Will the War in Israel Ever End?
A Deep-Rooted Tension
What a year it has been. With all that has transpired in Israel—the losses, the pain, the tragedy, the atrocities, the senseless deaths—one cannot help but wonder: Will the war in Israel ever end? This isn’t just an abstract question or a theoretical musing; it is a deeply rooted apprehension, a painful tension within any decent heart that witnesses so much loss. Tragically, this is not something new. The past year has only amplified a history of conflict that stretches back through the decades, the centuries, even millennia.
A Historical Perspective
Consider the modern history of Israel since 1948: the War of Independence, the Suez Crisis in 1956, the Six-Day War in 1967, the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the Lebanese wars—and now, the current conflicts. But let us go back even further, to biblical times. Abraham fought wars in this part of the world nearly 4,000 years ago. The first and second temples faced challenges from the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Over the centuries, the Crusaders, Byzantines, and Ottoman Empire all fought over this small piece of land called Israel.
The Root of the Conflict
To understand whether there can ever be peace, we must get to the root of the conflict. Superficially, it might seem to be about land, resources, or political power. But there is something far deeper at play. This land is not just any land; it is the land of Israel, the Holy Land, the Promised Land. It is the gateway to heaven, the interface between heaven and earth.
When Jacob, one of the patriarchs, fell asleep on what would later be the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, he had a dream and said, "This is the gate to heaven." This spot, this land, is where heaven and earth meet, and everyone wants to control this gateway. It represents the ultimate interface between spirit and matter, between soul and body.
The Spiritual Battle
This is a spiritual battle, even if many people fighting it do not realize it. The Muslim world, particularly its fundamentalist factions, sees controlling this land as fulfilling God’s purpose. They believe they are chosen to bring the Divine into this world, viewing Jews and Christians as corrupting forces.
To understand why the war seems endless, consider this: it’s not a battle over resources or territory; it’s a battle for the soul of humanity. This is why the conflict defies simple solutions and endures across millennia.
A Vision for Peace
The only way to resolve this conflict is to recognize its spiritual nature. Peace will come when the world acknowledges that the Holy Land is a gateway to heaven for all humanity. This land is meant to be a blessing for Jews, Christians, Muslims, agnostics, atheists, Buddhists, Hindus—for everyone.
The prophets spoke of a time when "this house shall be a house of prayer for all nations" and "the world will be filled with Divine knowledge as the waters cover the sea." This vision is not just for the Jewish people but for the entire world.
The Role of Leadership
Until Israel has leaders who articulate these spiritual goals, the battle will continue. But we, as individuals, can start by spreading this message. If Israel spends time articulating and believing in this vision, it will have a tremendous impact, even on countries like Iran.
Transforming Education
We must fight the immediate battles to protect innocent lives, but we also need to address the root causes. This involves transforming the education and values of future generations. Teaching children about love, unity, kindness, and the Divine image within each person can create lasting change.
A Call to Action
What would happen if we had a spiritual leader who called for this vision? It would give us all a ray of hope. This isn’t about imposing beliefs but about finding common ground. It’s about recognizing that we are all created by one God and that we each serve a unique purpose.
A New World Order
May we merit to see a new world order, a spiritual revolution that transforms us all. This is not a utopian dream but a vision rooted in the teachings of our prophets and sages. Peace is possible, but it requires a deep understanding of the spiritual roots of the conflict and a commitment to transforming our world from within.
This has been Simon Jacobson. For more insights and discussions, visit Meaningful Life Center. You can also watch our programs on our YouTube Channel. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality. Be blessed. May we merit to see a world filled with Divine knowledge and peace.
