A defining moment for Israel’s future: Why we must act now

With President Trump in the White House, a Republican-controlled Senate and House, and an administration openly supportive of Israel’s territorial claims, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. This is a rare moment when the American administration aligns with a vision for Israel that recognizes it as the homeland of the Jewish people – whole and undivided. We must seize this opportunity to define Israel’s future as the one true Jewish state, unified from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing Yehuda, Shomron, and Gaza.

Our story as Jews begins with the Bible, which not only informs our identity but establishes Israel as our rightful home. Let’s be real: the only reason we are in Israel, as opposed to anywhere else in the world, is because Israel is our biblical homeland. From our sacred texts to our prayers – each year we say, “Next year in Jerusalem” – our claim to this land is woven into our beliefs. Yet, in recent decades, we have faltered in asserting our birthright, taking half-measures, relinquishing land, and making concessions in hopes of peace.

We’ve been hesitant, even embarrassed, to stand firmly and say: this land belongs to us. For years, we’ve tried to appease our neighbors, walking a diplomatic tightrope to avoid “stirring the pot.” But this approach has done nothing to bring peace; instead, it has made us more vulnerable, as we have seen with the terror and violence that continually threaten our lives and security. The tragic events of October 7 are a stark reminder of the consequences of insecurity and concession. Appeasement has failed. It is time for us to embrace the reality that the entire land of Israel is ours and that, for the safety of all who live here, Israel must control and inhabit the whole of its historical territory.

The Trump administration has already proven its commitment to Israel, backing us in unprecedented ways. President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, his formal acknowledgment of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and the Abraham Accords, which have established historic peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, all speak to this administration’s dedication to Israel’s security and future. Today, with voices like Ambassador David Friedman, whose book One Jewish State calls for a single, unified Jewish homeland, we have a blueprint for a future that provides both Jews and Arabs with safety and stability.

Friedman makes a compelling case for using the Bible as the basis for Israel’s claims, pointing out that it has been the number one bestseller throughout history. This widespread recognition makes the Bible the most authoritative source on the topic of Israel’s rightful ownership of the land. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, it is difficult to dismiss a document that has shaped the moral and cultural fabric of so much of the world. The Bible’s authority should serve as a powerful validation of Israel’s claim to the land.

The Bible itself envisioned a Jewish state that included non-Jews living peacefully under Jewish sovereignty. Under this vision, Israel would unequivocally claim its historical and geographical boundaries, while making it clear that those Arabs who wish to live peacefully within Israel’s borders are welcome to do so. But the terms must be clear: living in Israel requires adherence to Israel’s laws and respect for its sovereignty as a Jewish state. For more details, I encourage you to read One Jewish State – I can’t do it justice in this piece.

We see high-ranking American officials backing this vision unequivocally. Figures like Marco Rubio, who has consistently stood for Israel’s security and sovereignty, and Mike Huckabee, who has argued that Israel’s claim to towns in Yehuda and Shomron – such as Shiloh – is even stronger than America’s claim to Manhattan, bring essential support to Israel’s case on the global stage. Similarly, Pete Hegseth has gone as far as to imagine a day when the Jewish temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem, underscoring the deep spiritual and historical connection that Jews have to this land. Representative Mike Waltz, nominated as National Security Advisor, and Elise Stefanik, nominated as Ambassador to the United Nations, have boldly championed Israel’s right to defend and define its territory, challenging the international community to respect Israel’s right to exist within its full boundaries.

In a world that is often hostile or indifferent to Israel’s needs, we now have allies at the highest levels who are ready to stand with us. This is not just an opportunity for Israel; it is a call for us, the Jewish people, to finally believe in our own right to this land. For too long, our hesitation has undermined our security and emboldened our enemies. Now, for the first time, we have an American administration that believes in our right to be here. It’s time that we do too. We must change our mindset, embrace this vision, and assert that Israel is, and always will be, the homeland of the Jewish people.

Other proposals have been floated, each offering incremental concessions that would ultimately leave Israel more vulnerable. Friedman’s One Jewish State plan represents not just the most viable option, but the only realistic one that aligns with our security and values. Israel’s future is ours to define, and we have the opportunity now to show the world what a unified and peaceful Israel can look like.

Let us, as Jews, stand together in declaring the entirety of Israel as our homeland. Let us build a future where we, our children, and our children’s children can live without fear, with a secure, united Israel. Now is the time to embrace this vision – not merely to hope for next year in Jerusalem, but to make it a reality.