Israel at a crossroads: Rekindling the vital bond with Evangelical Christians
Across the globe, the State of Israel has long relied, consciously or not, on a unique friendship with the evangelical Christian community. This has been one of Israel’s strongest and most enduring alliances, marked by steadfast prayer, advocacy, and generosity. For decades, evangelicals have stood with Israel when few others would. Yet today, Israel is losing the younger generation of evangelicals, and the implications for the future are deeply concerning.
Many young evangelicals no longer see Israel as the miracle of modern history or the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Instead, they are consuming a distorted narrative, spread through social media and universities, that portrays Israel as oppressive and genocidal. They know Israel only through headlines and hashtags, not through authentic encounter.
This is not simply a matter of public relations. It is about relationship. And crucially, it is not only about reaching young people directly. The faster and more effective strategy is to reach those who influence them: pastors, worship leaders, artists, educators, and social media voices. These leaders are the trusted guides of this generation, and it is their perspectives that shape millions.
When such influencers encounter Israel firsthand – walking the streets of Jerusalem, standing at the Kotel, visiting Yad Vashem, meeting young Israeli soldiers, and sharing a Shabbat meal – their understanding changes profoundly. They return home with stories and experiences that transform their messages from pulpits, classrooms, stages, and platforms.
Jerusalem holds particular power in this regard. To stand in the City of David, to walk where prophets and kings once walked, to feel the heartbeat of three thousand years of history converging in a living modern capital, awakens something deep within both Christians and Jews.
At Eagles’ Wings, we have witnessed this impact by bringing 900 pastors and influencers to Israel in recent years. The results are remarkable. But far more must be done. Not hundreds, not thousands, but tens of thousands of influencers must encounter Israel over the coming decade if we are to secure and renew this vital alliance.
This is not optional. The bond between Israel and global evangelicals has been one of Israel’s greatest strategic assets. Politically, evangelicals represent tens of millions of committed voices in the United States and hundreds of millions worldwide. Economically, evangelical tourism contributes billions to Israel’s economy. Spiritually, they offer prayer, solidarity, and moral courage, often at great personal cost.
Leaders such as Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar, and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer have all spoken of the central importance of this alliance. They recognize what is at stake. To lose the friendship of the evangelical world would be to lose one of Israel’s most faithful allies at a time when global opinion is increasingly hostile and when Israel faces mounting challenges.
The programs to build these bridges already exist. What is needed now is the vision and commitment to fund them at the level this urgent moment requires.
The friendship of evangelicals has been a gift to Israel. Now is the time for Israel to ensure that this gift is not lost, but strengthened for the sake of Zion, for the sake of Israel, and for the sake of generations to come.
