The Real People of Israel 

by Sondra Oster Baras
Published on: December 29, 2025

Everything is political.  Or at least that is how it seems at times.  There are critical issues that Israel faces each and every day, the resolution of which can have unbelievable impact on our lives and on the entire Middle East.  And yet, whenever there are decisions to be made, policies set, new strategic plans to be evaluated, politics dominates the discourse.  Those who like Netanyahu praise his actions and decisions and those who don’t like Netanyahu rant and rave against his decisions. 

Social Media has just exacerbated this situation.  A single post can result in tirades of words, good and bad, often accompanied by nasty accusations or adoring praises.  Some of these are actually bots, digitally created entities that are programmed to react a certain way, in keeping with a particular political bent. 

Listening to the news often boils down to which channel you are watching.  The conservative channel will praise conservative politicians and berate liberal ones.  The liberal channel will do the opposite.

I am describing the situation in Israel but I know that you  recognize the same situation in your own countries.  Every so often there is a commentator who thinks independently, who actually analyzes a situation based on his or her own creative thinking, But those instances are becoming increasingly rare.

The real question, though, is whether there are still people out there who are guided by ideology, principles, values and faith.  I believe the answer is yes!  And I believe that it is these real people who make all the difference.

This new year, 2026, will be an election year in Israel.  It is possible that the government will fall sometime in the coming months but even if it doesn’t, the government will finish its term in the fall and elections will take place. 

We are all disenchanted with our leaders.  The left is tired of the left-wing politicians, although there are fewer and fewer of them.  The country has moved overwhelmingly to the right, a trend that has been happening for years but that was heightened since October 7th.  But the right is equally disenchanted with its politicians.  Scandals are reported daily which challenge our perception of our leaders.  But the greatest challenge to our confidence in our leaders was the October 23rd massacre. 

Yes, many decisions throughout the course of this terrible war were excellent and we, indeed, accomplished a great deal.  The live hostages were finally returned and there is only one remaining dead hostage whose remains have not been returned.  Much of Gaza is in ruins.  But Hamas is rearming and reorganizing.  They attack our troops on a constant basis and while the international community is pressuring Israel to withdraw further from much of Gaza, no one is willing to take responsibility for disarming and destroying Hamas.  This situation does not inspire confidence in our leadership.

But amidst the back and forth of political posturing and accusations, lies a real people with real feelings, real values, ideology and faith. 

So many hostages returned with stories of amazing courage and resilience.  They told of feeling God’s presence with them at all times.  Just before Hanukkah, a film was released that had been discovered in Hamas headquarters, showing six of the hostages who were later murdered by their Hamas captors, lighting Hanukkah candles and saying the blessing.  Imagine, finding the spiritual strength to thank God for His miracles more than 2,000 years ago, while suffering in the dungeons of Hamas.  The entire country wept at the sight of these brave young men and women.

More Israelis are praying than ever before.  My son recently returned from his fifth round of Reserve Service.  He is a rabbi/teacher in civilian life but a paratrooper in the IDF.  He started giving a weekly Torah portion class on Shabbat, when they had free time from their military duties.  And soldiers from all walks of life would participate.  He has already officiated at the wedding of several of his fellow soldiers who sought his spiritual guidance in anticipation of their special day.

Israelis know what they want.  They want a strong country. They do not want a Palestinian State.  They want a government who will ensure a strong IDF and will know how to stand up to international pressure, even when it comes from our allies and friends.  Most Israelis support settlement in Judea and Samaria and recognize the need to prevent illegal territorial expansion and terrorist activity on the part of the Palestinian Authority.  There are points of disagreement between us but they are nothing compared to the way they are presented by the politicians and so much of the media.

The real Israel is a gem.  The real Israel is comprised of wonderful people who will drop everything to fight for our people,  They will dance at the wedding of a wounded soldier, and cry tears of joy when the new couple has a baby.  And they will walk around depressed and angry when our brothers and sisters in Australia are attacked and murdered.

No, everything is not political.  Real life is about people, relationships, feelings and generosity.  Real life is about a people who will not allow their enemies to defeat them but will cling to an ancient faith, where God promises He will never forsake us. 

When you stand with Israel, you are not standing with our politicians.  You are standing with our people.  You are praying for us, supporting us and partnering with the people who are fighting, settling, praying and giving.  We are the real Israel!  And you are our real friends!