Those who live in the United States, or other democratic nations, understand that democracy includes fundamental values for which human rights are established.
The U.S. Department of State says that the goal of democracy is to create security, stability, and prosperity to the nation and its citizens.[i] Democracy is the avenue on which peace and economic advancement travel.
What does all of this mean?
It means that when a government and society are linked together through a sound democracy, the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts. It means that a united approach to…
- Military/protection
- Family and human rights
- Education
- Health care
- Food production and land management
- Freedom
…are not viewed through a single lens—but rather in their entirety, by the citizens.
No nation is perfect; however, when two countries unite and share developments, passions, and innovations, both benefit from the unity.
What is a democracy?
Democracy is defined as a system of government involving the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
The word democracy originated in ancient Greece. It’s a combination of the words demos, meaning people, and kratic, meaning power.
Israel and the United States have differences, yes, but they stand united on the principle of democracy.
Shared Value #1- Freedom
The United States is the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” The Declaration of Independence makes a statement regarding the nation’s values—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The U.S. fought for freedom, just as Israel did, pioneering into a land full of hope and promise.
Israel and the U.S. were both founded on a vision of political and religious freedom, as well as economic well-being. They shared a passion for fighting against the powers of oppression and persecution while defending their land.
Shared Value #2- Biblical Society
The founders of the United States based the Constitution on biblical principles. The Israeli and American societies are established by a set of rules that benefit the nation as a whole, not just a select few: Caring for those less fortunate, and having the freedom to prosper through a passion.
The constitutional laws are designed to bring peace and security to the land, and as a result, those who follow it are blessed—just as the Bible declares for those who abide by God’s principles.
“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”—1 Peter 2:13-17
>>>Go HERE to read what some of the Founding Fathers said about the Jewish nation.<<<
Shared Value #3- The Relationship
The relationship between Israel and the United States goes deeper than shared weaponry intelligence, as some might think. The ally relationship is about having the other to count on in times of need and to rejoice with in times of prosperity.
The word ally, in its original form, meant to join, unite, and bind together. In the late 14th century, it meant a relative or kinsman.
The point—the relationship is relevant and meaningful.
- Situated in the heart of the Middle East, Israel’s physical location makes it ideal for launching missions. The United States recently opened the first permanent military base in the Negev Desert last year, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have welcomed our military with open arms.
- Arabic is widely spoken in Israel and is one of the official languages. This means Israelis are easily able to listen for, and intercept, possible activities of extremist organizations—such as ISIL—that use Arabic to recruit and spread anti-Semitic propaganda.
- The United States military and the IDF train together often, and for all the expertise we have to offer, the battle-tested Israelis have plenty of knowledge to share as well—especially when it comes to desert combat!
Read the full article How Much Does the United States Depend on Israel? HERE!
The United States was the first country to formally recognize Israel’s statehood in 1948—and that relationship still stands today.
Israel’s focus changed after 1948. Instead of fighting for freedom, after statehood they fought to keep it. The late 60s through the early 70s was a period during which the nations involved in Israeli conflicts needed to pick a side.
Israel prevailed, despite many attempts to tear her down. The nation rose up and was recognized not only for military innovation but also a climbing and promising economy.
At the time, stability in the Middle East was a top priority for the United States—and the U.S. continued to recognize Israel’s efforts to work toward peace, and stood firm in the decision to support her.
The U.S. loaned Israel supplies… and in return, the Israelis provided invaluable intel on Soviet technology during this time. You can learn more about this here.
Though economic growth started to slow during the late 70s, the economy was still self-sufficient enough to sustain a growing population.
When the economy reached its lowest point in the early 1980s, the Israelis pulled themselves out of the crisis. How? By implementing the 1985 Israel Economic Stabilization Plan, the Israelis cut excessive government spending, standardized union wages, and curbed excessive printing of money.
It was so effective that it became a model to help other nations struggling to escape economic crisis.
Want to read more about how Israel depends on the U.S.? Go HERE!
Do you want to get personally involved in this critical relationship?
Here’s the issue—many want to have a voice but don’t know how to amplify their view so that…
- It is heard loud and clear
- It makes a lasting impact on the world
- It gives those without a voice a chance to be heard
- It promotes peace in turbulent times
These are just some of the reasons people sponsor olive trees and grapevines in Israel. It's not about yelling louder to be heard; it's about planting to sow seeds of hope that produce an abundant harvest year after year—physically, spiritually, and politically.
These significant trees and vines touch the hearts, souls, and families of the farmers who plant them, those who are honored by them, and those who use them to promote peace and prosperity—healing the nations.
If you want to make a joyful sound that rings loud above the clanging cymbal of the noise in our world, planting in Israel is the enduring instrument you are looking for. Nothing says peace like an olive tree; nothing says prosperity like sweet wine and the olive tree’s sacred oil.
To find out more about who you can honor through your olive tree sponsorship, go HERE! Be the voice for so many today!