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Hadara Ishak

Making the Case for Israel: Why Its Importance Transcends Politics and Borders

In today’s divided world, explaining Israel’s importance to Jews and non-Jews alike can feel daunting, yet it’s an essential mission. Israel is far more than a geopolitical entity; it is a profound symbol of resilience, hope, and identity. Beyond politics and conflict, Israel’s story reveals a land where innovation thrives, culture flourishes, and history comes alive — a place whose survival and growth directly impact the future of the global Jewish population.

At the core of Israel’s importance is its identity as the spiritual and ancestral homeland of the Jewish people. For millennia, Jews have maintained an unbreakable bond with this land, reciting “Next year in Jerusalem” each Passover and holding onto the dream of returning. This connection is not just sentimental — it is foundational. Israel is where our ancient history is woven into modern life, from the sacred stones of Jerusalem to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv.

The double standard applied to Israel’s right to defend itself is unmistakable. When 2,200 American servicemen were killed at Pearl Harbor, the US response led to over three million Japanese casualties. After 2,800 Americans died in 9/11, subsequent US military action resulted in over 400,000 deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq — responses that the world understood as necessary for defense.

Compare this with Israel’s response to the October 7th terrorist attack—the deadliest assault on Jews since the Holocaust. Civilians were massacred, families taken hostage, and communities devastated. Yet, as Israel defends its people, calls for “restraint” abound, and university campuses erupt in protest. Civil wars in Sudan and Syria, claiming millions of lives, drew far less global outrage, revealing a disturbing trend: Jewish lives defending their homeland are scrutinized on a level other nations are not. The world’s selective outrage has created an environment where Israel is held to a double standard.

Even amid unimaginable threats, Israel maintains a humanitarian approach to warfare. The ratio of civilian to combatant deaths in Israel’s recent conflicts is lower than in many comparable Western military actions, including those in Mosul, Japan, and Germany. Israel goes to great lengths to minimize civilian casualties, from preemptive warnings to targeted strikes, while navigating enemies that hide within civilian infrastructure.

One critical truth often omitted from today’s conversation is the explicit call from jihadist ideologies to eliminate Jews worldwide. Eighty years ago, the world knew of Hitler’s genocidal ambitions yet only reacted once millions had perished. Today, the international community again turns a blind eye to alarming threats, choosing silence over acknowledgment. This moment calls for a proactive, vocal commitment to Israel’s defense. The US and its allies, who stand as global leaders, must speak out and act decisively. Silence today risks enabling atrocities tomorrow—an outcome we cannot allow for the Jewish people or the world.

Israel’s role as a world leader in innovation and technology often goes unrecognized. Known as the “Start-Up Nation,” Israel has more startups per capita than any other country, leading advancements in cybersecurity, medicine, and agriculture. The nation has transformed global agriculture with innovations like drip irrigation and has pioneered technologies we rely on daily, such as Waze. Many lives globally are bettered by Israeli ingenuity, a testament to Israel’s enduring contributions to society.

In a region marked by instability, Israel stands as a beacon of democracy and security. Despite its small size, Israel’s commitment to democratic values and civil rights is extraordinary. People of all backgrounds—Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others—participate fully in this society. Israel ranks among the top five nations globally for cyber defense, providing critical support to its immediate neighbors and allies worldwide.

As President of the Jewish Future Promise, I know that ensuring the continuity of Jewish life goes beyond protecting Israel; it involves preparing future generations to cherish and defend it. The Jewish Future Promise calls on individuals to make a personal commitment to the Jewish future. This is a promise to educate, invest, and engage so that the global Jewish community remains vibrant, resilient, and connected. As we reflect on Israel’s importance, we must also ask ourselves: What are we doing to secure a thriving Jewish future?

For those invested in the Jewish future, our relationship with Israel must be active and engaged. Whether through travel, learning Hebrew, or sharing Israel’s achievements, each of us can make a difference. The survival of Israel and the Jewish people transcend borders and politics—it’s about securing a future that honors our past and builds upon it.

This moment in history calls for clarity, unity, and commitment. Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people, is a gift to the world, symbolizing that growth and resilience are possible even under the harshest conditions. By supporting Israel and the Jewish Future, we are ensuring that this legacy endures for generations to come.

About the Author
Before becoming President of the Jewish Future Promise, Hadara was an entrepreneur, building Jan Micolle into a successful women’s clothing manufacturing company. After working at Jan Micolle, she became vice president of distribution and a co-producer at Imagination Productions, an independent documentary film company focused on the Jewish world.
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