In a time of global turbulence and political uncertainty, a critical alliance endures: the U.S.-Israel partnership, rooted in shared democratic values, cultural ties and strategic cooperation. Decades of collaboration have transcended different administrations, expanding into joint efforts on security, technology and research. The U.S.-Israel relationship not only enhances stability in the Middle East but delivers concrete benefits for both nations, demonstrating the lasting value of this important bond.
The United States and Israel share the core values of democracy, freedom and innovation. These values create a natural alignment that extends beyond politics, providing a foundation of respect and open dialogue. Both nations support free expression, diversity and an entrepreneurial spirit that fosters an environment where ideas and innovation thrive.
The commitment to democratic ideals is reflected in the protections each country provides its citizens, including elections, free speech and freedom of religion that are the basis for vibrant civil societies. Democratic governance encourages active civic participation and the protection of individual rights. This is in stark contrast to Israel’s enemies currently waging war against the Jewish state: Hamas ruling Gaza, Hezbollah dominating Lebanon’s politics, the Houthis hijacking Yemen and Iran’s tyrannical rulers funding them all. A female student in Iran was recently arrested after walking through campus in her underwear to protest being assaulted for not wearing a hijab.
Responding to the Oct. 7 massacre, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said: “Israel is a country with whom we have so many ties of kinship, of tradition and of values. Oct. 7 was an attack on decent values that, as America, we have defended and upheld. Israel is a part of us, and we are part of Israel.”
History of the relationship: Jewish and Christian ties
The deep U.S.-Israel relationship has been forged through shared values and mutual commitment. The United States and Israel are both home to the largest Jewish populations in the world. This cultural connection fosters trust between the two nations, transcends policy and political shifts, and has survived regional tensions and economic crises.
Before Jews reclaimed independence in their ancestral homeland, American Jewish organizations were instrumental in providing financial aid, education and infrastructure to build schools, hospitals and social services in the early 20th century. This community support laid the foundation for modern-day Israel and fostered lifelong ties between Americans and Israelis.
American Christian Zionist movements also played a pivotal role. The American Palestine Committee was founded in 1932 as a pro-Zionist, Christian organization that advocated for legislation that called for the establishment of a Jewish homeland. Many U.S. representatives, senators and mayors supported APC initiatives.
Over the decades, both Democratic and Republican administrations have maintained unwavering support for Israel, recognizing it as a key partner in promoting peace and stability. Significant moments, such as the 1979 Camp David Accords, the 2020 Abraham Accords and America’s continued support for Israel’s defense, demonstrate consistent bipartisan support for Israel.
Mutual benefits: Trade, technology and security
The beneficial alliance also generates joint projects, economic prosperity and security benefits that impact American and Israeli lives.
Israel pioneered agricultural and ecological technologies, like drip irrigation systems now widely used on American farms to optimize water use and increase crop yields, benefiting American communities and drought-stricken countries around the world. Israeli disaster response teams provided critical support in the aftermath of the condominium collapse in Surfside, Fla., in the summer of 2021. These teams brought specialized expertise in search-and-rescue operations, using technology developed in Israel to locate survivors.
Joint ventures in cybersecurity have created advanced solutions that protect businesses across the United States. The allies work closely to address mutual threats through intelligence-sharing programs that are credited with preventing terror attacks, and protecting both American and Israeli lives.
Call for unity: Nov. 10 rally falls on 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht
Sparked by the Oct. 7 massacre, hate and violence against Jews in America and around the world has increased dramatically and is becoming increasingly normalized. The night of Nov. 9-10 marks Kristallnacht (”Night of Broken Glass”), when Nazi gangs attacked Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues in 1938.
As we commemorate the dangers of uncontrolled hate and celebrate the enduring alliance between America and Israel, an upcoming event on Nov. 10 offers an opportunity for American Jews to come together after the elections in support of shared values and collective resilience.
In challenging times, unity within the Jewish community reinforces our commitment to standing together, ensuring that we remain a source of strength and continuity for future generations.
Points to consider:
- Support for Israel is an American value shared by both parties.
The alliance between the United States and Israel remains resilient, transcending political shifts and partisan divides regardless of which leaders are elected in Washington and Jerusalem. Bipartisan cooperation has enabled both countries to navigate global challenges, from counterterrorism efforts to advancing scientific research, security and technology. A united front enables both nations to face international challenges effectively, reaffirming that the U.S.-Israel relationship is not bound by political cycles. Shared democratic values, goals and strategic interests are essential to both the long-term security and prosperity of both nations.
- America-Israel bilateral relationship benefits Americans.
A strong U.S.-Israel relationship brings real, tangible returns to American communities. Joint scientific and medical research between U.S. and Israeli organizations contributes directly to advancements in medicine, cybersecurity and environmental sustainability. American farmers and consumers benefit from agricultural innovations, particularly in water conservation and crop technology. Collaborative defense projects, such as the Iron Dome missile-defense system, fuel U.S. defense innovation and job creation. These initiatives prove to Americans the value of this alliance.
- U.S.-sponsored peace treaties prove alliance promotes stability in the Middle East.
The Abraham Accords, facilitated by the United States, reflect its longstanding commitment to Middle Eastern peace, building on earlier successes such as the Israel-Egypt and Israel-Jordan peace treaties. The new normalization agreements with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Sudan have fostered new economic partnerships—trade, tourism and technological innovation—and led to interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange that are advancing shared regional prosperity. Peaceful ties, regional collaboration on security and counterterrorism create a safer environment for American interests. The Accords prove that the U.S.-Israel partnership promotes regional peace.
