by Shmuel Junger
After the most recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect, a most familiar question was asked by many pundits around the world: “Who won the war?” Political leaders, analysts, and journalists alike will undoubtedly examine the consequential military balance and all the political implications. But as people of faith, we know that victory cannot simply be measured by identifying territorial gains or the relative number of enemy combatants killed but rather by looking through spiritual lenses.
Any historian can point out many circumstances when military prowess alone did not guarantee victory. During the Vietnam War, the US military was overwhelmingly superior to the North Vietnamese yet still failed to emerge victorious. The IDF managed to reach the outskirts of Cairo and Damascus during the Yom Kippur War. Yet, in Israel, the Yom Kippur War is largely remembered for the shock and losses borne by the country including the hundreds of soldiers who fell in battle.
True victory requires something far greater than military power, and which can forge a lasting change of course on the strategic and spiritual level. And in this sense, the People of Israel have achieved victory after facing two years of war on multiple fronts. In the first terrifying hours on October 7th, civilians rushed to help strangers. Within hours, reservists abroad started returning home from every corner of the earth. Entire communities opened their homes for soldiers and evacuees. While the enemy celebrated death, the People of Israel united in displaying a remarkable dedication to life. While Hamas glorified destruction, the People of Israel held fast to their values and principles in the most difficult of circumstances, fighting valiantly to protect their homeland and to rescue their brothers and sisters in captivity. This is why, in a very real sense, Israel has already won the war in the spiritual realm.
Militarily, Israel has most definitely achieved miraculous victories against Iran and its proxies. At the same time, major diplomatic and geopolitical challenges remain at Israel’s forefront. The world’s narrative about Israel continues, by and large, to be gravely distorted, but Israel must continue to stand firmly for the truth in the international arena. Looking ahead, Israel now stands at a critical juncture. The future battlefront will not only be in Gaza but in Judea and Samaria, the heartland of our history and identity. Israel must be ready, united in purpose and anchored in faith, to stand strong in the Biblical Heartland, which has always been central to the People of Israel’s spiritual mission and destiny.
Our eventual victory will not be achieved by geopolitical strategy alone but by standing firm in our God-given identity. Our strength will not come from weapons and military prowess but rather our Biblical values and faith in God. As Bible believers, we can rejoice knowing that God’s hand has once again guarded and protected Israel through unbelievable trials and tribulations. The guns may have fallen silent at least for the time being, but our spiritual victory is already ringing throughout the world. Finally, we can say “our sons are home!”
You, together with us in Israel, have chosen life and in so doing, have helped us overcome darkness with light! Thank you for standing with us! May God bless you!
Shmuel Junger
Executive Director
P.S. I hope you enjoy reading the Heartland Story enclosed with this letter. It tells the story of how your donations helped bring bomb shelters to the community of Bar Kochba this year. You are truly saving lives! Thank you for standing with Israel!