America at 250: Supporting Israel Honors Our Nation’s Founding Principles
America at 250 – As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, it is a moment to not only celebrate its history but also to reaffirm the core values that underpin its identity. These values—liberty, justice, moral responsibility, and human dignity—are deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian traditions that shaped the nation’s founders. For me, as an Arab Muslim, these principles are inseparable from the biblical worldview that has guided generations of Americans, even as our shared heritage extends beyond religious lines.
Our system of governance, with its separation of powers and constitutional framework, finds its inspiration in ancient texts. The prophet Isaiah’s words, “the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king” (Isaiah 33:22), echo in the structure of our government, reflecting a belief in divine order and moral authority. This connection is not merely symbolic; it is foundational. The Ten Commandments, for instance, have influenced the legal and ethical codes that define American society. When we see the phrase “In God We Trust” on the back of a one-dollar bill, we are reminded of the theological underpinnings that have long guided our nation’s principles.
“I’M AN ARAB MUSLIM — I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND THE ANTISEMITIC BDS MOVEMENT”
Supporting Israel, then, is more than a political stance—it is an act of faith and historical continuity. The Jewish people’s role in shaping these values is profound. From the covenant God made with Abraham to the teachings of the Old Testament, their legacy is woven into the fabric of American ideals. As vice president of the Young Leadership group for the Washington, D.C., chapter of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), I have witnessed firsthand the resilience and dedication of Israelis who uphold freedom and justice under immense pressure. The Oct. 7 terrorist attacks highlighted the stakes of this commitment, and my visit to Israel revealed the unwavering courage of soldiers, families, and communities who have become symbols of hope in the face of adversity.
What struck me most was their moral clarity. Even as they confront existential threats, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of liberty and their adherence to a strong ethical code. This balance between strength and compassion is a testament to the enduring influence of Judeo-Christian values. It is this same framework that has sustained American democracy for centuries. Yet, the author notes, this connection is under threat. A recent poll by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research reveals a troubling trend: while American evangelicals continue to strongly support Israel, younger generations are increasingly distant from these biblical foundations.
The findings of the report, “The Crossroads of Belief: Evangelicals and the Jewish People,” are particularly concerning. Only 29% of evangelicals under 35 believe the Jewish people are God’s chosen nation. This shift raises questions about the future of America’s moral compass. If we are to preserve the principles that have defined our nation, we must recommit ourselves to their origins. These principles began with the ancestors of our Jewish neighbors and friends, who laid the groundwork for the ideals we hold dear today. Their sacrifice and vision have made our freedoms possible, and their legacy demands our continued respect.
Recent joint operations between the U.S. and Israel to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions exemplify the partnership that should define our relationship. These efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to security and the promotion of hope in a world often defined by conflict. The camaraderie between our two nations is built on a common understanding of truth and freedom, values that transcend borders and beliefs. Yet, this alliance is not just about military cooperation—it is a reflection of the deeper moral and historical ties that bind us.
As we reflect on 250 years of American freedom, we must also recognize the importance of standing with our Jewish allies. Their struggle for self-determination is a mirror of our own. When we support Israel, we are not only defending a nation but also honoring the values that have sustained our own. The Jewish people have been instrumental in shaping the moral foundations that our country relies on, and their role should be celebrated as a cornerstone of our national identity.
Freedom, as the author emphasizes, is not a given—it is a choice each generation must make. The BDS movement, which seeks to isolate Israel through economic and cultural pressure, challenges this choice by undermining the connection between our values and their origins. By supporting Israel, we affirm the principles that have guided our nation since its inception. We honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and ensure that the ideals of liberty and justice continue to thrive in the present.
Let us recommit to this legacy. Let us recognize that the values we cherish today were first articulated by the ancestors of our Jewish neighbors. Let us stand by Israel as a strong ally, not just for its strategic importance but for its role in upholding the very ideals that make America great. As we celebrate 250 years of freedom, may we also remember that it survives only when each generation chooses to preserve it. This choice is not just patriotic—it is foundational. It is a reaffirmation of who we are and who we aspire to be.
Why the Alliance Matters
The U.S.-Israel relationship is a partnership rooted in shared history and mutual respect. For decades, this alliance has been a beacon of hope in a world where freedom is often contested. The recent operations to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions are a clear example of this partnership in action. By working together, we demonstrate that the principles of hope, truth, and freedom are not just abstract concepts but lived realities.
However, the erosion of understanding between generations poses a risk to this relationship. Younger Americans, influenced by a rapidly changing cultural landscape, may not see the same connection between Israel and the values that define our nation. This disconnect is not just a political issue—it is a moral one. The Jewish people have long been a symbol of resilience, and their story is intertwined with the story of America. By supporting Israel, we are not only defending a nation but also safeguarding the values that have made our country strong.
Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment. As we commemorate 250 years of American freedom, let us honor the moral foundations that have sustained it. Let us stand with Israel, not just as a nation but as a people whose values have shaped our own. The question before us is not whether we should support Israel, but whether we can continue to uphold the principles that have guided us from the beginning. The answer lies in our collective choice to preserve and protect these values for future generations.
In the end, the United States’ relationship with Israel is more than a geopolitical alliance—it is a testament to the enduring power of faith and history. The Jewish people’s role in shaping our founding principles is undeniable, and their struggle for survival and freedom continues to inspire us. As we look to the future, let us ensure that our support for Israel is rooted in the same conviction that has guided our nation since its inception: the belief that freedom is worth defending, and that moral responsibility is the foundation of all progress.
