As Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we have much more to commemorate than fireworks, parades, and patriotic songs. This historic milestone invites us to reflect on the principles that gave birth to the United States and to consider how those same principles should guide us today.
America was founded on the revolutionary conviction that our rights come not from government, but from God. The Declaration of Independence boldly proclaims that all people “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” That belief has shaped our nation’s commitment to liberty, religious freedom, and human dignity for two and a half centuries.
Those values have also made the United States Israel’s strongest and most faithful ally.
The bond between America and Israel is not merely strategic—it is deeply rooted in our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, religious liberty, and the belief that every person is created in the image of God. Both nations emerged from extraordinary circumstances, built thriving democracies in difficult environments, and have repeatedly defended freedom against those who seek to destroy it.
This anniversary comes at a time when that partnership faces renewed challenges.
Nearly three years after the horrific October 7 attacks, Israel continues to confront terrorist organizations committed not to coexistence but to its destruction. Hamas still holds innocent hostages. Iran continues to finance and arm terrorist proxies across the Middle East while pursuing regional dominance. At the same time, Israel faces growing diplomatic isolation as some governments choose to pressure the Jewish state rather than confront the extremists who reject peace.
Recent decisions by several European governments—including Ireland’s legislation restricting imports from Israeli communities in disputed territories—reflect a troubling trend. Instead of encouraging direct negotiations and mutual recognition, these measures place disproportionate blame on Israel while doing little to advance genuine peace.
Christians should recognize that true peace cannot be built on one-sided condemnation.
Scripture calls believers to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6). Biblical peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, security, and truth. Standing with Israel does not require believing every policy of every Israeli government is beyond criticism. It does require recognizing Israel’s right to exist, defend its citizens, and negotiate its future free from terrorism and coercion.
As Americans, we understand the cost of defending freedom.
Our nation’s history is marked by generations who sacrificed to preserve liberty—from the Revolutionary War to the present day. We honor those sacrifices because freedom is never free. Israel understands that reality as well. Surrounded by adversaries who openly call for its elimination, Israel has continually demonstrated remarkable resilience while remaining a vibrant democracy.
America’s 250th anniversary is also an opportunity to remember our moral responsibilities. Our freedoms carry obligations: to defend truth, oppose antisemitism, support our allies, and stand against those who glorify terrorism. These responsibilities are especially urgent as antisemitic incidents continue to rise across college campuses, cities, and even churches throughout the West.
Christians and Jews have long stood together in defense of religious liberty and democratic values. That partnership remains as important today as ever.
The next chapter of America’s story will be written by citizens willing to preserve the principles that made our nation exceptional. Those principles include defending freedom abroad, standing by democratic allies, and refusing to remain silent when hatred targets the Jewish people.
As fireworks light up the skies this Independence Day, let them remind us that liberty requires vigilance. Let them remind us to thank God for the blessings of freedom. And let them remind us that America is strongest when it stands firmly with those who share our commitment to faith, democracy, and human dignity.
At Christians and Jews United for Israel, we believe that supporting Israel is not simply a matter of foreign policy—it is a reflection of our biblical convictions and our gratitude for the freedoms God has entrusted to us.
On America’s 250th birthday, may we recommit ourselves to being faithful stewards of that liberty, courageous defenders of truth, and unwavering friends of the State of Israel.
Happy Independence Day, and may God continue to bless the United States of America and the State of Israel.