While we are not necessarily endorsing this as biblically accurate, it is still worthy of mentioning that 250 Jewish Rabbis – including the prominent Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, sent a thank you letter to US President Donald Trump praising him for his decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The U.S. embassy will move to a temporary location in Jerusalem in May 2018. The letter, initiated by the Safed's Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and delivered by Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, told the American president, “You have a rare privilege to be the first president to recognize Jerusalem as the eternal capital of the State of Israel.” The letter continued to account that the Jewish people “are privileged to be seeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Children play in its streets (Zechariah 8:4) and we are confident in the fulfillment of all the prophecies. The United States is privileged to be one of the first nations to support the establishment of the State of Israel. US presidents have had the privilege of being at Israel's side and being a partner in the fulfillment of the vision of the prophets regarding the return to Zion and the establishment of the State of Israel.”

Rabbis Praise Trump

The Rabbis continued their praise of President Trump noting, “We are confident that you will be remembered in the history of the Jewish people as one who stood at the forefront fearlessly. May it be His will that God's promise to Joshua (1:9) should be fulfilled in you: 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go'—amen, amen.” It is significant that the he letter was signed by rabbis of a wide range of Jewish communities, including rabbinical judges and yeshiva heads. Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, national religious leader Rabbi Haim Drukman, the Rabbi of Safed Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Elyakim Levanon of the Samaria region are some of the prominent signatories. Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council summarized the Rabbis’ sentiments saying, “The American people recognize that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. We commend the president in his decision, but we ought to remember that Israel is an independent state and only it can make decisions for itself.”

We should be flattered and very encouraged that such esteemed Rabbis would recognize the parallels between the U.S. befriending and blessing Israel and the fulfillment of prophecy. Yet, the potential for blessing to America in return is also very encouraging. God has promised to bless those who bless Israel (Genesis 12:1-3) and as we gather in prayer and support for Israel’s 70th anniversary as a re-established nation we are indeed “blessing” Israel.

PRAY: Pray that God would continue to bless America and bless our efforts to help the nation of Israel.