Every Fourth of July, I think about the country where I was born — a nation built on faith, courage, and the belief that every person is created in the image of God.Independence Day is about fireworks, parades, and time with family. But it is also a reminder of the miracle of America and the values that have shaped this nation for 250 years.From Jerusalem to every corner of the United States, may this Independence Day be a celebration of gratitude, unity, and hope.As an American-Israeli, this holiday carries special meaning for me.I grew up in the United States, where freedom is woven into daily life. Today, I raise my children in Israel, a country whose very existence is a miracle of biblical proportions. Each year on July 4, I am reminded how blessed I am to belong to two nations rooted in faith, resilience, and hope.America and Israel are different in many ways, but their foundations are strikingly similar.Both nations were built by people who believed in something greater than themselves. They trusted God, longed for freedom, and sacrificed for a better future.America’s founders risked everything to establish a nation where liberty could flourish. Israel’s founders rebuilt a homeland after 2,000 years of exile, guided by ancient promises and unshakable faith.Both nations understand that freedom is never guaranteed. It must be protected, nurtured, and passed to the next generation.And both nations know that a country’s greatest strength lies not in its power, but in its values.On Independence Day, I often think about the men and women who have served in the U.S. military — those who fought in World War II to defeat evil, those who stood against tyranny in the decades that followed, and those who continue to defend freedom around the world.As a Jewish woman, I will never forget that American soldiers helped liberate the concentration camps. They brought hope to a world drowning in darkness. They saved lives — not only the lives of Jews in Europe, but the lives of my own family members.Both my grandfather and my father-in-law survived the Holocaust, thanks in no small part to the sacrifice of American service members. Their courage is part of the reason the Jewish people are alive today.As an Israeli, I see that same spirit of courage in the young men and women who serve in the Israel Defense Forces.America and Israel both understand the cost of freedom. Both nations honor those who protect it. And both nations know that not every hero comes home.Living as both an American and an Israeli has taught me that miracles are not only ancient. They are happening right now.RELATED: America turns 250 with a broken heart Erik McGregor/LightRocket/Getty ImagesAmerica is a miracle: a nation founded on biblical values, where people of every background can pursue their God-given purpose.Israel is a miracle: a nation reborn from ashes, thriving against all odds, and standing as a beacon of hope in a troubled region.To belong to both is a privilege I thank God for every day.As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this Independence Day feels especially meaningful. It is a moment to reflect on the values that built this nation — faith, freedom, courage, unity — and to rededicate ourselves to living them.These are the same values that sustain Israel. The same values that bind Christians and Jews together. The same values that light the way forward in uncertain times.This Fourth of July, my prayer is simple:May God bless America with peace and protection. May He strengthen the families who build this nation every day. May He guide its leaders with wisdom and humility. And may He remind all of us that freedom is both a gift and a responsibility.From Jerusalem to every corner of the United States, may this Independence Day be a celebration of gratitude, unity, and hope.Happy Fourth, America.
