinian State. The land they are referring to is Judea and Samaria, which Israel has every historical and legal right to.

Celebrating 55 years of Judea and Samaria "In our hands!"

It was at this time of year, in 1967 that Israel liberated Judea and Samaria in a war of defense. Since 1949, Judea and Samaria had been illegally occupied by Jordan, which attacked Israel during the Six Day War. In just a few days in June 1967, Israel took back its heartland.

The days since that miraculous victory have been fraught with political firestorms and terrorism, but a beautiful story is being written too, because of God’s faithful people building communities and restoring the land. These mountain areas overlooking Israel’s coastal cities are not just important for Israel’s physical security. As Israel’s biblical heartland, they are also critical to Israel thriving as the Nation of the Jewish People.

Today, the situation in Judea and Samaria is a mixed bag of successes and failures. Due in large part to international pressure, Israel has been hindered in efforts to extend sovereignty over, or even even build more homes in, Judea and Samaria. At the same time, large scale illegal, European Union-funded, Palestinian building projects threaten Israel’s security. In addition, Israel is governed by a fragile coalition of both left and right wing parties which has not been good for the communities of Judea and Samaria, since it means a lot more compromise on controversial issues. Most recently a government bill extending Israeli law to Jews in Judea and Samaria failed to pass, leaving the government—and Israelis in the heartland—at a precipice.

Lovers of Israel should see this as yet another call to action in our support! Blessed Buy Israel is one way you can invest directly into Judea and Samaria. Another great way is to visit the communities of Judea and Samaria, and get to know the people who are creating a beautiful future! From a worldly point of view, they work against the odds, but their eyes are on the Rock of Israel who promised “Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.” Isaiah 61:7