By Christians and Jews United for Israel
On this Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of the United States of America. We remember the soldiers who stormed beaches, endured deserts, parachuted into darkness, and stood guard against tyranny. We remember not just how they died, but why: to preserve freedom, protect the innocent, and confront evil with courage.
And in the shadow of their sacrifice, we are called to reflect on the freedom they secured—and the threats we still face.
Freedom Is Not Free—In Israel or America
This Memorial Day arrives in the midst of a painful and dangerous chapter in the modern Middle East. Israel is at war on multiple fronts:
- Hostages, including American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, are just beginning to be returned, even as dozens remain in captivity in Gaza under brutal conditions.
- Hezbollah, with Iranian backing, continues to rain rockets on Israel’s north.
- The IDF is engaged in fierce battles in Rafah, targeting Hamas command centers embedded among civilians.
- Globally, we’re witnessing a dangerous normalization of antisemitism, masquerading as activism.
Just as American troops once faced down fascism and fanaticism, Israeli soldiers today stand against a genocidal ideology that targets civilians, uses children as shields, and preaches death over life.
Let us be clear: this too is a war for freedom.
Honor Through Solidarity
As we lay wreaths and fly flags at half-mast today, we must also open our hearts to those still fighting. Memorial Day is not just about reflection—it’s about resolve. It is about living lives worthy of those who died.
That means:
- Praying fervently for the safety of Israeli soldiers and the return of all hostages.
- Speaking out boldly against terrorism, antisemitism, and moral equivalency in the media and halls of government.
- Supporting the families of fallen soldiers and terror victims—not only in America, but also in our sister democracy, Israel.
As Christians and Jews united in faith, we remember that freedom is a gift from God—but it must be defended by man. That is the legacy of every fallen hero.
A Sacred Bond
America and Israel are not just allies by convenience. We are bound by covenant—by shared values, shared enemies, and a shared commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of peace. When a soldier falls in Sderot or Sderot’s twin city in Texas, the cause is the same.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13
“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.” — Exodus 15:3
Today, let us mourn with those who mourn. But tomorrow, and the day after, let us fight for the future they died to protect.
Conclusion: This Is Our Watch Now
To every family with an empty seat at the table—whether in Tel Aviv, or Tulsa—we say: we see you, we honor your sacrifice, and we will not forget.
This Memorial Day, we do not only remember the fallen. We recommit to the living. To the defense of freedom. To the pursuit of justice. And to the promise that we will never, ever, let their sacrifice be in vain.
Am Yisrael Chai. God Bless America.
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