On the eve of Tisha B'Av, we find ourselves grappling with a similar contemporary reality. An external enemy has dealt us an unbearable blow and continues to threaten our home. Yet, as history teaches us, the greatest threat to our existence is not from the outside, but from the division within ourselves. It is threatening to tear apart Israeli society and the ties and defense systems we've woven over the years with our allies, primarily the US.

Terrorist organizations observed the internal rifts in our society before October 7 and identified the security weakness this division created. As grief often does, the pain led to temporary unity immediately afterward, but the cracks have reappeared, and here we are, divided once again. The problem worsens when our internal struggles are broadcast to the world. The world is watching – not just our enemies seeking points of weakness, but our allies as well.

As someone living between Israel and the US, I can say with a heavy heart that even our steadfast and good ally is not turning a blind eye to the general chaos, and this impression worries me personally. I'm concerned about the day when the great US will start reconsidering its relationship with us and when it stops believing there's a future with us. We've already seen this happening in the Democratic Party over the years. Even those who prefer to bury their heads in the sand and think the world should mind its own business and leave us to ours will one day have to understand that in case of a multi-front war – Israel will need its allies by its side.

However you look at it, internal strife doesn't earn us any points or bode well. To the outside observer, it doesn't matter if the reason is political, moral, or ideological. You already know the solution to these nightmare scenarios. The word "unity" may already sound worn out to many of us, but today, it's more relevant than ever – not just as an idea, but as a course of action, as a lifeline for the country's existence as a lesson from the past.

If there's a beautiful example of putting aside differences for a greater shared goal, it's our soldiers. On the battlefield, there are no sides. Everyone sacrifices themselves and works together for the same goal. We must be worthy of their sacrifice and not return to the events of Yom Kippur 2023 in Dizengoff Square.

Words create reality, and change begins with actions. Each of us has a part and responsibility in this matter. Tisha B'Av must remind us that there's no guarantee of Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. Our stability depends on our unity; only then can we face the challenges and secure our future as a state and a people. We must learn from the past. Let's not lose the third temple as well.

The post Learning from destruction: Our critical need for unity appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

President Joe Biden's upcoming visit to Israel is a significant strategical statement in terms of the bilateral ties between Israel and the United States and highlights first and foremost the special closeness between the two nations and Washington's commitment to peace and the security of the Jewish state.

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Over the years, US support for Israel has been bipartisan, based on the similar perception of Democrats and Republicans of the interests and values shared by the two countries.

It seems that the pro-Israel Republican policy that characterized the Trump presidency has continued almost unchanged under the current Democratic administration. And yet, it is vital to take a look at things with open eyes. In essence, support for Israel is no longer a consensus. Jerusalem no longer has the all-out support to which it has grown accustomed.

A complex task lies ahead: to build and maintain relationships with both parties and restore our glory.

For example, the demographic strengthening of the immigrant population in the US, as well as that of the anti-Israel radical left-wing camp in the Democratic Party, could severely undermine support for Israel.

The dynamics and changes in the ties between Israel and the US should prompt us into action, for the warning has been made. Who knows what support for Israel will look like in a decade.

The anti-Israel voice of extremist progressives, which are gaining more and more support among young Americans, may lead to Jerusalem distancing itself from these circles.

Such a step could result in an irreversible disconnect from significant parts of the US population. It is crucial to remember that there are progressive Democrats who are also prominent moderate legislators, who maintain close ties with the Jewish community and Israel.

What those moderate lawmakers understand – contrary to the extreme minority – is that Israel is a progressive, peace-loving country that upholds the rule of law and ensures equal rights and opportunities to all citizens, and will under no circumstance compromise its security.

Does it sound familiar? These are the same values that characterize America, and which laid the foundation for the Israel-US ties. The government must create a strategy that will renew trust among the American public, both in the Republican and Democratic parties. Our ability to work with the entire US political spectrum is essential to maintaining Israel's strength and connection with American Jewry.

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The post Bilateral US support for Israel no longer a given appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.