OPINION:
This week’s visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the U.S., and his speech to the U.S. Congress, sent an important message about the bond between two great countries.
Israel and the United States will inevitably disagree on many matters. But we will always remain family. Our evolutionary societies have so much to give to the world, and so much to learn from each other. Our bond may be challenged at times, but it is absolutely unbreakable,” said President Herzog.
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I’ve known President Herzog for many years. The organization I head, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship), worked with him for years when he was Israel’s Minister of Welfare. We worked together when he headed the Jewish agency to help bring Jewish people home to Israel. I remember very clearly when he came to visit me when I was sitting Shiva after the death of my father, The Fellowship’s founder, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein (of blessed memory). In all those situations what has stood out is his authenticity, his warmth, his genuine love for Israel, for America, for Western culture, for freedom, and for helping the poor.
President Herzog’s speech didn’t deal with partisan politics or specific policy recommendations. Instead, it embodied the president’s authenticity, warmth, and love for the friendship between my two countries (I was born in America but have now lived in Israel for nearly two decades). And it embodied the spirit of The Fellowship, where Jews and Christians, bound by shared values, are inspired to change the world, together. We, too, don’t get into politics or policy; we work day and night, and have for the past 40 years, furthering the foundation of Jewish-Christian relations by focusing on what we have in common, our shared values, and partnership to bring light to the darkest places.
The bond that has been the hallmark of U.S.-Israel relations since the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948 has held through thick and thin, in good times and bad. Like the relationship between family members, the bond reflects a natural alliance. Both countries are democracies that grant to their citizens certain fundamental rights. The Declaration of Independence states that all American citizens have a right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” while the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel declares that all Israeli citizens shall be granted “freedom of religion, conscience, language, education, and culture.” These similarities mean that, more often than not, Israel and the U.S. stand united on important issues.
It’s a bond that goes far beyond partisan politics. Polls consistently show that the American people support Israel. We are further drawn together by what columnist Jeff Jacoby once called a “kinship of common values”: a shared faith in God, a common Judeo-Christian heritage, trust in the institutions built upon that heritage, and a love of freedom.
Moreover, the American-Israeli relationship goes both ways. It is not just that America helps Israel; Israel helps America by sharing intelligence information and counter-terror tactics. As the only democracy in the region, Israel is the only country that fully embraces American values.
In his speech, President Herzog also addressed an issue of vital importance to both Israelis and Americans: the threat of anti-Semitism, which he called “a disgrace in every form.” In recent years, we have seen a deeply disturbing increase in attacks upon Jews, Jewish institutions, and the Jewish state.
Yet, while the situation is escalating, we need not feel helpless. Just as we — Christians and Jews — have come together in the past to help Jews in need, we will stand together now in the face of this new challenge. Together we can save lives and let the Jewish people know that they are not alone, that millions of Christians around the world care about them and stand by them.
The American-Israeli relationship is vital in times of crisis. But President Herzog’s speech celebrated a relationship that goes far beyond our shared political and strategic interests. Americans and Israelis celebrate the relationship between their nations because we share values, beliefs, dreams, desires, and mutual respect for each other.
In Proverbs 18:24 we read, “… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” On the occasion of President Herzog’s visit to the U.S., I am grateful that Israel and the U.S. are such friends. May God bless America, may God bless Israel, and may both of our nations bring blessings to the entire world.
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About Yael Eckstein
As President and CEO of The Fellowship, Yael Eckstein oversees all programs and serves as the international spokesperson for the organization. With over a decade of non-profit experience in multiple roles, Yael has the rare distinction of being a woman leading one of the world’s largest religious charitable organizations. In addition to her weekly podcast exploring the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, “Nourish Your Biblical Roots.” Yael also invites thought-leaders, pastors, authors, and other influencers to discuss Israel and Jewish-Christian relations on “Conversations with Yael.” She is the 2023 recipient of the Jerusalem Post’s Humanitarian Award, and in 2020 and 2021, was named to the publication’s list of 50 Most Influential Jews. Born outside of Chicago, Yael is now based in Israel with her husband and their four children.
About The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
For 40 years, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has been leading efforts to build bridges between Christians and Jews and provide humanitarian care and lifesaving aid for Israel and the Jewish people. Through the generosity and loyalty each year of its donors, partners, and staff, The Fellowship helps over 1 million people living in poverty, has provided nearly 3,000 bomb shelters for security, and has helped 770,000 make aliyah back to their homeland, Israel. The Fellowship celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, continuing a mission to bless Israel and the Jewish people – like our world has never seen.
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