Once again, Israel is in the news. The sight of mass protests for and against the government throughout the country can be seen all over the internet and on every TV network.
Of course, the media tends to focus on Israel during times of unrest and war. If you only watched the mainstream news, you might think these were the only things that happened in this country. There is so much beauty, brotherhood, and positive things happening in Israel, but the truth is, the protests do indeed reflect a division in Israeli society which is starting to form – and I pray will be a thing of the past very soon.
Today, some lament what they consider the “death of democracy” in Israel, and see the current, sometimes chaotic situation as a sign of weakness. I have to respectfully disagree. Though I live in Israel, I’m blessed to be a citizen of the two greatest democracies in the world—Israel and the U.S. I have seen large scale protests in both countries. And I have to say that, far from a sign of societal weakness, I see the right to take to the streets in peaceful protest as a sign of overall strength. I believe that diversity in lifestyles, opinions, and visions for the country is a foundation stone of democracy – and that’s what I see when I look at my homeland.
Passionate public demonstrations can only occur in countries like Israel or the U.S. Under totalitarian regimes, where speech and action are tightly regulated and restricted—and, sadly, there are many examples of these today—there is silence. In those countries, there are no diverse media opinions, no critical op-eds, no demonstrations in the streets protected by thousands of police. In Israel, that’s exactly what we see happening.
As you watch the protests and hear the passionate opinions in Israel, don’t for a second think that Israel is in a state of despair. Don’t be fooled for an instant into thinking that life in the Holy Land is steeped in darkness. There is so much that I see happening on the streets of Israel that is inspirational and filled with hope. There are so many acts of brotherhood taking place that reflect the core value of loving one another, which we passionately stand for in words and in action.
Despite our differences, even our strong differences, on this issue and others, what holds Israelis together is far stronger than any division. In Israel, our most fundamental principle has always been unity and brotherhood. And that has not changed.
Without downplaying how disturbing it can be to see the obvious signs of division, there are also so many signs of light that have given me hope.
In one video circulating on the internet, a man on the street in Israel stops and asks people if they’re for or against the judicial reform. When they respond, he purposely tells them that he supports the opposite side. But then he asks, “Could I have a hug, though?” Every single person he stopped gave him a hug and said “You're my brother, you're my brother.” Even though he specifically said that he was on the opposite side, he was still met with warmth, smiles, and love.
And on the day that the reform was passed and there were the biggest demonstrations, at one site in Tel Aviv, the protestors were separated. Pro-judicial reform demonstrators were on an escalator going up, and members of the anti-reform movement were on the opposite escalator going down. As you watched, you saw people from both sides, waving their Israeli flags, giving each other high fives as they passed each other on the escalators, saying, “I love you, my brother.” Despite their passionate protesting about the reform, each side wanted the other to know that they still had respect and love in their hearts for their fellow citizens.
This is part of what is happening right now in Israel, but you won’t see it on the news.
Even now—perhaps, especially now—I give thanks to God for the blessing of living under a democratic political system. My heart is turned to the heavens in thanksgiving each time I see the hundreds of thousands of Israeli flags being waved at the protests by both sides. Yes, the Israeli flag is the symbol of protest for both sides. Because they both love this country.
How beautiful is it, that within all of the anger and passion, no one wants to burn the flag but rather bring honor to it? There are very few places in the world where that happens!
Today, so many people live under oppressive rule and do not enjoy that blessing of freedom. Israel’s political system isn’t perfect. No political system is. But it is a testament to the ingenuity and values of the men and women who founded the Jewish state and built its institutions to ensure that the dignity of each individual is written into law, and respected in practice.
Living in such a country, my beloved nation of Israel, is a tremendous gift and a tremendous privilege. I pray for our leaders and believe in the system. But we cannot forget the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). All things created by humans have their limits. It is only in relying first on God—trusting in Him, turning to Him in faith to guide us – that we find our true freedom. Whatever happens, may we all hold fast to our knowledge that God is, and will continue to be, in control.
As President and CEO of The Fellowship, Yael Eckstein oversees all programs and serves as the international spokesperson for the organization. With over a decade of non-profit experience in multiple roles, Yael has the rare distinction of being a woman leading one of the world’s largest religious charitable organizations. In addition to her podcast exploring the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, Nourish Your Biblical Roots. Yael also invites thought-leaders, pastors, authors, and other influencers to discuss Israel and Jewish-Christian relations on Conversations with Yael. She is the 2023 recipient of the Jerusalem Post’s Humanitarian Award, and in 2020 and 2021, was named to the publication’s list of 50 Most Influential Jews. Born outside of Chicago, Yael is based in Israel with her husband and their four children.
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