In a world where threats to minority communities persist, Israel occupies a unique and indispensable role for the Jewish diaspora. For millions of Jews living outside of Israel, the country is far more than a geographical location; it is a symbol of self-determination, a link to millennia of history, and an assurance of safety in an uncertain world.

First and foremost, Israel is the realization of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland. After centuries of displacement and persecution, the establishment of a sovereign Jewish state in 1948 marked the culmination of a dream embedded in Jewish tradition and identity. For Jews worldwide, Israel serves as a cultural and spiritual anchor, deeply tied to their religion, heritage, and history. It is the land of the patriarchs, the prophets, and the birthplace of a faith that has endured through adversity. From the Western Wall to the vibrant modern streets of Tel Aviv, Israel is a living testament to the resilience and vitality of the Jewish story.

A reminder of what has been endured and a promise of what can be achieved.

However, Israel’s importance to the diaspora extends beyond the realm of tradition and identity; it also fulfills an essential role as a safe haven. In the aftermath of the Holocaust, the Jewish people learned a painful lesson: the world cannot always be relied upon to protect them in times of peril. Israel’s existence offers reassurance to Jews everywhere that there is a place where their safety is paramount, where they are empowered to defend themselves, and where their survival is a national priority. This is not merely theoretical. From the rescue of Ethiopian Jews in Operation Solomon to the airlift of Ukrainian Jews during the recent conflict, Israel has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to providing refuge to Jews in need.

In today’s world, where antisemitism has resurfaced in troubling ways, Israel’s role as both a beacon of identity and a fortress of security remains critical. While many Jews are proud citizens of the countries in which they live, the knowledge that Israel exists provides an irreplaceable sense of reassurance. It is the embodiment of the idea that the Jewish people are no longer at the mercy of others but have a home where they can stand together as one people.

Israel is not just a country; it is a cornerstone of Jewish identity and collective resilience. For the Jewish diaspora, it serves as both a lifeline to the past and a safeguard for the future—a reminder of what has been endured and a promise of what can be achieved. That is why Israel remains essential, not only for those who live within its borders but for Jews around the globe.

Noam Petri is 21 years old and studies medicine at the Charité – University Medicine Berlin. He is the Vice President of the Jewish Student Union Germany (JSUD) who also publish the new magazine “EDA” https://edamagazin.de/.