America and Israel have a long history of shared values, and the United States has been one of the safest places for Jews ever in history. That commitment to protection of the Jews is seen in George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island:
“The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy… All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship… for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens…”
Let’s take a step forward in history and look at America’s relationship with Israel since 1948 and find some encouragement to continue standing with Israel and the Jewish People, as we celebrate our 250th anniversary as a nation.
In 1948, the Jews of Israel (or Palestine as it was then called) faced a critical juncture. They had at their backs the weight of the UN partition plan, guaranteeing them rights to at least a portion of modern-day Israel. Opposite them were the hostile Arabs, and the British who were to end their colonial rule on May 15th, 1948. One day before the British left, on May 14th, at 4 P.M., Israel time, David Ben Gurion stood and read Israel’s Declaration of Independence—the State of Israel was to become official at midnight. Just 11 minutes after midnight, President Harry Truman recognized the State of Israel.
And so began a friendly relationship between the United States and Israel that has deepened over the years. Though some White House administrations have taken more antagonistic stances toward the Jewish State, our cooperation and friendship has grown, and Israel has enjoyed the overwhelming support of the American people.
The Alliance Deepens
The United States began selling Israel weapons in the 1960s and the countries became close allies following President Nixon’s emergency military airlifts to Israel which proved crucial to them winning the Yom Kippur War. Then, in 1975 the United States committed to supplying Israel with F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, which still today are a staple of the Israeli Air Force. The US made additional commitments to support Israel’s defense during the Camp David Accords which resulted in a peace agreement with Egypt.
Unfortunately, we have also had administrations that have not supported Israel well. The Oslo Accords, which led to a huge increase in terrorism, Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and the withholding of critical weapons from Israel during its war against Hamas are all examples of Presidents not understanding a region that deals in peace through strength.
Thankfully, President Trump has been, for the most part, a big supporter of Israel. He has spoken strongly in support of Israel, made sure the U.S. provides Israel with military aid, brokered a ceasefire deal to free the remaining hostages in Gaza and joined Israel in the fight against its arch enemy Iran. Questions remain, however, about resolution in Gaza, and how to deal with future threats from Iran. And there’s always the danger of nations pressuring Israel to accept a two state “solution”.
The Greatest Threat Undermining Our Nation
Even though Israel has a friend in the White House, there is cause for concern when one looks at other events transpiring around the nation. Since October 7, 2023, antisemitism has exploded worldwide, and our great nation is no exception to this cancer of hatred. Voices on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum were suddenly emboldened to speak of vile things that had been confined underground following the horrors of the Holocaust. The memory of those horrors has dimmed and people fail to see how we are walking a similar road to Germany of the 1930’s.
The Jews are scapegoated for the issues plaguing our country: Housing prices, wars, illegal immigration, and on and on. Many so-called Christians twist the Scriptures for antisemitic slurs, reminiscent of the long-held charge against the Jews as Christ-killers. Christians who bring up foundational Scriptures like Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you…” are ridiculed and accused of blindly providing support for the policies of the Israeli government. People apply double standards and focus on the misdeeds of some Jews, as if it were a legitimate way to judge a whole people group, religion, or country.
Hatred of Israel goes unpunished on university campuses, and last week, two Israel-hating candidates won the Democratic nomination for Congress. One of them is a graduate of Columbia University, which came into the spotlight in the past few years for allowing calls for genocide of Jews.
The younger generations are most susceptible to these lies. Many young people have their worldviews built on what they watch online–a cesspit of propaganda and misinformation. These young people will one day determine the future of our nation, and they already are to a degree. They need to be challenged by the truth and face consequences when they call for violence and commit violent acts.
We Must Not Be Silent in the Face of Evil
Most of our readers are likely witnesses of the beauty of God’s plan for Israel. How He has brought them back to the Land and reestablished them. Many of you have visited the beautiful Promised Land and seen firsthand that God’s Word is coming to pass! Here at Blessed Buy Israel, we work to share the stories of faith of the Jewish families giving their all for the prophesied redemption.
That’s why it’s so concerning and painful to see people–especially those who claim to be Christians–oppose Israel or treat it as unimportant. Israel is a dividing line in these last days, and Jerusalem a “cup of trembling.” The eyes of the world are fixated on Israel for good and for evil.
We know the future of Israel is glorious. God will once again establish His throne there at the House of Prayer for all nations. But we have a choice, will we be silent and stand by while His people suffer and are murdered and while Israel is isolated and attacked? Or will we stand boldly with God’s People and support the great work He is doing on the earth?
Be encouraged to continue praying for Israel and boldly speaking the truth of the miracle of God bringing His people home and restoring them! Buy the wonderful products of Israel and visit if you can.
We cannot expect God’s blessing on the United States if our nation opposes the apple of His eye. This weekend we celebrate an incredible anniversary of 250 years, and our nation can continue to succeed only if its people stand with Israel—because the God of whom we declare “In God We Trust,” is a keeper of everlasting covenants.