Political Economy: Thicker Than Jewish Blood

The world is again witnessing a surge of antisemitism. This time it takes place in the wake of the Israeli war with Hamas. According to agencies that track such trends, antisemitic acts and attacks vaulted 1,000 percent within a month of Hamas’ initial attack (October 7, 2023).

It surely seems assuring that America, Canada and other major nations support Israel. But why do these nations do so? Given that this article is published by a Christian ministry and written by a dispensationalist author, the answer would seem obvious. All of these nations are of historical Christian influence, and therefore would most surely stand by Israel … correct? Sadly, this is hardly the case.

Yes, genocide and unmitigated civilian murders are reprehensible. There is broad agreement upon these human rights perspectives. But beyond that, there are a myriad of other interests that conveniently align with support for Israel. Most of all, Israel is supported due to geopolitical and economic reasons (i.e., Political Economics … the wellhead of human actions in the world). This is surely the case for the United States.

Please do not be mistaken: At the geopolitical level, it is not the Bible, Christian association, or biblical prophecy that holds influence upon such considerations. For the most part, these are non-factors.
That may seem a harsh assessment to evangelicals living in North America. There are many ministries and churches that are pro-Zionist and, indeed, love the Jews. This is not doubted. But again, this carries little weight at the global policy level. To emphasize, the main reason for the support of Israel is Political Economy. A closer examination will reveal this to be true.

Unfortunately, therefore, pro-Israelism is fragile. It can be fleeting. And, sadly, according to Bible prophecy, a worldwide abandonment of Israel will yet happen.

Money Interests and Antisemitism
Spurred by the Gaza siege, an eruption of antisemitism took place around the world. Most notably, war protests and Jewish defamation occurred on many school campuses. The vast majority of protesters were pro-Hamas and Jew-haters. This is hardly in conformity with “higher education” and the balance of facts and fairness.

The National Students for Justice in Palestine, an organization with hundreds of campus chapters, called the slaughter of Israeli Jews “a historic win for the Palestinian resistance.” They went on to describe the “heightened stage of the Palestinian struggle” as a “resistance” that will “bring dignity and honor to the Palestinian people.”

Elite university campuses are the one place in American society where making the intellectual case for antisemitism is fashionable. In fact, many colleges that offer radical “Studies” are funded by federal tax dollars.

As such, to no surprise, retaliations against antisemitism have taken an “economic” form. There are many sponsors and patrons that fund higher education—Ivy League colleges and universities. Some of them write big checks every year. As such, endowments of colleges in America are enormous. Consider that as of end-2022, the total endowment market value of US education institutions stood at $807.3 billion. This is four-fifths of a trillion! 

The rampant antisemitism has not been tolerated by prominent donors. For example, Harvard University faces the threat of donation withdrawal from over 1,600 Jewish alumni over antisemitism concerns. Big-money donors—high-profile multi-billionaires, hedge fund managers, etc.—are slamming Ivy League universities and pulling funding over their responses to the Israel-Hamas war. Some are threatening to pursue the rally participants, seeking to deny them post-graduation job opportunities.

Many more repercussions are yet to come. Time will tell if these sanctions will be effective in stamping out student radicalism. But likely not, as a root cause of antisemitism is demonic … again, as laid out in prophetic Scripture.

In the Crosshairs of Economics
Presently, Americas’ support of Israel seems boundless and unwavering. But, as mentioned at the outset, Israel’s existence depends on supportive Political Economics. As such, what is the interest of the nations in protecting Israel? We can be assured that there are beneficial interests. There must be. After all, in geopolitics, the winner is the keeper. 

Why does the United States so strongly support Israel? What is in it for America? Without a doubt, a relationship with Israel is in the best interest of the US. Allow us to explain.

This comment by Joe Biden (back in 1986 when he was a senator) reveals much: 

“If we look at the Middle East, I think it’s about time we stop, those of us who support, as most of us do, Israel in this body, apologizing for our support for Israel. There is no apology to be made. None. It is the best $3 billion investment we make. Were there not an Israel, the United States of America would have to invent an Israel to protect her interest in the region; the United States would have to go out and invent an Israel.”

He has repeated this comment often over the years (most recently on October 27, 2023).

Consider the enormity of various US “interests” in the Middle East. We list some of these:

• The Middle East continues to have the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas. It is therefore crucial to control this region. Israel is the perfect outpost in this endeavor. It serves as a military base for the US in the Middle East.

