As I stand here in the ancient streets of Jerusalem, a city that has seen the rise and fall of empires and the unfolding of Divine prophecy, my heart is stirred by the news reaching us from the Prime Minister’s Office. On Dec. 26, Israel took the monumental step by becoming the first nation to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign state.
For me, this is not merely a diplomatic maneuver or a strategic calculation in the Red Sea. It is a profound moment of spiritual and historical alignment.
My own journey—from a childhood in Los Angeles to the pulpits of Jerusalem—has been defined by the search for truth and the reclamation of identity. As an African-American who found his way to the Torah and the Jewish people, I have always seen the deep, invisible threads connecting the children of Africa with the children of Israel.
Somaliland, like so many of us, has been a nation in “the wilderness” for more than 30 years. They have built a democracy, maintained peace and fostered a culture of resilience, all while the world looked the other way. Today, the “Jerusalem Declaration” tells them: We see you. You are no longer invisible!
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu correctly framed this recognition within the spirit of the Abraham Accords. This is a framework of “peace through strength” and “prosperity through partnership.” By welcoming Somaliland into this fold, Israel is not just looking for a strategic port or a check on regional threats; it is extending a hand to a Muslim-majority nation that chooses stability over chaos.
When we recognize the sovereignty of a nation that has proven its commitment to peace, we aren’t just making a political ally. We are answering a moral call to support those who stand for order in a world of disorder.
From my perspective here in Jerusalem, the alliance with Somaliland represents three key pillars:
• Security for the gateway: The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital artery for the world. To have a stable, recognized partner in Hargeisa helps secure the passage of life-giving goods and counters the forces of destruction that seek to choke our maritime routes.
• The bridge of innovation: Israel’s expertise in agriculture and water technology is a gift we are commanded to share. In the arid landscapes of Somaliland, these Israeli “miracles” can turn the desert into a garden, fulfilling our role to be a light unto the nations.
• A shared heritage: We must remember that the Horn of Africa is deeply embedded in our biblical history. The ancient links to the Queen of Sheba and the trade routes of King Solomon are resurfacing. This alliance feels less like a new discovery and more like a long-awaited family reunion.
To my brothers and sisters in the African-American Community: This recognition is a victory for the principle of self-determination. It shows that the values of faith, hard work and persistence eventually bear fruit.
Many in our community speak of Northeast Africa as a land of ancestral echoes. The Queen of Sheba and the trade routes of King Solomon remind us that the Red Sea was never a barrier, but a highway.
Today, that highway is being rebuilt.
When I see the flags of Israel and Somaliland flying together, I don’t just see two governments. I see two resilient spirits joining forces.
We are witnessing the beginning of an era where the wisdom of the Holy Land and the potential of the African continent merge to create a future defined not by conflict, but by the “Jerusalem Spirit”—one of recognition, respect and redemption.
As we look toward the future, I see a Jerusalem that is more connected to the African continent than ever before. We are building a bridge across the Red Sea, and on that bridge, we shall walk together toward a future of mutual respect and shared prosperity.
