Doug Kooy shares some personal insight

Someone recently asked me why I am a supporter of Israel. I thought long and hard about my answer, and this is what I came up with:

I happen to like freedom and democracy. I love the idea that people who choose a certain religion can practice their religion without being persecuted. I like the idea of rule of law. I also like the idea of freedom of speech and that if I don’t like the way things are going; I can make my voice known and not be persecuted for it.

Somehow, the idea that dreaming and the concept of following your dreams is celebrated makes me feel good. I like a free market system that rewards hard work and imagination.

I like a society that values scientific achievement and looks for ways to cure the major medical problems facing society today. There is something great about a country that spends billions on medical research to find cures for the major medical problems that plague our planet.

I also like a government that protects its people and believes in a strong defense system. I also like a country that has a sense of destiny. I like the fact that young people are willing to serve their country and most do it with pride and dignity.

I like a country that has made something out of nothing and has made streams in the desert, a country that has taken a large wasteland and transformed it into a beautiful place to live.

Ok, I am not stupid; there are a lot of problems in Israel. They are a small country surrounded by people that would like to wipe them off the face of this earth. They have the same problems most countries do. They have some people who are bigoted and some in government who make some really bad decisions, and they struggle with their identity. That just about describes every Democratic country I know of.

Israel has been so misunderstood and so demonized by so many, that it is hard for people in this world to see what Israel is really all about. For me it is simple; I would have no problem living in Israel. The core values of this country line up with mine and I also feel that this country is God’s idea and it is meant to be. I am told in my faith to pray for Israel, and I do. I also feel I need some strong reasons for why I support Israel and I have shared them with you.

One last thing, if you have not seen our movie, “The Original Promise,” I would ask that you take a look at it. I believe that you will never see Israel the same way again.