“Israel was not created in order to disappear – Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.”
- May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963
- American
- Politician
- As the 35th President of the United States, he overcame the Cuban Missile Crisis and averted nuclear war, and promoted the Apollo program, laying the foundation for American space exploration.
table of contents
Quote
“Israel was not created in order to disappear – Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom.”
Explanation
In this bold and defiant statement, John F. Kennedy expresses his unwavering support for the state of Israel and its enduring resilience in the face of both challenges and triumphs. By asserting that Israel was “not created in order to disappear,” Kennedy acknowledges the precarious circumstances surrounding the founding of the nation in 1948, a creation born of both the historical tragedy of the Holocaust and the hope for a homeland for the Jewish people. His words reinforce that Israel’s existence is not a temporary experiment but a fundamental reality, destined to survive and thrive against all odds. The imagery of Israel as the “child of hope” speaks to the aspirations of its founders, while “the home of the brave” honors the courage and determination required to establish and defend the nation in a region fraught with conflict.
Kennedy’s statement reflects a recognition of the dual forces that have shaped Israel’s existence: adversity and success. While Israel has faced continuous challenges—from wars with neighboring countries to internal tensions—Kennedy asserts that it is not easily broken by adversity. In fact, the struggles only strengthen its resolve. At the same time, he warns that success—whether through military victories or international recognition—can also pose a danger, as it could lead to complacency or hubris. However, Israel’s identity, as Kennedy describes it, is rooted in the core values of democracy and freedom. These ideals serve as both a shield and a sword, protecting Israel from its enemies while driving its mission to serve as a beacon of democratic values in a volatile region. The metaphor of the shield and sword underscores the balance Israel must maintain between defense and moral purpose.
Kennedy’s remarks also resonate in the context of Cold War politics, when Israel’s survival was often seen as a critical element in the broader struggle between democratic and totalitarian forces. At the time of Kennedy’s presidency, Israel was already facing tensions with its Arab neighbors, and its alliance with the United States was a key aspect of Cold War geopolitics. The themes of freedom, democracy, and resilience that Kennedy invokes in relation to Israel continue to shape contemporary discussions about the nation’s role in the Middle East. Israel’s identity as a democratic state amidst often autocratic neighbors remains central to its geopolitical significance today. Kennedy’s words continue to serve as a reminder that Israel’s endurance is not just about its military or political power but about its ability to remain a symbol of hope and freedom in a region often defined by conflict and repression.
