As a member of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary

In the great tapestry of human history, there are moments when individuals and nations must come together to defend the principles that bind them—justice, freedom, and the sacred right to live in peace. The words of John E. James, spoken as a member of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, remind us of the enduring need to stand for what is right, to support the right of nations to defend themselves against aggression, and to uphold the shared ideals of democracy and prosperity. "I will always stand by Israel's right to defend itself against aggression, and uphold our shared ideals of democracy and prosperity." This declaration is not simply a political stance; it is a call to the heart, urging us to understand that the defense of freedom is a responsibility that transcends borders.

The ancient world, too, was filled with the clash of powers and the struggle to preserve what was sacred. The Athenians, in their pursuit of democracy, stood against tyranny with unwavering resolve. In the face of the Persian Empire's invasion, the people of Athens understood that their freedom was worth defending, even at great cost. Their victory at the Battle of Marathon is remembered not just for its military significance, but as a victory for the ideals of self-governance and freedom—principles that still echo through time. Just as Athens fought for its democracy, so too must modern nations defend the right of self-determination and protect their sovereignty when faced with external threats.

Israel, a land with a history of both ancient glory and modern struggles, has known well the cost of defending its existence. The Jewish people have faced centuries of exile, oppression, and hostility, but they have never wavered in their right to a homeland of their own. The Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948 was not simply a political document; it was the expression of a people's deep yearning for security, freedom, and a place where they could determine their own future. Throughout history, Israel has stood as a beacon of democracy and progress in a region often fraught with conflict. Its right to defend itself against aggression is not just a matter of politics, but a matter of survival, rooted in the blood of generations that have fought for peace in the face of relentless threats.

The words of John E. James echo a universal truth: self-defense is a fundamental right for all nations. Throughout history, we see the same principle upheld by countless peoples. Consider the Romans, whose empire expanded across the world not only through conquest but through the defense of their ideals. They believed in the strength of the Republic and later the Empire, standing firm against those who would challenge their way of life. The Punic Wars with Carthage were not merely territorial battles but battles for the very survival of the Roman ideal of governance and law. Rome, though mighty, understood that its prosperity and freedom could not be taken for granted, and when faced with aggression, it rose to defend its principles.

Even in more modern times, the United States has often been a beacon of hope for those who seek to live in freedom. The American Revolution was not just a fight for independence; it was a fight to protect the right to self-determination, the right to govern without tyranny. Similarly, the Second World War was a struggle not only against fascism but for the values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. The wartime alliances that formed between nations were a testament to the understanding that a shared commitment to these ideals binds nations together, and that peace and prosperity are only possible when we defend them.

From these examples, we learn that standing by a nation’s right to defend itself is not an isolated or self-serving act, but a sacred responsibility that transcends borders. Democracy and prosperity are not simply ideals to be admired from afar; they are ideals that must be protected, that must be nurtured, and that must be defended in the face of aggression. The defense of a nation’s sovereignty is not only a political duty but a moral one, grounded in the belief that every people has the right to live in peace and to govern themselves according to their own values.

The lesson from James' words is clear: our shared ideals of democracy, freedom, and prosperity are the foundation of peace in the world. To stand by those who face aggression is to stand for the very principles that bind us together as humans. Whether in the case of Israel or any other nation, we must recognize that the struggle for self-defense is not simply a battle for territory, but for the fundamental human right to live free from the threat of violence. Let us all, in our lives and in our actions, uphold these ideals, understanding that true peace is achieved not through passivity, but through the active defense of the freedom and security that every people deserves.

In your own life, recognize the importance of standing up for the values that create peace and prosperity. Whether in personal relationships, in your community, or on the larger global stage, remember that true peace is built upon the defense of justice and freedom. Stand by those who face oppression and aggression, for in doing so, you stand for the shared ideals that make us all more than the sum of our individual lives. Just as John E. James stands with Israel, let us stand with the forces of peace and democracy, and together, we shall foster a world where freedom and prosperity are not privileges, but the right of all.