BREAKING
America’s Greatest Ally in the Middle East Comes to Life for Young Influencers
President Trump has been a steadfast ally to Israel, and experiencing the country firsthand only reaffirmed that. I had the opportunity to be part of a political influencer trip organized by Israel365, an organization that seeks to build bridges between Christians and Jews through
engagement with the land and people of Israel.
Arrival in Tel Aviv – A First Glimpse
Our journey began in Tel Aviv, a vibrant, modern city along the Mediterranean coast. One of my first stops was the bustling Carmel Market, where I found Trump kippahs and MAGA
merchandise—a clear sign of the admiration many Israelis have for the former U.S. president
and his pro-Israel policies.
Northern Israel – Golan Heights & the Valley of Tears
From Tel Aviv, we traveled north to the Golan Heights, a region of deep strategic and historical importance. President Trump’s 2019 recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan was a landmark moment in U.S.-Israel relations. Standing on the border with Syria, speaking with local residents, and seeing a memorial to children killed by a Hezbollah rocket while playing soccer underscored the very real and present threats Israel faces from its northern enemies.
The Golan is a mountainous plateau captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed by Israel in 1981. It overlooks northern Israel and the Sea of Galilee, making it a crucial military vantage point. Trump’s recognition broke decades of international opposition and highlighted the plateau’s strategic value in defending against threats from Syria and Iranian proxies.
While in the north, we also visited the Valley of Tears, the site of one of the most legendary battles in Israeli history. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israeli forces—with only 170 tanks—held off a Syrian invasion of over 1,200 tanks. Seeing the rugged terrain, flanked by open valleys and ridges, brought the scale of that battle to life. It’s hard to grasp the bravery and tactical genius that allowed Israel to protect its land under such impossible odds.
Jerusalem and the West Bank – Where History and Policy Collide
Next, we headed to Jerusalem, the heart of Israel. Our group had the rare opportunity to visit the U.S. Embassy, relocated to Jerusalem under the Trump administration—a bold move that had been promised by past presidents but delivered only under Trump.
We met with U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who took time to speak with us and answer questions. When I asked about resolving the Gaza conflict and the battle for global public opinion, he offered a powerful analogy.
“To leave Hamas in power, to let them have a role in governing the future, would be like letting the Nazis have a stake in Germany after WWII.”
We boarded a bulletproof bus for a guided visit to the West Bank, which defied the expectations of many in our group. While security checkpoints were prominent, what stood out most was the coexistence of Muslim and Jewish communities—living in close proximity, often side by side.
It challenged the false “apartheid” narrative we often hear in the West. Even with memorials to acts of terror—like the 2014 kidnapping and murder of Israeli teenagers in Gush Etzion—the area carried an unexpected sense of peace and normalcy. Our guide even pointed out her grocery store nearby.
A particularly moving stop was the museum at Kibbutz Kfar Etzion, which told the story of Holocaust survivors who fought for their land and lives in 1948, only to be massacred by Arab forces on the eve of Israel’s independence. Their courage and sacrifice are part of the very foundation of modern Israel.
Southern Israel – Gaza Envelope and the Human Side of the IDF
Our final portion of the trip took us to southern Israel, near the Gaza border—an area still reeling from the horrors of the October 7th Hamas invasion. One of our guides, who lost his brother during the attacks, walked us through the Nova Music Festival site, where hundreds of young people were murdered. He described how Hamas launched rocket barrages to drive people into bomb shelters—then ambushed them in a calculated massacre.
We also visited an IDF military base, where we joined an event hosted by Grilling for Israel. There, we met several young soldiers who shattered the harsh image often portrayed in foreign media. These weren’t faceless fighters—they were compassionate, bright young adults, many of whom had spent part of their lives in the United States.
They spoke of their aspirations to become doctors, teachers, artists, and caregivers. One moment they were confronting Hamas operatives; the next, they were enjoying a BBQ with us—laughing, trading stories, and forging real human connections.
A People of Resilience and Joy
What left the greatest impression on me wasn’t the land or even the politics—it was the people of Israel. I met artists, musicians, journalists, history buffs, content creators, and soldiers. Some were native-born Israelis, others had made Aliyah (Jewish immigration to Israel) from places like the U.S., France, and Ethiopia. Their diversity was striking—different races, cultures, and life experiences—but all deeply committed to their country.
In our free time, we explored Jerusalem’s nightlife, sampled street food, and enjoyed spontaneous music in open squares. What amazed me most was how safe it felt. Children played in parks at night. Adults jogged, shopped, and relaxed in peace—despite everything the country endures.
Final Reflections – A Celebration of Life
Everywhere we went, we witnessed the resilience of the Israeli spirit. From its founding, Israel has been surrounded by those who wish to destroy it. Yet, instead of being defined by trauma, Israel chooses to be defined by life.
Yes, Israel mourns. It remembers. But it doesn’t dwell in despair. It builds. It thrives. It fights not only through defense but also through joy—by living fully and freely. In a world that often questions its right to exist, that joy is perhaps Israel’s most powerful act of resistance.
The Raging Patriot proudly partners with Jayne Zirkle on her powerful Israel 365 mission. Witnessing the border firsthand, Jayne highlights the vital humanitarian aid flowing through this critical region. Stay tuned for more updates from the frontlines!
Stay connected and follow Jayne Zirkle’s inspiring journey!
