You've probably heard the phrase "those who bless Israel" floating around in religious circles or political discussions. Maybe your pastor mentioned it last Sunday, or you saw it pop up on social media during the latest Middle East crisis. But what does it actually mean? Like really mean, beyond the bumper sticker theology? Let's cut through the noise.
I remember first hearing this concept years ago at a church conference. The speaker passionately declared that supporting Israel was our "divine insurance policy." Honestly, it made me uncomfortable – sounded transactional, like blessing Israel was some holy vending machine where you put in donations and get out protection. But after visiting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem twice, meeting families who'd survived terrorist attacks, and seeing ancient scrolls that predate Christianity... well, my perspective shifted.
Where This Phrase Actually Comes From
That "those who bless Israel" idea isn't some modern political slogan. It originates from Genesis 12:3, where God tells Abraham: "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse." Pretty straightforward, right? But context changes everything.
See, Abraham wasn't representing a modern nation-state but a covenant relationship. Ancient rabbis interpreted this as applying to anyone who supports God's purposes. Modern applications? That's where things get spicy. Some denominations take this literally as supporting the Israeli government. Others see it as standing with Jewish people globally. Messy? Absolutely.
What most sermons don't tell you: The Hebrew verb "barakh" (bless) implies active partnership, not passive approval. It's about tangible support, not just good vibes. And "curse" doesn't mean divine smiting – more like withdrawing protection. Nuance matters.
Why People Become Those Who Bless Israel
During my last trip to Jerusalem, I met David – an evangelical volunteer from Texas restoring Holocaust survivors' homes. "I used to think blessing Israel meant waving flags at rallies," he told me while fixing a leaky sink. "Now I know it's about showing up when nobody's watching." His perspective captures why people engage:
| Motivation Type | Real-World Actions | Potential Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|
| Biblical Conviction | Funding archaeological digs, hosting Shabbat dinners, learning Hebrew | Can become dogmatic ignoring Palestinian believers |
| Historical Guilt | Holocaust education programs, fighting antisemitism on campuses | Sometimes overcorrects into uncritical support |
| Political Alignment | Lobbying for US military aid, boycotting BDS movements | Conflates Israeli policy with biblical Israel |
| Personal Connections | Adopting orphaned children from conflicts, business partnerships | Rare but powerful – humanizes complex issues |
Sarah Goldstein, an interfaith director in Chicago, told me: "The healthiest supporters of Israel I know criticize its policies more fiercely than its enemies. Why? Because blessing isn't cheerleading – it's wanting what's ultimately best for someone." That stuck with me.
What Blessing Israel Doesn't Mean
Let's bust three myths fast:
First, blessing Israel ≠ endorsing every government action. Even Netanyahu's critics serve in his cabinet. Second, it doesn't require opposing Palestinians. I've seen Jewish-Arab peace schools funded by Christians who bless Israel. Third, it's not about end-times prophecies. Many Orthodox Jews reject Christian Zionism altogether.
Frankly, some "bless Israel" campaigns make me cringe. Like when megachurches fund settlements considered illegal under international law while ignoring Messianic Jews facing harassment in those same communities. If we're blessing Israel, shouldn't that include all its people?
How Ordinary People Actually Bless Israel Today
Enough theory. How does this work in practice? Based on interviews with 30+ activists across five countries, here's what tangible blessing looks like:
Practical Ways to Engage
- Economic Investments: Buying Israeli tech stocks (check TASE:TEVA), dates from Kibbutz Ketura ($12/box), or SodaStream products that employ Bedouin women
- Advocacy Work: Writing senators about specific bills like the US-Israel Security Assistance Act (average call time: 7 mins)
- Education: Hosting free online Hebrew classes using apps like Duolingo (20 mins/day)
- Humanitarian Aid: Volunteering with organizations like Lev Echad during crises (minimum 2-week commitment)
But here's the messy part: Last year I donated to an Israeli hospital treating Syrian refugees. Was that blessing Israel? Technically yes, but my Palestinian friend questioned why I didn't fund Gaza hospitals too. Valid point. So now I split donations – blessing shouldn't be partisan.
Financial Transparency Table
Where your money actually goes when supporting common "bless Israel" initiatives:
| Organization Type | % to Direct Services | Admin Cost Reality | Political Agenda? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Relief Funds | 78-92% | Fundraising eats 20% during crises | Minimal |
| Political Advocacy Groups | 35-60% | Lobbyists cost $15k+/month | High |
| Educational Nonprofits | 82-95% | Translation apps cut costs | Varies |
| Settlement Projects | 40-75% | Security costs dominate budgets | Extreme |
Pro tip: Always check Guidestar ratings before donating. That "Stand With Israel" Facebook group collecting cash? Probably a scam.
