Stand Strong for Israel: Unity is Our Power

Every Man for Himself and God for Us All: How Not to Win a War

In a world increasingly divided by politics, ideologies, and interests, unity seems like a distant dream. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of pro-Israel advocacy. “Every man for himself and God for us all”— this saying often comes to mind when I reflect on the state of Israel’s global supporters. And while these words may ring true in some contexts, they should never apply to the fight for Israel’s future. The disjointed, fragmented nature of Israel advocacy around the world—especially in the Netherlands—has proven one thing: If we want to win, we must unite. Because divided, we stand no chance.

Let me be clear: I’ve supported Israel from the moment I set foot on its sacred soil and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. This is not about religion for me, but rather about the undeniable energy that flows through the land and its people. I am not a religious person, nor do I claim to understand the mysteries of the universe. But I believe humans can influence the energy around them. Perhaps it is this unique, almost magical energy that Israel exudes that makes me feel at home in a way no other place ever could. It is the energy of resilience, strength, and defiance in the face of adversity. And it’s this very energy that we must harness.

Back in November 2014, I founded Time To Stand Up for Israel, an NGO that initially began as a grassroots movement. We took to the streets, countering antisemitic hate speech and organizing weekly support actions for Israel. We were determined to stand strong for the truth about Israel, not as a religious or political statement, but as a universal declaration of justice. We were one of the first groups of our kind in the Netherlands, joined by organizations like Christians for Israel and CIDI, and yet, we soon discovered how difficult it is to unite like-minded people.

Despite our early success—our first rally on March 1, 2015, for example—our journey was marred by resistance. Various groups, each with their own vision, fought to remain separate rather than united. Some believed we weren’t religious enough; others felt we were too religious. Some saw us as too right-wing, others too left-wing. In the end, our unity was fractured by egos, factions, and a lack of willingness to come together under a single cause. While the pro-Palestinian groups banded together in their hatred of Israel, we failed to unite in our love for it. That was our biggest mistake.

Now, more than 1.5 years into a war that, in many eyes, Israel seems to be losing in Public opinion, it’s time to reconsider our approach. We must look at what is at stake and recognize that fragmented efforts will not lead to success. The energy of Israel—its strength, its spirit, its unwavering resilience—has the power to unite us. But only if we decide to set aside differences and focus on a single goal: the survival and thriving of Israel.

The situation is dire, but there is hope. Israel’s magic, its spirit, its energy—they are not just buzzwords or abstract ideals. They are real, tangible forces that we can tap into. The question is whether we will finally come together, or whether we will continue to let the splintered nature of our advocacy be our downfall.

To that end, Time To Stand Up For Israel is organizing a manifestation on May 18, 2025, from 14:00 to 17:00. This event is not just another protest. It is a call to action, a call for unity, a celebration of everything Israel stands for. We invite every pro-Israel group, organization, and individual to join us. Together, let us use the power of the energy that surrounds Israel and let it manifest into one unstoppable force—a bomb of love, strength, and determination.

We cannot afford to lose. We must recognize the energy that Israel exudes, and we must channel it. For if we stand together, united as one, there is no way we can lose. Not now, not ever.

Let’s come together and prove that the love for Israel is stronger than any division.

See you in Amsterdam and Am Yisrael Chai!