Student Protests

by Mike James

The recent rash of protests against Israel's prosecution of the war in Gaza is evidence of a greater change that will have future implications. Previous Palestinian terror tactics against Israel and Israel's response have never elicited protests in the United States to the degree we are seeing on college campuses now. This could be in part due to the degree of slaughter Hamas perpetrated and now Israel's counter-response. The number of dead is much greater in the most recent actions.

But something more may also be occurring. A Pew Research Center poll about the conflict in February showed that younger Americans and younger American Jews are more reluctant about supporting Israel than older generations of Americans. Twenty-six percent of Jews ages 18-34 said President Biden is favoring the Israelis too much, which is twice the percentage of American Jews overall, according to the same Pew poll.

The same poll found that 33 percent of United States adults under 30 said they sympathize more with the Palestinians, while just 14 percent said they sympathize more with the Israelis. Another 21 percent said they sympathize equally with both sides. By contrast, all age groups over age 30 sympathize more with the Israelis.

In a recent opinion editorial noted columnist Eugene Robinson said the following: "I think what we're seeing may be a generational shift in attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These protests and occupations are happening not just at Ivy League universities such as Columbia and Harvard, but also at public schools such as Ohio State University, Indiana University, Arizona State University, and Cal Poly Humboldt."

In fact, many young Jews in many of the campus protests are supporting the Palestinian cause. No, they are not supporting Hamas, but realizing the only real solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is for the Palestinians to be given the right to form an independent nation.

There will be no immediate end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, but the different attitudes that the younger generation has may lead to significant changes when this younger generation begins to take over the levers of power in the United States, Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Slowly but surely, change has occurred in the Middle East. The Abraham Accords saw several Arab nations formalize peace agreements with Israel. Even Saudi Arabia, perhaps the most powerful Sunni Arab nation, is believed to be close to also formalizing relations with Israel. If and when that occurs the major roadblock to final peace in the Middle East will revolve around the Shiite power in the region, Iran—and peace between Israel and the Palestinians. We have come a long way since 1948 when Israel was given nationhood.

Why would peace between Israel and the Palestinians be a significant event if we look at Bible prophecy? In Daniel 12 it seems clear the context is speaking of the last days before Christ returns (Daniel 12:1, 4, 8-9, 13). During this time, it also seems evident (Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) that the Jews will be sacrificing again in a rebuilt temple. If that is the case, how and when would a temple be rebuilt in Jerusalem? As things stand right now, the Muslim Dome of the Rock mosque sits in the location where the former Jewish temple stood. At least, that is the opinion of some. Others believe the old Jewish temple stood in a nearby location. As things stand now between Palestinians and Israelis, any construction in Jerusalem for a new temple could enrage the Palestinians. But if a future peace is realized, conditions for a Jewish temple would be much more likely.

First Thessalonians 5:3-4 also warns that when there is peace and safety then comes sudden destruction. The context of this peace and safety is when the coming of Christ is near (1 Thessalonians 5:2). That may seem counterintuitive. How could peace and safety lead to sudden destruction? But other scriptures make it clear the end will come as a surprise to most (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4; Matthew 24:43; 2 Peter 3:10). But on the other hand, when people feel safe and secure, they often let their guard down and don't expect harm.

The Bible makes it clear Jerusalem is the location of Christ's Second Coming. What happens there over the coming years, decades, or centuries will lay the groundwork for Christ's return.

Sources:

"For Jewish Students Pinballing Off Emotions," by Laura Meckler and Michelle Boorstein, The Washington Post, April 29, 2024

"Protests Will Soon Fade, but Not Their Point of View," by Eugene Robinson, The Washington Post, April 30, 2024