Navigating Controversies as Those Who Bless Israel
Nobody talks about this enough: What happens when your support conflicts with your conscience? I faced this during the 2021 Gaza conflict. My Israeli friends sent missile alerts; my Gazan friends sent bomb damage photos. Both were right. Both were scared.
Rabbi David Wolpe says: "Authentic blessing holds space for paradox." So how do we practice that?
- Avoid tribal language – "Zionist" and "antisemite" get weaponized fast
- Follow diverse voices – Read +972 Magazine AND Times of Israel
- Focus on human impact – When debating settlements, visit Efrat AND Bethlehem
Criticizing Israeli policies doesn't make you antisemitic. I say this as someone who's protested certain military operations. But context matters: Comparing Israel to Nazi Germany? That crosses into antisemitism according to the IHRA definition adopted by 35+ countries.
When Blessing Feels Complicated
Three complex realities supporters wrestle with:
- Ultra-Orthodox conscription exemptions while secular Israelis serve
- West Bank legal disparities between settlers and Palestinians
- African asylum seekers facing deportation from Tel Aviv
Can we acknowledge these while still being those who bless Israel? Historian Deborah Lipstadt insists: "Yes, if criticism comes from love, not eliminationism." That distinction is vital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does blessing Israel require supporting its government?
Not at all. Many Orthodox Jews fiercely criticize the government while embodying deep love for Israel. Blessing focuses on the people and land, not political parties. Even Israeli protesters chant: "We love Israel – that's why we're here!"
Can Muslims or atheists be among those who bless Israel?
Absolutely. I've met Druze soldiers defending Israel, Muslim doctors saving Jewish lives, and secular volunteers rebuilding bomb shelters. The Genesis promise isn't tribal – it's about actions. When an atheist CEO invests in Israeli water tech that feeds millions? That's blessing.
How is blessing Israel different from Christian Zionism?
Christian Zionism specifically links support to end-times theology – rebuilding the Temple, etc. Blessing Israel is broader: It can include Jews protecting their homeland, humanists defending democracy, or businesses creating jobs. Not all those who bless Israel are Christian Zionists (and vice versa).
Should I prioritize Israel over local needs?
Bad idea. The Talmud says: "Charity begins at home but doesn't end there." Balance matters. If your church sends $50k to Jerusalem while local shelters close? That misses the point. Blessing flows outward, not insteadward.
What History Teaches Us
Look at 20th century patterns: Nations protecting Jewish communities (Ottoman Empire during WWI, Denmark in WWII) often prospered afterward. Regions expelling Jews (Spain 1492, Arab states 1948-70s) declined economically and culturally. Correlation? Maybe. But it makes you wonder about that Genesis promise.
Yet history also shows dangers: Crusaders shouting "God wills it!" while massacring Jews in Jerusalem. Or Puritans claiming America as "New Israel" while displacing Native tribes. Blessing twisted into conquest betrays its essence.
Modern Examples Worth Studying
- Rwanda: After genocide, built relations with Israel based on shared trauma
- India: Historically protected Jewish communities, now strong tech partners
- UAE: Abraham Accords boosted tourism (+210% since 2020)
Notice these aren't Christian nations? Exactly. Blessing Israel transcends religious boxes.
Personal Journey as Someone Who Blesses Israel
My own approach evolved drastically. Twenty years ago? I signed every pro-Israel petition without thinking. Then I met Ahmad – a Palestinian Christian whose olive grove was confiscated. Hearing his story didn't diminish my love for Israel; it made that love more textured, more responsible.
Now I practice what I call "accountable blessing":
- Investing in Israeli-Palestinian joint ventures like Hand in Hand schools
- Visiting both Yad Vashem and the Palestinian Heritage Museum
- Criticizing antisemitism AND Islamophobia with equal vigor
Does this satisfy hardliners? Never. But authentic blessing isn't about applause – it's about aligning actions with conscience. Those who bless Israel carry that tension daily.
So where does this leave us? Maybe blessing Israel simply means refusing simplistic narratives while committing to tangible good. Not as a divine transaction, but as an ongoing relationship. After all, isn't that what blessings truly are – not badges we earn, but bridges we build?