Racism is defined as “prejudice, discrimination, or hostility that individuals or groups experience.” Zionism is a political movement that emerged in late 19th-century Europe, primarily in response to widespread anti-Semitism, to establish a Jewish homeland.
The term “Zion,” which originates from the Hebrew Bible, is closely associated with Jerusalem, establishing a deep connection between the movement and that city and its surrounding areas. A key moment in Zionism’s history occurred with the Balfour Declaration in 1917, when Britain declared its support for forming a Jewish national home in Palestine. In 1949, Chaim Weizmann, the president of the Zionist Organization, became Israel’s first president. Fundamentally, Zionism centers on Jewish nationalism, affirming the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland after enduring centuries of global oppression.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants crossed from Gaza to launch a brutal assault on an Israeli settlement. This violent attack targeted individuals of all ages, showing no mercy, from the elderly to infants, and included unimaginable horrors such as beheadings, rape and killings—acts that defy human understanding. These actions can only be described as sheer evil.
Ephesians 2:2 reminds us, “Wherein in time passed ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” Furthermore, 1 John 5:19 declares, “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”
It’s disheartening that many struggle to grasp the grim reality imposed upon Israeli citizens by Hamas. This terrorist organization is not only responsible for these atrocities but is also celebrated by some, who use these horrendous acts to recruit for their holy war. Antisemitism continues to be a pervasive issue that impacts Jewish communities across the globe.
Recent atrocities have shocked the international community, sparking outrage and urgent calls for intervention. These events reveal humanity’s capacity for cruelty, fueled by deep-seated hatred and extremist ideologies. They also prompt us to confront the longstanding animosity rooted in historical and spiritual conflicts.
Beyond the immediate physical devastation, there are significant spiritual ramifications. This struggle transcends territorial disputes; it delves into themes of identity, belief and destiny, replete with deep meaning extending far beyond the region.
The timing of the attack coincided with Shemini Atzeret, a most significant day on the Jewish calendar. It marked exactly 50 years since a similar surprise attack occurred during Yom Kippur on Oct. 6, 1973. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas militants crossed from Gaza to initiate a monstrous assault.
These attacks are not coincidental; they are strategic. The dates chosen were highly significant to the Jewish community. People are more focused on spiritual observance and less vigilant against military incursions.
These attacks aim to present Islam as triumphant over Jewish religious practices. More deeply, these heinous acts are fueled by malevolent forces that seek to destroy the people and land central to God’s plan, which includes ultimately defeating evil. The malevolence that erupted on God’s sacred feast day, reminiscent of events from about 50 years ago, can be understood only through a biblical worldview.
A History of Conflict
The roots of today’s conflict stretch back to biblical times, marked by deep-seated hatred and division. This current phase of violence has been developing since the early 20th century. After World War I, the British government and the League of Nations supported a plan for Jewish settlement in Palestine, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the war, Jewish immigration to their ancestral homeland increased dramatically, with thousands arriving from Europe, Asia, America and other regions. At the same time, the local Arab population also expanded.
Global powers were reshaping the Middle Eastern landscape, a situation well described in David Fromkin’s book, A Peace to End All Peace (1989).
The aftermath of World War II intensified the demand for a Jewish state due to the horrific toll of the Nazi Holocaust in Europe. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was declared and immediately faced attacks from Jordan, Syria, and Egypt, all of whom aimed to destroy the new nation. Despite these assaults, Israel managed to endure. Many Arab residents who supported the invasion became displaced, and some fled to neighboring countries, leading to the emergence of the Palestinian identity.
Subsequent conflicts, such as the 1967 Six-Day War, caused further displacement as Israel successfully defended itself and expanded its territories.
From these displaced individuals arose various militant factions, motivated by an Islamist ideology that prevents lands conquered by Islam from reverting to non-Muslim control, which views Jews as subhuman. Hamas, which governs Gaza, and Hezbollah in Lebanon receive substantial funding and direction from Iran, the primary state sponsor of terrorism in the region. The potential for further escalation is real.
A secular, godless mindset often overlooks that the events unfolding in the region are deeply rooted in biblical history, reflecting God’s ultimate purpose for humanity and the nation of Israel. This situation underscores the opposition posed by wicked spiritual forces (see Ephesians 6:12): “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
The timing of these two attacks, separated by about 50 years—one on Yom Kippur and the other on Shemini Atzeret, the final festival appointed by God—indicates a deliberate and meaningful pattern. The significance of these specific days offers a key biblical perspective on the potential for future assaults against Israel. The recent 12-day war has changed the Middle East conflict, especially as Iran has lost its nuclear capabilities. However, Iran and its proxies still clearly intend to destroy the Jewish state.
Israel’s likelihood of facing future attacks depends on a complex mix of historical, security, political and regional factors. Iranian leaders have explicitly stated their goal of annihilating Israel.
In summary, the Zionist movement is inherently non-racist, affirming the right to live in the land that God has given to the Jews, as per the Hebrew Scriptures.
