Israelis are the most resilient people on the planet. Despite enemy attacks and constant threats to wipe them off the map, they go on living life with gusto! So much so, that the population of Israel continues to grow and they perennially rank as one of the most optimistic and satisfied populations in the world!

Within the past few months, Israel’s population surpassed 10 million. Of those, 77% are Jews and 21% are Arabs. The remaining 2% are foreigners who managed to attain Israeli citizenship (a very difficult thing!) There are approximately 15.8 million Jews in the world, meaning almost half now live in Israel. That’s significant, given Ezekiel’s prophecy that Jews will return to their God-given homeland in the last days! (Ezekiel 36-37)

The reborn nation of Israel just turned 77…or will turn 77 on May 14, for those measuring by the Gregorian calendar! In 1948, their population stood at roughly 800,000, so they have grown over twelvefold in those 77 short years. Not only are they a relatively young country in terms of longevity, but they are a young country in terms of population. Over 1/3 of Israelis are under the age of 18. Very youthful!

Despite constant threats from neighboring nations and terrorist groups, Israel thrives! They also exhibit optimism and satisfaction far outdistancing their neighbors and most other countries of the world. In a 2021 social survey, Israelis over age 20 report being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their lives at a 91% clip. They are satisfied economically (67%), with their jobs (92%) and with their health (83%).

Israelis build close relationships among families, communities and social groups, and over 90% surveyed expressed satisfaction and trust in those relationships. 86% are happy with where they live.

How is that possible when living in the burning cauldron of the Middle East? Perhaps it is supernatural, like so many other elements revolving around Israel. The hand of God rests upon them, despite what it may appear through human eyes. Yes, they are targeted by enemies, but God is faithful to defend them. Intuitively, even very secular Israelis admit that God has miraculously saved the Jewish nation from destruction many times.

To be in Israel is incredibly refreshing. Not to say the country is perfect. (Far from it.) But the presence of the Lord is “thick” for those who seek it. Israelis are joyful (though also very straight forward!), and they absolutely love life. They highly invest in their children and young people. There are probably more playgrounds in Israel than anywhere else on earth. Allowing kids to be kids is a value, yet their young people mature quicker than most. Their educational system is designed to encourage debate and wrestling for truth. They learn to think for themselves. They are also given tremendous responsibility, particularly once they enter the military, which is mandatory for both males and females soon after graduation. I once met a 19-year-old tank unit commander!

Israel is an amazing place! As they continue to grow and thrive, and as satisfaction and optimism continue to out-pace most other nations, their adversaries grow more bitter with hatred. It’s the paradox between a nation blessed by the Lord, and others who deny Him in favor of some other form of religiosity.

Jews are not perfect, but the God of Israel is! Religious or secular, most Jews have a sense of God’s faithfulness. Let’s pray that, in these last days, Gods’ faithfulness will resonate, drawing the Jewish people to Himself!

Can you imagine what joy, satisfaction and optimism they would have then!?!