Faith Over Politics: South African and Israeli Leaders Affirm Biblical Unity in Jerusalem
While headlines debated politics and parties argued over protocol, a different kind of diplomacy unfolded in Jerusalem. On April 7, 2025, South African parliamentarians, Christian leaders, and Israeli counterparts gathered for a powerful declaration of shared values. Rooted in faith—not politics—they signed the Jerusalem Affirmation, a bold stand for truth, unity, and the enduring bond between Israel and South Africa. Amid controversy and backlash, this event reminded the world: when faith leads, unity follows.
The Palestinian Refugee System: A Growing Crisis in Need of a New Approach
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has brought renewed international attention to one of the most entrenched and unresolved issues in the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic: the Palestinian refugee system. While much focus is rightly placed on the immediate humanitarian situation, far less attention is given to the long-term consequences of how this issue is being managed—or more accurately, mismanaged.
If current trends continue, we may be watching the slow entrenchment of a multi-generational regional challenge. The creation of new refugee populations and the persistence of a decades-old refugee infrastructure pose risks not only to Palestinians and Israelis but to the stability of several Arab states and the broader international order. A realistic reassessment is overdue.
Faith-Based Diplomacy: The Best Way Forward For Israel
For 3,500 years, a cultural war has raged between those who uphold Judeo-Christian values and those who seek to undermine them. Today, that war is more evident than ever. On one side stand the values given to humanity at Mount Sinai—freedom, individual rights, the sanctity of private property, and a God-centered morality that rejects tyranny. On the other side are the forces of oppression—Communism, Marxism, Islamism, Socialism, Wokeism, and all the other “isms” that seek to eradicate faith and submission to a higher power in favor of centralized control.
Gedaliah Blum Represents UAE at Riyadh 2025 Simulation
In an era where diplomacy shapes the future of nations, the Riyadh 2025 Conference emerged as a groundbreaking initiative, simulating high-stakes geopolitical negotiations that could define the Middle East’s trajectory. Among the esteemed participants was Heartland Initiative’s Director, Gedaliah Blum, whose presence highlighted Israel’s proactive engagement in regional diplomacy.
Czech Ambassador Hosts Influential Israeli Leaders in Herzliya for a Night of Diplomacy
The Heartland Initiative was honored to participate in this remarkable gathering. Our key takeaway was clear: there is little to no daylight between the Czech and Jewish people. While differing policy priorities may sometimes create misalignment, the intent and depth of friendship remain steadfast.
Fighting for the Future: South African Leaders Quietly Strengthen Their Resolve in Israel
Hosted by Gedaliah Blum, Director of the Heartland Initiative, the delegation included Danny Yakcobi, Director of South African Friends of Israel, Vivienne Myburgh, South African National Director of the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem (ICEJ), and other faith leaders from South Africa. For many, this was their first time witnessing the reality on the ground, seeing how Israel continues to thrive despite relentless efforts to delegitimize and isolate it.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders: Heartland Initiative Partners with Eli Youth
The Heartland Initiative recently collaborated with a group of sixth-grade students from Eli, creating a powerful experience that combined leadership training, agricultural education, and community bonding. This remarkable program underscores our commitment to empowering the next generation and fostering deep connections to the land of Israel.
South Africa, Beware: Islamism Threatens Your Christian Values
South Africans, if you remain silent, you allow this betrayal to continue. If you turn a blind eye, you allow those in power to align with forces that have no respect for your faith, your values, or your future. Do not let your Christian heritage be sold out to radical Islamism. Stand up, speak out, and demand that your leaders honor the values that you cherish.
In Defense of Kurdish Self-Determination
The same jihadi ideology hell-bent on wiping out the one Jewish state also seeks to crush every ethnic minority, like the Kurds, forcing them under the boot of Islamic conquest. This isn’t just their fight; it’s a battle for justice, for freedom, for the right to exist. Israel, and the world, must stand with the Kurds now—no excuses, no hesitation.
Commemorating October 7th: An Evening of Remembrance and Resolve at the Museum of Tolerance
The Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem recently hosted a powerful commemoration of the October 7th Hamas Massacre, featuring a screening of Tragic Awakening, a film exploring the roots of anti-Semitism. The event, organized by ELNET, included European Parliament members and highlighted personal stories of resilience and loss, underscoring the urgent need to defend the values that underpin Western Civilization. Featuring insights from peace activist Rawan Osman and reflections from the parents of Hamas victim Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the evening emphasized that the fight against anti-Semitism is a fight for the soul of civilization.