Thank You, President Trump. You Just Helped Israel Wake Up.

Avi Abelow

I know this will surprise some people.

Many are angry. Many are disappointed. Many feel betrayed by reports of a Trump-Iran deal.

Me? I want to say thank you.
Thank you, President Trump.

Not because I think this deal is good. I don’t.
Not because I trust the Islamic republic of Iran. I don’t.
And not because I believe this war is over. It isn’t over at all.

I am thankful because this moment is forcing Israelis and Jews around the world to confront a truth that we have avoided for far too long: our future cannot depend on any foreign leader, no matter how friendly, powerful, or supportive he may be.

For decades, Israel has fallen into the trap of believing that our security ultimately rests in Washington or foreign relations. Republican or Democrat, Congress or White House, aid packages or diplomatic guarantees, too many of us have convinced ourselves that someone else will always be there to save us.

History teaches the opposite.

We did not win any of our wars because of foreign alliances. No country stood by us in our 1948 war of Independence. France was our ally supplying us weapons and planes in the miraculous 1967 six day war, but we did not win because of that. We won every single one of our wars because of unbelievable miracles that happened naturally in the battle fields.

The Jewish people survive when we take responsibility for our destiny and place our trust in Hashem.
That is exactly what this moment is reminding us.

And honestly, I’m not even worried about this bad deal.

First, there is no actual deal.

If something is signed on Friday, it is expected to be only a memorandum of understanding outlining the framework for a 60-day ceasefire.

Second, Iran is already threatening not to sign unless Israel withdraws from Lebanon and unless billions of dollars in frozen assets are released.

Neither of those demands appears realistic.

The U.S. State Department already announced that the withdrawal expected in Lebanon is Hezbollah moving north of the Litani River, not Israel abandoning its security positions.

Israel’s Defense Minister has already declared that Israel will remain in its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly stated that Israel is not bound by any American memorandum regarding Iran.

Israel is still operating in Lebanon.
Israel still has freedom of action.
Israel still has the final say regarding Israel’s security.
And for that Netanyahu must be commended for his leadership in navigating the alliance with President Trump.

So let’s stop acting as if Friday determines our future.

Don’t forget: Iran started this war against us on October 7th through its Hamas and Hezbollah proxies, while coordinating attacks against Israel from multiple fronts across the Middle East.
Israel did not wait for America to act. Prime Minister Netanyahu made the decision to strike Iran first, without U.S. military involvement. Only afterward did President Trump decide to bring the United States into the fight.

Just as Israel launched this campaign without America, we may ultimately have to finish it without America as well.

That should not frighten us.

The lesson of this war has always been that Israel must be capable of defending itself, by itself, against any threat.

The war is not over.
The struggle against the Islamic Republic is not over.
The battle between civilization and the forces of jihadi Islam is certainly not over.

In many ways, President Trump is doing us a favor.

Throughout this war, the Trump administration was an extraordinary partner. More supportive than any American administration in history.

But alliances are not perfect.
America’s interests and Israel’s interests overlap, but they are not identical.

America is heading toward midterm elections.
American politicians will do what they believe serves American interests.
Israel must do what serves Israel’s interests.

Perhaps America will continue helping us.
Perhaps there are surprises still ahead.
Perhaps military pressure will resume if Iran refuses a final agreement.
We will see.

But the larger lesson remains unchanged.

The Jewish people cannot build our future on the decisions of presidents, kings, governments, or international institutions.

We build our future by believing in our mission, strengthening our nation, defending ourselves, doing what we have to do and trusting in Hashem.

My greatest disappointment is not for Israel.
It is for the Iranian people.

Tens of millions of brave Iranians hoped the Islamic regime’s days were numbered. Many risked their lives protesting in the streets. Many were imprisoned. Many were tortured. Tens of thousands were killed.

They dreamed that the free world would finally help them remove the evil jihadist regime that has oppressed them for nearly half a century.

Their struggle is not over either.

And one day, I believe they will be free.

So whether a ceasefire memorandum is signed or not, my message remains the same:

Don’t panic.
Don’t place your faith in Trump.
Don’t place your faith in Netanyahu.
Don’t place your faith in any human leader.
Place your faith in Hashem.

The God of Israel has carried our people through far greater challenges than this one.

He is still guiding history today.

And ultimately, the future of Israel will be determined not in Washington, not in Tehran, and not at the United Nations.

It will be determined by the Jewish people themselves, together with the One who brought us home.

Strengthen your faith in God. Great times are still ahead, including the toppling of the evil jihadi Islamic republic of Iran. How? When? By whom? We will find out.

Am Yisrael Chai!!!