Monday night in Israel, as Jewish families gathered around the Passover table for their first Seder since the tragedy of October 7, there were too many empty chairs.
Some held hands, still hoping for the release of their hostage loved ones. Thousands of others tasted the meal’s bitter herbs with a fresh wave of grief for the ones who will never return.
Across the country, Jews and non-Jews hold their breath, wondering what next year’s holiday will look like. More than that, wondering whether the world, a place rocked by hatred, conflict, and chaos, can survive it.
“Why is this night different?” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked. “On this night, 133 of our dear brothers and sisters are not around the Seder table, and they are still held hostage by Hamas in hellish conditions,” he said somberly.
“… And why is this night not different?” he prompted. “In every generation they rise up to destroy us,” Netanyahu reminded his people, “and the Holy One, blessed be He, saves us from them. This time as well, we will overcome those who seek our lives.”
But it will not be because Israel’s friends have stood strong in their defense.
Here at home, the Biden administration has all but abandoned America’s strongest, most significant Middle Eastern ally. As the Jewish state stands on the brink of war with the entire Islamic world, this president seems more intent on placating his radical, anti-Semitic base than supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.
After Iran fired 300 drones and ballistic missiles at the tiny nation in an unprecedented attack, what did the president demand? Restraint — not from the ayatollah, but from the country he sought to destroy.
Even as President Biden declared his “ironclad” support of Israel Monday, the world knows he’s simultaneously tied Netanyahu’s hands and made the Jewish state vulnerable to greater hostilities. As Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and I talked about last week, the best way to contain this global threat is for America to stand with Israel.
“The only thing the ayatollah and the thugs of the world appreciate is strength,” Graham emphasized. “The whole reason they live is to … destroy the Jews and Christians.” But if they believed America would truly support Israel, “they would think twice [about trying to] wipe them off the map.”
Instead, what every evil opportunistic leader in the world sees is an America whose president is vacillating in his support of Israel. Joe Biden is so afraid of the young pro-Hamas, extremists in his party that he refuses to send a message of resolve to anyone who would prey on the Jewish state.
And frankly, that’s what got Israel into this mess. The White House invited this aggression and emboldened Israel’s enemies by projecting weakness.
What this administration fails to recognize is that America’s security is intertwined with our support of Israel. Yes, this president’s foreign policy has been a disaster from China to Afghanistan, but his indifference toward Israel’s enemies may be the most dangerous decision he’s made for the future United States.
“To those Americans who believe this doesn’t matter to you,” Graham warned, “I promise you, if Israel is destroyed ... you’re next on their list. This idea of sitting on the sidelines … is insane.”
This is a very, very serious moment for our nation. The world as we know it is at a tipping point. What America does in our foreign policy in the Middle East has greater significance now than ever before, because if we get this wrong, we will embolden the enemies of Israel and see the entire region unravel into one massive conflict.
Jesus warned us that these days were coming. In John 15:11, He says, “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
God intends for us to walk in peace and joy, even when it seems the world is spinning out of control. In reality, everything is falling into place. The timeline, we may not know. But what we do know is this: As believers, we’re called to do everything we can to spread the gospel, to work for the wellbeing of people, and to bless the Jewish people.
That means we must pray for Israel, and we must also vote for those who are willing to stand with the Jewish people.
As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu during a meeting in Israel last month, “We stand with you because we’re people of the book.” Genesis 12:3 tells us, “I will bless those who bless you [Israel], and I will curse those who curse you.”
This is an opportunity to witness to the world that we believe God’s promises. Because, as former Knesset member Ohad Tal warned, “Those who take a pass on standing with Israel, their future is in question as well.”
Tony Perkins is president of Family Research Council. He previously chaired the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Tony is the host of a nationally syndicated program, "Washington Watch with Tony Perkins." He is a pastor, Marine veteran, and former police officer. Read more Tony Perkins reports — Here.