Prime Minister Netanyahu Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday, marked the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, highlighting the deep ties between Israel and the United States.

As Americans reflect on this milestone, there’s a chance to think about more than just the past. It’s also a time to recall the core values that made this country what it is today.

These values are, I think, closely linked to the Judeo-Christian principles that informed our Founding Fathers and influenced the nation’s trajectory. Concepts like freedom, human dignity, justice, and moral responsibility were not birthed in isolation. They were heavily shaped by the Biblical principles guiding many generations of Americans.

Our form of government is grounded in ancient truths, with echoes from the Jewish tradition that date back over 2,500 years. The structure of our government is reflected in Isaiah’s words: “The Lord is our judge, and the Lord is our lawgiver, and the Lord is our king” (Isaiah 33:22). The laws that shape our nation derive from the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. When we glance at a dollar bill and read “In God We Trust,” we should ponder which God we are acknowledging. It’s the God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

This foundation is another compelling reason to stand with Israel.

As someone involved with the Young Leadership Affinity Group of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) in Washington, D.C., I’ve witnessed the bravery and sacrifices of those who protect Israel. Following the tragic events of October 7, I visited Israel, meeting soldiers and families who have faced unimaginable changes. What struck me most was their resilience and commitment to defending freedom, all while adhering to strong moral values in trying circumstances.

Support for Israel should transcend political considerations. It ought to be rooted in an appreciation for the faith, history, and the distinct role that Jewish individuals have played in shaping the cherished values of America. These are the values that were pivotal for our nation’s founders.

Interestingly, a poll from last year suggested that while American evangelicals generally hold strong support for Israel, younger generations seem to drift away from these foundational beliefs. The study, “Crossroads of Faith: Evangelicals and Jews,” indicated that only 29% of evangelicals under 35 view Jews as God’s chosen people. This decline should concern anyone who values the historical and Biblical origins of our nation.

We should recommit ourselves to the principles that have sustained our republic, principles rooted in the ancestry of our Jewish friends. Our nation’s prosperity has been, in part, thanks to our alliance with Israel. Will we continue to stand firmly with them, supporting a people whom God has promised to uphold?

The cooperation between the United States and Israel to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions, demonstrated through joint operations last year and this year, exemplifies the kind of partnership that should define relations between these two nations. This friendship organically emerges from our shared history, founded on hope, truth, and freedom.

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of independence, let us show solidarity with our Jewish neighbors and ally, Israel, honoring the moral foundation bestowed upon them as a chosen people. We must remember that freedom is a legacy that each generation has to actively protect and support.