The divine call to return Jews to their homeland

It’s hard to ignore cataclysmic worldwide events, which are clearly pointing to the ingathering of the Jewish people back to their land, as predicted in the scriptures.

While October 7 may not have been the genesis of this indisputable direction, it certainly catapulted previously-moving trends to the forefront, changing the trajectory from “if” to “when.” Because prior to that fated Sabbath day, American campuses had not been deluged by anti-Israel protesters, calling for the destruction of Zionists nor were Jewish-owned homes in Paris being targeted with antisemitic graffiti, singling them out as the domicile of reviled creatures.

But while these outward displays of hatred are popping up throughout the globe, they are also accompanied by a great political unrest in many countries where Jews have comfortably lived all their lives. 

Take, for example, France. This charming, beloved international venue has been home for close to half a million Jews since World War II, when the renewal of Jewish communities began to feel safe enough to rebuild their lives in this picturesque corner of the world.

However, with the great influx of Muslim migration to France, over the last 30 years, there has been a growing undercurrent of antisemitic sentiment towards the Jewish community, which only expanded in fervor since the October 7 massacre. Today, French Jews say they feel “increasingly isolated with few to support them.”

Now, with many vying political parties, hoping to take the reins in the upcoming election, just days away, ironically, the once feared, extremist right-wing (Front National) party of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the father of Marine LaPen, was associated with much blatant antisemitism. Inheriting the party, from him, Marine changed its name to Rassemblement National Party (RN), in an attempt to create a completely spanking-new image, firing everyone whose positions were anti-Jewish. Consequently, it is presently the most pro-Israel party in France today.

Nonetheless, knowing the reputation of the Le Pen family, France’s Jewish community finds itself in a position to rely upon her repackaged party since all the other alternatives are much worse. In the midst of great instability, deep unrest is a fear which could escalate into a familiar “blame the Jews” scenario, culminating in a frantic push to cause them to rethink their future in a hostile environment.

As reports surface, of the defacing of a Holocaust memorial in Belgium, it’s clear to see the upsurge in such despicable acts performed by emboldened antisemites, as part of a worrisome trend to glorify Nazi sentiment throughout Europe.

Other worldwide reports, in recent days, include anti-Israel graffiti spray-painted on a Miami bagel shop, dog  feces hurled into a New Yorker’s car, while the perpetrator shouted antisemitic comments, a Chicago fountain being vandalized by anti-Israel activists, who defaced it with pro-Palestinian messages, a San Francisco crosswalk and road with newly painted slogans on them, such as, “Long Live Hamas,” Los Angeles synagogue members being beaten up and maced by anti-Israel protesters and the formation of a “Summer of Resistance” effort in Atlanta, consisting of more than 30 groups, whose goal is to invigorate civil uprising as they call for intifada and “support of Palestinian armed resistance.”

The UK and Australia are no better as weekly massive anti-Israel protests have occurred in each place, since October 7, with the shocking calls for Jews to be gassed, being heard in Sydney.

Canada has, similarly, had its share of antisemitic vandalism, crime and pro-Palestinian support, causing the sizable Jewish communities in Montreal, Toronto and other large Canadian provinces to fear for their safety, as reports cite record-high incidents throughout the country, reaching a reported 5,791 documented cases of violence, harassment and vandalism, targeting Jews, with the prognosis of possibly “getting worse.”

So, with such a frightening global forecast for the future of Jews, what’s left for them, except to return to their homeland? While it’s true that a war is being waged here, which has every sign of escalation, the one thing present, but lacking in other countries, is our own robust military which is laser-focused on defending Jews against their enemies. That is no small concession.

At a time when Israel is being forced to stand alone, as a result of the unresolve displayed by many nations, who lack the backbone to condemn barbaric terrorism and the ignorance of grassroots support for murderers, rapists and kidnappers, Jews, in their respective countries, are being marginalized and isolated, often without adequate defense, leaving them to take matters into their own hands as they are sometimes forced to set up their own neighborhood patrol watch groups.

So, it comes down to the question of remaining in the Diaspora at their own peril, or making the massive step of moving to their ancestral homeland. But make no mistake about it, what is still a choice for now, at some point sooner than everyone thinks, may come down to no choice, because it is written, “I will return your captivity and gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you.” (Jeremiah 29:14)

These present-day events, indeed, appear to be a catalyst in the return of the captives to Zion, and while some may view that as the silver lining in the proverbial cloud, it is not necessarily a positive, because the bad news is that the nations which have not protected their Jewish populations will ultimately suffer for not having blessed them when they could have crushed all opposition which came against the Jews but failed to do so. 

Consequently, they pit themselves against God’s chosen, through whom worldwide redemption will come, as clearly stated, “For from Zion, the law will go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3) Israel is the place from where the Maker of Heaven and Earth has chosen to reveal His plan to all people, and no slogan or chant will ever change that!

Zion is God’s special enclave, representing a holy place dedicated to righteousness and the ultimate presence of our Creator. Perhaps, that is why God’s enemies despise the word, “Zionist,” holding it in contempt as the ultimate symbol of reproach and reviling.

Yet, the promise to return the Jewish people to their homeland is one which will surely be realized, and, from the looks of things, in the not-too-distant future. That is worth celebrating, because it confirms that God’s word remains true, infallible and a reliable source for all that is still to come!