Israeli President Isaac Herzog gestures as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) applaud on the day of Herzog’s address to a joint meeting of Congress inside the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., July 19, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to a joint meeting of Congress last week was a meaningful display of the deeply rooted partnership between the United States and Israel.

As President Herzog quoted from our movement’s great teacher, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, “To be is to stand up for.”

I commend President Herzog for demonstrating his commitment to our shared Jewish and democratic values. As his speech duly noted, human rights, civil liberties, the protection of minorities, and an independent judiciary are cherished Jewish values codified in our respective nations’ declarations of independence. I was honored to be present for the president’s speech.

The timing of President Herzog’s remarks coincided with Israel’s 75th anniversary and the beginning of the Hebrew month of Av, traditionally a period of mourning for the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people. After 2,000 years of exile and hardship, the State of Israel has prospered, making the desert bloom and becoming the “start-up nation.”

Israel’s modern history has occurred amidst this legacy of exile and persecution, ultimately culminating in the hard-fought rebirth of Jewish nationhood and a sanctuary for the Jewish people. The vision of Israel’s founders, much like our own founding fathers, was predicated upon the principles of liberty, equality, and freedom. These values are etched into the fabric of both nations, forging a bond that transcends individual issues or governing administrations.

As President Herzog highlighted in his speech, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia has a quotation from Vayikra (Leviticus), “Proclaim liberty throughout the land, unto all the inhabitants thereof.” However, the founders of the United States and Israel were not under the illusion that the preservation of a free society would be an easy task. Defending our fundamental values, institutions, and rights requires vigilance and courage. It is the willingness to meet this challenge to preserve democracy that has allowed our two nations to endure and prosper.

What stands out most profoundly from President Herzog’s address is his recognition that although both our countries are facing great challenges and tribulations, the relationship between the United States and Israel supersedes who is in the White House or what coalition governs in the Knesset. The Abraham Accords are a testament to this. Across the administrations of two American Presidents and multiple Israeli coalitions, the Abraham Accords have promoted greater cooperation and stability throughout the Middle East.

Throughout its existence, Israel has faced numerous serious threats and existential challenges. However, the nation’s resilience and success have always been underlined by a steadfast commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law. President Herzog’s unwavering dedication to preserving Israel’s independent judiciary and defending the Jewish and democratic character of the nation echoes the aspirations of Israel’s founders, who sought a nation that would not only provide a haven for Jews of all backgrounds but also act as a light upon the nations. As Israel grapples with internal divisions, his call for unity and solidarity resonates within the nation’s borders and in the United States, which is also grappling with great societal divisions.

We are grateful for President Herzog’s efforts to bring Israeli society together, to preserve Israel’s independent judiciary, and to defend the Jewish and democratic character of the Jewish homeland.

The historical friendship between the United States and Israel has been fortified over decades, evolving into a strategic partnership that spans economic, military, and cultural spheres. This enduring alliance is a testament to the shared aspirations of two nations that have defied adversity and carved a path toward progress, liberty, and peace.

President Herzog’s address to Congress is a powerful reminder of the bond between the American and Israeli peoples, underpinned by shared democratic values. Let us embrace this shared commitment and stand together in solidarity, “To be is to stand up for.” As we reflect on Israel’s journey, let us remember that democracy requires constant nurturing, vigilance, and a collective resolve to protect the values that fraternally bind us as citizens, Jews, and human beings.

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal is CEO of both the Rabbinical Assembly, the international association of Conservative rabbis, and of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.