This weekend, thousands will gather on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for Rededicate America 250—a historic moment to honor the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary. As I think about the implications of this impending gathering, my heart is full. Because this is more than just a celebration of a milestone. It is a reminder of something deeper: the miracle of America, and the enduring values that bind America closely to its greatest ally – Israel.
As someone blessed to be a citizen of both nations, I feel this connection in a very personal way. I grew up in the United States, where freedom is not just a word, but an inalienable right for all people. And today I raise my children in Israel, where freedom is a miracle we fought to reclaim after two thousand years of exile. These two countries shaped me; they shaped my faith, and my understanding of what it means to live with purpose, courage, and hope.
When I look at America and Israel, I see two nations born from the same belief: that every person is created in the image of God, that liberty is worth defending, and that faith can guide a people through the darkest of valleys.
America’s founders built a nation rooted in biblical values—values that still echo through its laws, its culture, and its national character. Israel’s founders rebuilt a nation rooted in ancient promises—promises that still guide our steps today.
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Both nations know what it means to fight for independence. Both know what it means to protect freedom. Both know what it means to trust in God when the future feels uncertain.
And today, as Israel faces threats from Iran and ongoing challenges across the region, these shared values feel more vital than ever.
That is why the Rededicate America 250 event matters so deeply—it is a call to remember who we are. A call to return to the values of faith, family, freedom, and moral courage that shaped America from the beginning. A call to stand united, rather than divided. A call to lift our eyes to something higher than politics or headlines.
For me, it is also a reminder of the privilege of being part of two nations whose stories are intertwined by God’s hand.
When President Trump proclaimed May 15–16 as Shabbat 250, I felt something stir in my heart. Not politically, but personally. As an observant Jewish woman, the idea of marking America’s 250th year with a national moment of rest, reflection, and gratitude felt deeply meaningful. It reminded me that even in a fast-moving world, we are invited to pause. To breathe. To remember the Source of our blessings.
Shabbat has always been the anchor of my week. A time to reconnect with God, with my family, and with my purpose. To see all America honor that rhythm, even for one day, feels like a beautiful bridge between my two homes.
As Americans gather on the National Mall, they will be celebrating more than a date on a calendar. They’ll be celebrating the miracle of a nation that has stood for 250 years as a beacon of freedom. They’ll will be celebrating the miracle of Israel, a nation reborn against all odds. And they’ll be celebrating the miracle of friendship between Christians and Jews—a friendship that has strengthened both nations and blessed countless lives.
I believe with all my heart that God is still writing the story of America. I believe He is still guiding Israel. And I believe He is calling all of us—Americans, Israelis, people of faith everywhere—to rededicate ourselves to the values that make freedom possible.
Faith. Family. Courage. Hope. Unity. The triumph of light over darkness.
These are the values that built America, these are the values that rebuilt Israel, and these are the values that will carry us forward.
As we stand together on the day of this observance, may we remember and honor the miracle of these two nations. And may we rededicate ourselves to the God who has blessed both nations with purpose, resilience, and hope.
From Jerusalem to Washington D.C., let us walk forward together—stronger, united, and filled with faith.
Yael Eckstein is President and Global CEO of The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, one of the world’s largest religious charitable organizations, and is a respected Jewish leader, speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning podcast host and humanitarian. A 2025 ‘Pillars of Jerusalem’ award recipient for her exceptional contributions to Israel’s public diplomacy, and The Jerusalem Post’s 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, Yael is a Chicago-area native based in Israel with her husband and their four children.
