When American author Leon Uris published the novel Exodus in 1958 and when American actor Paul Newman brought its heroic spirit to the screen – the world saw Israel through a particular set of lens. The fledgling Jewish state was viewed as a modern manifestation of the Biblical David: courageous, determined and fighting for its very existence against overwhelming odds. For many Americans, Israel’s War of Independence echoed their own struggle against the British; for others, it symbolized the universal drama of national freedom. The iconic image of the strong Jewish pioneer, both resilient and morally upright, became something the world loved to admire.
But somewhere along the way, that very narrative changed.
Perhaps the most transformative moment was during the Six-Day War in 1967. In a war that can only be described as miraculous, Israel achieved a victory that reshaped the geography and spirit of the nation. Jerusalem, a city divided since 1949, was reunited once again. The regions of Judea and Samaria, forming the cradle of Biblical history, were finally returned to the hands of the People of Israel. The Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula were also liberated by Israel.
But as Israel grew stronger and more capable, global sentiment began to tilt. Media narratives increasingly portrayed Israel not as the David, but as the Goliath. The image of Israeli soldiers valiantly facing and fighting off existential threats was replaced with young Palestinians throwing stones at armoured Israeli vehicles.
Over time, this false imagery gradually reshaped global perception of Israel. International political discourse, the mediaand public opinion slowly moved from admiration of Israel towards criticism of Israel. Consequently, Israel gave in to such pressures and made disastrous concessions, acquiescing and agreeing to the Oslo Accords and the“disengagement” from Gaza –
And then came October 7th.
That horrifying morning, the world suddenly was forced to confront a question it had long overlooked:
If Israel was truly the “Goliath,” how could small bands of terrorists overwhelm its borders, murder hundreds of Israelis, decimate countless communities and bring the IDF to its knees – even if only for a moment?
The terrible images from that day of the ransacking of entire communities, families hiding in their safe rooms as well as of children, babies and Holocaust survivors being kidnapped all forced a momentary reckoning. Suddenly, cracks formed in the “David vs. Goliath” narrative that had been promoted over the last several decades. The true nature of Israel’senemy, long downplayed and misunderstood as a “David,” was revealed in its stark brutality.
Yet even the shocking attacks on October 7th did not fully reshape international discourse. What many expected to be a long-term global shift towards sympathy of Israel instead became something almost surreal: renewed internationalpressure for the establishment of a Palestinian state coupled with a dangerous and ever growing wave of antisemitism around the world.
After two years of war, one truth remains abundantly clear: the story of Judea and Samaria must be spread far and wide.
This small stretch of land so often reduced to mere political jargon carries layers of meaning that far transcend the political sphere. It is the Biblical Heartland and the geographic backbone of the Jewish homeland where prophecy, ancient history and the story of the present, most inspiring chapter in the journey of the Jewish people all converge. Judea and Samaria is also home to thousands of real families living their daily lives with courage and an unwavering belief in their Biblical mission.
Any political and diplomatic decisions that are made pertaining to Judea and Samaria will necessarily shape Israel’s future and, in many ways, the future of the Middle East as well.
We are living through a chapter in human history that historians in the future will look back to in awe – a chapter that compels the world to confront long-held assumptions and old narratives, and in which the People of Israel are pushed to complete their unfinished story.
This remarkable transformation of the portrayal of Israel as a “David” to a “Goliath” and back again to a “David” is unfolding in front of our eyes. As countless Goliaths throughout the world are attempting to rip the Biblical Heartland away from Israel, hundreds of thousands of Davids living in Judea and Samaria boldly resist.
Please come and meet me during my upcoming visit in Australia this February in which I will share incredible stories of these most inspirational pioneers!
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