The United States and Israel relationship is talked about now more than ever. Many people hear about the connection between the two nations in the news and see headlines about meetings and correspondence between them almost daily.
The United States was the first nation to recognize Israel as a state after the nation’s independence was established in 1948. And in 2017, the U.S. was the first to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. There has been a long-standing relationship between the two nations, as Israel is America’s strongest partner in the Middle East.
Because the two nations have similar democratic governments and values, the ties run deep throughout history.
In fact, when looking into how the Founding Fathers of the United States developed policies and laws, a number of principles were adopted from Jewish ideals.
The U.S. Constitution was built upon values and morals from Jewish history mentioned in the Bible.
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is one of the most famous lines from the Declaration of Independence. Most people, at some level, identify with these undisputed rights as human beings. This statement sets up the very principles from which laws and government function through the Constitution.
History: Founded in Peace and Freedom
Several years ago, the Huffington Post published an article about new findings regarding the very first people to come to America…
“Some scholars, after analyzing Columbus’ will and other documents, have devised a new theory about the explorer. They believe he was a Marrano, or a Jew who pretended to be a Catholic to avoid religious persecution. These historians also theorize that Columbus’ main goal in life was to liberate Jerusalem and he decided to take his historic quest to North America in order to find a new homeland for Jews who had been forced out of Spain…
“Scholars also point to the real financiers of the voyage as evidence of the trip’s purpose. While most schoolchildren grow up learning that the expedition was financed by Queen Isabella, historians say it was mostly paid for by two prominent Jews… Louis de Santangel and Gabriel Sanchez.”[i]
Columbus was originally scheduled to set sail on August 2, 1492, on the day that happened to be TishaB’Av, which marks the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jewish history. A number of other catastrophes happened on this day in Jewish history as well. It is considered in Jewish tradition to be an unlucky day destined for tragedy.
The departure was postponed one day, perhaps in order to avoid setting sail on this somber day of remembrance. Instead, Columbus set sail on the day that the Spanish government gave Jews three choices: convert, leave, or die.
It is interesting to think about the fact that North America was quite possibly discovered with the intention of finding a safe place for the Jewish people to call home—a place of freedom and independence.
Regardless of what you believe about Christopher Columbus, when we fast-forward to U.S. independence, it is clear that our Founding Fathers desired to give birth to a nation of independence and freedom.
Present Day: The United States and Israel Relationship
Today, the United States’ choice to move the embassy to Jerusalem indicates a united stand between the two nations.
“I look forward to working with [the U.S. to advance security, stability, and peace in our region,”—Benjamin Netanyahu, former Prime Minister of Israel
Israel is a small nation that has a significant impact on the Middle East as well as the world. The military relationship between the United States and Israel continues to strengthen, which helps protect the borders of both nations.
The United States has greatly benefited from Israeli military technology, and both nations have profited from a long history of joint training practices.
[Read the FAQ below to find out more about the Israeli and the U.S. joint training efforts.]
Israel also provides technologically advanced methods and weaponry that benefit American homeland security.
Every country’s history has its ups and downs. Times of success and times of struggle. Israel’s progression and change is one that we can learn from.
Israel was founded with the intent of creating an exemplary nation of good character, hard work, and healthy democracy.
Israel is a land of hope and opportunity, much like the United States, where people seek refuge from oppression, freedom from persecution, and the chance to start a new life.
Future: My Olive Tree and Israel
Israel has been a close ally of the United States for many years. The support that the United States has provided Israel economically, militarily, and politically has helped the young nation establish itself in the Middle East.
Objectively, Israel has become a stronger nation in the Middle East and backed by one of the most powerful militaries in the world. With an arsenal of state-of-the-art military technology and a partnership with the United States, they, and we, are more equipped to deal with any opposing force.
That said, the most effective anti-war tool at Israel’s disposal so far has not been weapons, but diplomacy.
