For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
till her vindication shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch. – Isaiah 62:1

The year 2018 is important for Israel and the Jewish people as we celebrate the modern State of Israel’s 70^th Birthday. You can be part of this momentous milestone with Rabbi Eckstein’s 70 devotions offered now through April 19, Israel’s Independence Day. These devotions are tied to our Keys to Israel – six fundamental principles underlying God’s covenantal relationship with His chosen people and His Holy Land using the acrostic I.S.R.A.E.L.

This devotion is part of ten devotions focusing on the letter “E” for Educate – the need to arm ourselves with the truth about Israel and share that truth with others.

Chloe Valdary is a young college student who isn’t Jewish and has never been to Israel, but is a Christian and is devoted to the Bible.

Chloe believes that it is her duty to spread the truth; not just to believe it, but to act upon it. She has become a spokesperson on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. Chloe says, “I have just one question . . . How dedicated are you, indeed, are we, to the maxim of ‘never again?’”

Today’s verses are from the final reading of the “Seven Comforts” – those seven messages of hope and encouragement that the Jewish people traditionally read following the observance of Tisha B’Av, an observance marking the destruction of both the Holy and Second Temple in Jerusalem, and other tragedies that have occurred on the same day.

In this week’s reading, we come across this famous quote from the prophet Isaiah: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet . . .” This has become the basis of the actions of so many of Israel’s dearest friends. This is the impetus behind initiatives like Chloe’s and others who are doing all they can to spread the truth about Israel. It is also the source of great comfort for the Jewish people. For a people who have been persecuted and alienated for millennia, it is deeply comforting to know that we are no longer alone.

As Chloe Valdary writes, “A feeling is merely that if there is no action that follows it. Reflection and action are two things that are rendered worthless if one is not accompanied by the other.” It is not enough to love Israel in our hearts. We need to love Israel and the people of Israel with our hands and with our voices.

Israel needs friends now more than ever. She needs people who are willing to stand up even if they are standing alone. People who are willing to speak the truth even if their voices are shaking. People who are willing to write, speak, and teach the truth about Israel “till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.”

There is a great healing going on between the Christian and Jewish communities. Israel is strengthened and comforted by the help of her Christian friends, and we are proud to play a major role in building bridges between the two faiths at The Fellowship. Please join us in blessing the Jewish people both in deeds and with words.

For Israel’s sake, do not remain silent. The world was silent once; let us say with Chloe and others, “Never again!”