Why Support and Stand with Israel?

Why Support and Stand with Israel?

A. Why Support and Stand with Israel?

Israel faces several significant challenges in the contemporary world, and the Christian community can play a role in addressing some of these challenges:

1. Security Threats: Israel continues to face security threats from various sources, including terrorism, regional conflicts, and hostile neighbors.

The Christian community can advocate for peaceful resolutions to conflicts, support initiatives aimed at counterterrorism and security cooperation, and provide humanitarian aid to communities affected by violence and displacement.

2. Political and Diplomatic Pressures: Israel encounters diplomatic challenges, including tensions with neighboring countries, international criticism, and efforts to delegitimize its existence.

The Christian community can engage in advocacy efforts to promote fair and balanced narratives about Israel, support diplomatic initiatives for peace and reconciliation, and foster dialogue between different stakeholders.

3. Humanitarian Concerns: There are humanitarian concerns within Israel and the occupied territories, including issues related to access to healthcare, education, water resources, and economic opportunities.

The Christian community can support humanitarian organizations working to alleviate poverty, provide medical assistance, and empower marginalized communities.

4. Social and Religious Divisions: Israel grapples with social and religious divisions, including tensions between different ethnic and religious groups, as well as debates over issues such as secularism, religious freedom, and gender equality.

The Christian community can promote interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and understanding, support initiatives that promote social cohesion and equality, and advocate for the rights of minority groups.

5. Peace Process and Settlements: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, with ongoing disputes over borders, settlements, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem.

The Christian community can advocate for a just and lasting solution to the conflict, support efforts to resume peace negotiations, and encourage confidence-building measures between Israelis and Palestinians.

6. Environmental Challenges: Israel faces environmental challenges, including water scarcity, desertification, pollution, and climate change impacts.

The Christian community can support environmental conservation efforts, promote sustainable development practices, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

B. The Theological Foundations Why We Stand with Israel as Christians

God's Promise to Abraham:

Genesis 12:3 (KJV): "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."


Genesis 15:18 (KJV): "In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates."


Genesis 17:7-8 (KJV): "And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."


The Blessing of Abraham:

Galatians 3:7-9 (KJV): "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."

Galatians 3:14 (KJV): "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."


God's Covenant with Israel:

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 (KJV): "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."


Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem:

Psalm 122:6 (KJV): "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee."

Support for Israel, according to these scriptures, is based on God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, the promise of blessing for those who bless Israel, and the call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. These beliefs underpin the theological rationale for supporting Israel among many Christians.

C. Standing with Israel can bring about various practical blessings, both on an individual and collective level:

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Many believe that supporting Israel aligns with biblical prophecy, and participating in God's plan can bring spiritual fulfillment and blessings.

• Protection and Security: There is a belief among some that supporting Israel can lead to divine protection and security. Historically, nations that have supported Israel have experienced stability and protection.

• Economic Prosperity: Economic ties with Israel can lead to mutual benefits and prosperity. Israel is known for its technological advancements, innovative industries, and entrepreneurial spirit, which can contribute to economic growth and development for nations that support it.

• Diplomatic and Strategic Alliances: Supporting Israel can foster strong diplomatic and strategic alliances. Cooperation with Israel in areas such as defense, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism can enhance national security and global stability.

• Cultural and Intellectual Enrichment: Israel has a rich cultural heritage and contributes significantly to the arts, literature, science, and academia. Supporting Israel can facilitate cultural exchange and intellectual enrichment, fostering greater understanding and appreciation between nations.

• Humanitarian Aid and Development: Standing with Israel can provide opportunities for humanitarian aid and development assistance to vulnerable populations within Israel and in neighboring regions. Supporting initiatives aimed at peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and economic development can promote stability and well-being in the region.

• Personal Spiritual Growth: For individuals, standing with Israel can deepen their spiritual connection and understanding of biblical prophecy. Engaging with Israel's history, culture, and people can enrich one's faith journey and personal relationship with God.

By RES SIMPhil