Future: My Olive Tree Is Working with Israeli Defense Forces to Bloom the Desert
As Israel develops, the region flourishes around it, most notably the blooming desert. Transforming the wasteland has yielded an agricultural economy that sustained Israel through its early years.
Following Israel’s achievement of statehood in 1948, about 7.5% of the population lived on kibbutzim, which are Jewish settlements primarily based on agricultural production. These settlements played a key role in not only agricultural economics but also in politics. Early kibbutzim were strategically placed around the borders of Israel as added defense.
We do the same today, planting trees around bases to shield soldiers from the hot sun while providing covered protection against attacks.
The trees planted on and around Israeli army bases are cared for by the soldiers. Once a tree is sponsored and planted, the IDF reaps 100% of the profit from that tree.
In approximately 2 to 3 years after planting, the trees mature and are ready to be harvested. After the appointed time, the oil becomes kosher, and the military bases then contract farmers to harvest the olive oil.
Your sponsorship ignites a powerful presence in Israel. The power of peace planting continues to spread to the people as a whole, then pours into individual lives. It provides safety, jobs, and aid to Israel’s military.
It is truly a physical way to support and stand with a powerful nation in the Middle East, a nation we have close ties with and that promotes peace for our borders.
My Olive Tree: The unofficial ambassadors
My Olive Tree is an American-based group that has partnered directly with the Israeli Defense Forces, the City of Jerusalem, and Israeli kibbutzim farmers to plant and sustain olive trees throughout the nation of Israel, including the King’s Valley, Jerusalem, and the Negev Desert, to name a few. In 2004, My Olive Tree’s founder, Curt Landry, met with then Finance Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who gave his blessing on the project, envisioning it as an ongoing opportunity for long-term job creation for his people.
Our desire is to help the people of Israel conquer the uninhabitable wasteland of the Negev Desert and continue to grow the flourishing soil throughout the land of Israel, including the King’s Valley in Jerusalem. Working together, we will fulfill the words of the prophets long ago that proclaim the land of Israel will blossom with a harvest that sustains its people!
Planting an olive tree in Israel is making a physical stand in the land. The sponsored trees are planted in various IDF military bases in Israel.
FAQ:
Q: Why do many United States policies seem to support Israel?
A: Military alliance is one of the major reasons the United States supports Israel. The United States provides $38 billion dollars of military aid to Israel, according to the New York Times.[i] This financial support is primarily due to Israel’s state-of-the-art weaponry technologies.
Q: Are the United States and Israel allies?
A: Yes, in fact, the United States moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem on Israel’s 70th anniversary, which is said to symbolize the solidarity.
Q: What are the shared technologies between the United States and Israel?
A: Technologies such as Arrow anti-ballistic missiles systems and Merkava are cutting edge approaches to survival and protection against enemy attacks. Read more [HERE].
Q: Who was the first prime minister of Israel?
A: The first prime minister of Israel was David Ben-Gurion.
Q: When did Israel become an independent nation?
A: The Jewish state was born in a single day, on May 14, 1948. Israel celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2018. At the moment of independence, it was reported there was great applause, rejoicing, dancing, and tears.
Q: How does the IDF and United States military train together?
A: The U.S. military and the IDF combine infantry, air force, and naval training. The United States also has a military base within the IDF.
Q: How does Israel lead in global affairs?
A: Israel is a nation of innovation. The young country learned at the beginning that in order to survive, they needed to be driven by innovators of technology, education, and influence. Read [HERE] to find out more about the 10 areas Israel leads in global affairs.
Q: What is the law of Aliyah?
A: It is a law of return passed on July 5, 1950, which gave Jewish people the legal right to return to Israel and gain citizenship.
Q: What is My Olive Tree’s relationship with Israel and the City of Jerusalem?
A: In 2004 My Olive Tree’s founder, Curt Landry, met with the Israeli finance minister to discuss humanitarian aid efforts and the economic stability of Israel. Through the trusted relationship, My Olive Tree works with the Israeli Defense Forces (which has control over water distribution in Israel) and the City of Jerusalem to plant olive trees.
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