Opinion: Israel is devoted to end conflict in the Middle East

Visiting the country of Israel over spring break opened my eyes to an overwhelmingly diverse nation that thrives, despite intense oppression from the outside. Understanding the context of Israel’s conflict and their longing for peace opened my eyes to the realities of the Middle-Eastern struggle.  

On May 14, 1948, Israel became a sovereign nation and a refuge for the Jewish people. To this day, Israel’s distinction of nationhood remains disputed and contested by some. 

Israel exists as the lone democracy in the Middle East and strives to maintain peace, despite the tumultuous nature of its existence. 

Arguably one of the most controversial countries, located in one of the most hostile regions in the modern world, war and the threat of war plagues Israel’s existence, and its enemies seem to outnumber their allies. Countries constantly wage war over the heavily contested borders shared by Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The country of Israel even has unfriendly borders within itself, fragmenting the state into portions of Israeli and
non-Israeli territory. 

The fact that Israel remains a nation is a wonder. The size of the state of New Jersey, and surrounded by advocates for its destruction, Israel’s survival in the 21st century is nothing short of a work of God. 

How fitting it is that name Israel translates as “struggle” in Hebrew, originating from the Bible story when Jacob, whose name was change to Israel, wrestled with God. 

Anti-Semitism fuels other countries to engage in diplomatic isolation and economic boycott against the state of Israel, yet Israel holds its own as a dominant military superpower and economically as they outperform most of Europe. The centuries-old hate directed toward the nation only strengthens its resolve and fuels its survivor mentality. 

Israel represents a people group historically weathered by storms. Throughout history, the Jewish people underwent unspeakable oppression. They endured years of enslavement, centuries of dispersion, decades of societal oppression and the near-genocide of the Holocaust. 

So how does a nation continually threatened by war thrive under intense pressure? Israel has repeatedly shown a commitment to maintaining peace both within its own borders and in the region.

In order to maintain peace outside its borders, Israel must first maintain peace within its borders. The spiritual climate of modern-day Israel makes for an intriguing intersection of religion and culture. 

The state of Israel is a paradox in itself, as the pilgrimage destination for the leading monotheistic faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Millions of pilgrims from each of the three religions make their way from around the world to the Holy Land of Israel to visit the sites significant to their faith. 

The Islamic call to prayer rings publicly through Jerusalem as Jews weep at the Western Wall and Christians take communion at the Garden Tomb. Churches, synagogues and mosques coexist in the land claimed by the Israelites after wandering in the desert and where Jesus ministered on the Earth.  

In the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Arab Israelis fight alongside Jewish Israelis for the same purpose. Israel stands united in its desire to protect families and live peaceful lives. 

Despite what some voices seem to echo, the people of Israel also desire peace with their neighbors in the Middle East. 

The IDF officially began an initiative in 2016 called “Operation Good Neighbor” to help Syria, their neighboring country. They look past their differences and provide humanitarian assistance for sick and wounded Syrians. Over six thousand Syrians have been treated in Israeli hospitals within the last eight years. 

Above all, Israel wishes for peace. Peace with its enemies. Peace with its neighboring nations. Peace within its borders. Peace with God.

What unites the diverseness of the Israeli people is their pursuit of peace and prosperity as a nation. 

The people of Israel actively seek peace. They practice peace with one another. They push for peace with their neighbors. They promote peace beyond their borders. They pursue peace. They pray for peace. 

And Israel believes that “peace can be, and peace must be.” 

Israel understands that this peace will not come naturally, but that it must be fought for.

May we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and continue to stand for Israel, our ally and our friend. 

May peace prevail for the state of Israel. Shalom.