• The most important trading routes on earth go through this region—the Suez Canal being the largest in volume. Over 30% of total world trade is shipped through this channel. Therefore, it must be secure.

• Since US influence in the region has waned somewhat in recent years, a relationship with Israel becomes ever more important. For example, as Saudi Arabia has become more unaligned and no longer serves as a proxy for the US, Israel must fill the gap.

• The US wishes to counteract China’s Belt and Road Initiative (the New Silk Road). It is encouraging alternate trade routes (which now tend to go east-west, with the emergence of China’s global trade). A route from India into the Persian Gulf is promoted. As it happens, this route will connect to Europe through Israel.

Of course, Israel and the US share similar values—democracy uppermost. However, it would not be radical to say that if Israel did not serve these and other interests of the US, Israel would find itself increasingly alone. In short, the support of Israel is based on the whims and prerogatives of secular commerce.

Blessings of the Jews
Why would such a small ethnic group as the Jews, elicit such disproportionate hatred in the world? Consider that, as of 2023, the “core” Jewish population of the world was 16.1 million …. a mere 0.2% of the world population of 8 billion. They are outnumbered by a factor of 500 times.

Nevertheless, the Bible clearly says that the Jew will be a blessing to the world in many ways, this also being the case during the Diaspora. “As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing” (Zechariah 8:13). 

Indeed, the Jew has brought great blessings to the world in many ways. Just as the Bible said: “The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind” (Micah 5:7).

Possibly without major exception, every nation that gave harbor to the Jews eventually prospered and rose in prominence. For example, during the Golden Age of Poland in the mid-1800s, approximately 30% of all Jews were estimated to be living in that country.

Later, the Jews were severely persecuted in Poland. It has been a long time since this nation has been a world leader. The same applies to Spain after the 1400s. Before that time, Jews were a large reason for the prosperity and progress of Spain. To no surprise, Spain rapidly declined after 1492, the year the Jews were expelled.

Other examples could be cited, including Russia and also the Ottoman Empire, a Muslim empire that at one time allowed the Jews a great deal of freedom (however, not at other times, and hardly so in Turkey today). But, how does this observation reflect upon the world today? Frankly, it begs the question of the current role of the Jew in America, in which approximately one half of the Diaspora Jews live. Consider that the period since the 1950s has been dubbed by some as the Golden Age of the America Jew.

The world must be thankful for the many achievements of the Jewish people, the many Jewish Nobel Prize laureates—about one-fifth overall (this being 100 times the rate of the rest of the population)—the great inventions and arts. We see that the Jew has excelled in almost every faculty. Gentiles laud Jews for these achievements. Few would feel jealous that many of the greatest violin soloists were Jewish, or that an outsized number of the Boston Symphonic Orchestra may be Jewish. Given this outstanding record, why seek to exterminate them, as has been attempted most notably by the Nazis during WW2.

Thoughts to Ponder
As Christians, we do not need to be apologists for the Jews, nor condone every action of the modern State of Israel. However, there are several things we must do. First, “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you” (Romans 11:17-18).

Next, “Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either” (vv. 20b-21).

While a judgment and restoration has been set for the Jews, the Gentile best remember that judgment awaits them also. For the Christian, the Bema seat (and persecution) still lies ahead for us. Thanks to the Jew—Jesus Christ, in the flesh—we are spared eternal damnation (and so also the House of Jacob), but we do not escape judgment. That trembling time still lies ahead. Oh, may God’s severity that he has shown the Jew pass over us! How many countless times have we been disobedient, as were Israel and Judah? Yet, Jesus Christ has been faithful to forgive us.

According to the Prophet Hosea, this restoration surely draws near. Hosea was inspired to say, “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence” (Hosea 6:2). As a “day is as a thousand years” (Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8), it is now well into the second half of the third day for the Jews.

God’s plan decrees that one day there will be a global Jewish confederacy. It will be the Millennium … and not as the result of the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” or any other contrived conspiracy theory. Gentiles will then be thankful that Jews are not the evil they are often made out to be. “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you’” (Zechariah 8:23).

God will restore the Jews for the sake of His promises to the patriarchs (Romans 11:28). This is such wonderful news for Jews and Christians alike. For if God is willing to go to such lengths to keep His promise for “David’s sake,” how much more so on behalf of Jesus Christ, His own Son?

It is time to stand up for Jews!

Midnight Call - 02/2024