Can anything good come from Israel? This is a truly provocative question to ask given what is going on in the world today. Israel is facing widespread disapproval for a reason—the bombings in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon, alongside the escalating conflict with Iran, have caused many to turn their backs on a nation that once held global sympathy. For the first time, former allies are publicly criticizing the nation, and European countries have begun calling out human rights abuses and alleged war crimes. Public sentiment in America has shifted too; the majority now feel Israel has gone too far. It is truly a difficult time to be an Israeli. It is within this context that I raise this question: can anything good come from Israel?
For so long, the fear of being labeled antisemitic controlled how people spoke about Israel. However, the heavy toll of the wars and the loss of Palestinian lives have eroded Israel’s moral claim to victimhood in the eyes of the public. Many now view its opponents as the primary victims of aggression, driving a massive shift in the narrative. If there is a party to be protected, many believe it is no longer Israel, but those affected by its military actions. The more regional bombings occur, the more global rage builds. This reflects reports that President Trump bluntly told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that “everyone in the world hates him” because of the ongoing wars. The moral compass has shifted.
Yet, even within that generalized “everyone,” there is nuance. Over 20% of Israelis are opposed to what the IDF is doing. A similar dynamic exists within the Jewish community here in America, where countless individuals are just as opposed to the violence as their Muslim neighbors. The same can be said of Christians; just because certain fundamentalist groups support the war does not mean all Christians agree. A parallel misunderstanding exists regarding the United States as a whole. To many people in the Middle East, it feels as though America hates them. Little do they know, many Americans do not support the destruction of innocent lives being carried out in their country’s name.
This brings me back to my central question: can anything good come from Israel? The answer is simple: yes. It was amidst the oppression of the Roman occupation that Jesus was born. Though he died a violent death, he left behind an example showing that there is always an alternative to violence—bearing witness through peaceful endurance. Today, there are many Israelis standing up against aggressive policies to defend the humanity of others. There are many Israelis crossing boundaries to share meals with Palestinians. And there are those who are refusing to enlist in the IDF. We may not know their names now, but when the dust settles, their courage will be celebrated. Pray for those who practice the witness of courage. Pray for the victims of violence. Pray for Israel.
From the E-Crier of June 4, 2026. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter.