Have you heard the expression, “With friends like that, who needs enemies?” It is true more often than we like, but one such example struck me last week.

Commenting on relations with Ukraine, Israeli envoy to Ukraine recently revealed that, despite Israel’s considerable provision of humanitarian aid, such as field hospitals, Ukraine has consistently complained of insufficient support in Ukraine’s war against Russia. I’m not sure there is a decent nation in the world that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hasn’t gone hat-in-hand trying to suck up sympathy dollars and military support.

Lest you think his grievance is simply a momentary, petty one, let it be known that Ukraine has voted against Israeli interests over 90% of the time in the UN! Ukraine is no friend or supporter of Israel, yet the tiny Jewish state, doing everything in its power to provide significant humanitarian aid while keeping Russia appeased enough to remain peaceful toward Israel, finds itself on the short end of the stick!

Michael Brodsky, the Israeli envoy, recently stated:

“If Ukraine sees Israel as a friendly nation and makes requests from it, then it needs to support us in the matters that are important to us, just as Israel works with Ukraine on matters important to it.”

~Read the full article on All Israel News [accessed 7/17/2023]

This is yet another example of Israel’s consistent desire for tikkun olam (making the world a better place), while the very ones Israel serves stab them in the back diplomatically. Of course, it is nothing new. It has happened for centuries. What is difficult to grasp is why America…particularly American Christians…don’t see through it and stand up tall to defend, support and bless our Jewish friends!

You might ask, “How does an American Christian (or anyone else) do that? After all, I am only one person, half a world away.” Great question! Here are some thoughts:

• When is the last time you verbally supported Israel, either in conversation or perhaps in a letter to your elected officials?
• When is the last time you chose to support a legitimate effort in Israel financially?
• When is the last time you purchased an Israeli product?
• If you know a Jewish person, when is the last time you told them you love Israel and the God of Israel, and that you support the Jewish state and the Jewish people?
• When is the last time you stopped to simply pray for Israel (as we are commanded to do)?

Blessed are those who bless Israel (Genesis 12:3). May today be the first of many days you choose to bless Israel. When we stand as friends with Israel, they have fewer enemies!