Israel at War — A Nation that Dwells Alone

Wed May 28 2025

One of the goals of Zionism is to reintegrate the Jewish people into the “community of nations,” recognizing Israel’s sovereignty and forging global partnerships built on mutual respect and shared values. But as the war in Gaza takes a new turn, France, the UK, and even Germany have amplified their criticism, and President Trump is considering ending continued military support. Israel may soon find itself, politically and economically, “a nation that dwells alone”. In this episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi explore this theological axis in Judaism that is too often abused by the Israeli far-right. Is it a blessing? A curse? Or is it a call to action for Israelis and Jews around the world to rise to this moment? JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST FOR MORE HARTMAN IDEAS Sponsor an upcoming episode of For Heaven’s Sake. Click here to learn more.

Summary

For Heaven's Sake: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Israel at War — A Nation that Dwells Alone
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Hosts: Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi
Presented by: Ark Media and the Shalom Hartman Institute

1. Introduction: The Reality of Day 600

In this poignant episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi confront the harrowing reality of Israel enduring 600 consecutive days of war and the ongoing hostage crisis. As Donniel states early on, “[...] it’s day 600, 600 days of war, 600 days of hostages” (00:01).

2. The Psychological and Societal Toll

Yossi reflects on the unprecedented duration of the conflict, noting, “[...] it’s the longest war we’ve fought by far since 1948” (00:44). He emphasizes that Israel is not structurally or psychologically prepared for an eternal war, highlighting the strain on the nation’s social fabric and collective morale.

3. "A Nation that Dwells Alone": Historical and Theological Foundations

The hosts delve into the biblical concept of machloket l’shem shemayim (“disagreeing for the sake of heaven”) and the characterization of Jews as “a nation that dwells alone” from the prophet Bilaam. Donniel explains, “This is a nation that walks alone... and it also shaped our psyche in which being alone was not perceived to be a terrible thing” (04:18). This theological identity has historically influenced Israel’s interactions with the world, fostering both resilience and vulnerability.

4. Shifting Global Perception and Increased Criticism

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the changing dynamics between Israel and its traditional allies. Donniel points out, “The ambassador of Israel to the EU said, you’ve exhausted the hostage story... people are looking at the bombing campaigns, at the children who are being killed” (04:18). This marks a departure from earlier stages of the conflict where global support was largely unwavering, indicating a growing international scrutiny of Israel's actions.

5. Personal Impacts and Societal Reflection

Yossi shares a deeply personal connection to the theme of aloneness, drawing parallels to the Jewish experience during the Shoah (Holocaust). He expresses, “[...] the Shoah was an excess of aloneness. [...] Zionism, the great promise of Zionism was not only to return the Jewish people to the land but also to the international community” (09:17). The prolonged conflict rekindles fears of isolation reminiscent of dark chapters in Jewish history.

6. Political Leadership and Responsibility

The conversation critically examines Prime Minister Netanyahu's role and rhetoric. Yossi asserts, “Criticism in this particular war... there is a growing inability to listen, to process the complexity of the situation” (14:05). Donniel further critiques the political narrative that fosters isolation, linking it to Netanyahu's political survival strategies.

7. The Role of Evangelical Support and Changing Alliances

Donniel discusses the crucial yet precarious support from the evangelical community led by figures like Donald Trump. He observes, “[...] President Trump is the antidote to our aloneness” (20:45), but also highlights the complexities and potential unreliability of this alliance, especially as Trump’s focus shifts towards economic deals over sustained political support.

8. Historical Parallels: Learning from the Past

Drawing comparisons to the post-Yom Kippur War era, Yossi and Donniel reflect on societal disillusionment and the dangers of internal criticism during wartime. Yossi notes, “In prior wars, we always allowed ourselves as a society to ask hard questions” (16:28), lamenting the current inability to engage in such introspection due to heightened tensions and fear.

9. Future Prospects and Points of Optimism

Despite the bleakness, the hosts find slivers of hope. Donniel mentions, “[...] I really do believe... that a temporary ceasefire to return 10 of the hostages for 60 or 70 days is imminent” (25:23). Additionally, Yossi expresses optimism that the increased international criticism might compel Israeli society to reassess its strategies and relationships, potentially restoring some global support.

10. The Path Forward: Embracing Criticism and Healing

Yossi emphasizes the necessity of embracing criticism from allies to prevent the nation from spiraling into extremism: “[...] Israeli society is going to listen more carefully, precisely because the criticism is coming from our friends” (38:55). Donniel concludes with a heartfelt appeal, underscoring the ongoing suffering and the urgent need for the war to end: “[...] 600 days of suffering that just has to come to an end” (39:02).

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Day 600 of War:
Daniel Hartman: “it's going to be day 600, 600 days of war, 600 days of hostages” (00:01).
Longest War Since 1948:
Yossi Klein Halevi: “Who would have imagined, Daniel, that day 600... We’re not built for what’s now being called in Israel, an eternal war” (00:44).
Israel's Isolation and Aloneness:
Yossi Klein Halevi: “...Zionism, the great promise of Zionism was not only to return the Jewish people to the land but also to the international community” (09:17).
Impact of Criticism:
Yossi Klein Halevi: “Criticism in a time of war is never welcomed by any society, especially by Israelis” (14:05).
Changing Allied Support:
Daniel Hartman: “President Trump is the antidote to our aloneness... yet he wants to make a deal with Iran” (20:45).
Historical Lessons:
Yossi Klein Halevi: “...in today’s Israel that there would be a commission of inquiry” (17:07).
Future Optimism:
Yossi Klein Halevi: “Israeli society is going to listen more carefully, precisely because the criticism is coming from our friends” (38:55).
Closing Appeal:
Daniel Hartman: “600 days, Israeli families are still suffering. And this war... has to come to an end” (39:02).

Conclusion

In this emotionally charged episode, Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein Halevi offer a profound exploration of Israel's prolonged conflict, its historical and theological underpinnings, and the shifting landscape of international support. They poignantly highlight the psychological toll on Israeli society and underscore the urgent need for introspection and healing amidst relentless adversity. The conversation serves as both a lament for the present and a cautious hope for a reunified and resilient future.