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Christian Media Endorses Resolution to Use “Judea and Samaria” Terminology Over “West Bank”
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a significant move reflecting a stance deeply rooted in biblical history and theology, the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) has endorsed a resolution advocating for the use of the terms “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank” to describe the heartland of Israel, according to a recently published report in the Jerusalem Post. This resolution, approved during the annual National Religious Broadcasters convention and backed by NRB President and CEO Troy Miller, marks a pivotal moment in reclaiming the narrative surrounding the region.
The resolution, prepared through collaboration between Israel365, The Israel Guys, and the Israel Allies Foundation, emphasized the historical and spiritual significance of Judea and Samaria. As was reported by the JPost, it highlights these areas as the biblical heartland of Israel, encompassing revered sites such as Hebron, Bethel, Shiloh, and Shechem, among others, with rich biblical heritage. Additionally, it underscores the importance of these territories to Israeli security, given their strategic location overlooking major population centers and the international airport, the report in the JPost added.
The JPost report also noted that the resolution stated “Judea and Samaria are critical to Israeli security as the Samaritan mountains overlook the Israeli coast, including Tel Aviv and other major population centers, including Israel’s international airport” and that “the presence of the Jewish people in Judea and Samaria in modern times is a blessing to the Palestinians living there as Israeli investment and jobs provide economic opportunity for their Palestinian neighbors.”
Speaking at the convention, Israel Allies Foundation President Joshua Reinstein emphasized the importance of language in shaping perceptions and narratives. The report in the JPost said that he stressed that the term “West Bank” merely denotes a geographical location and fails to acknowledge the deep historical and spiritual connections of Judea and Samaria to the Jewish people.
“People need to understand that language matters,” said Reinstein, who spoke at the event, according to the JPost report. “The language in Israel has been taken over and is being held hostage. Terms that refer to beautiful things have turned into terrible things.”
Miller echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of truth and honesty in discussions about Israel and its territories. He noted that Christians, who often turn to the Bible for guidance, recognize Judea and Samaria as integral parts of the biblical land of Israel, as was noted in the JPost report. Miller stated that the time is long overdue to publicly acknowledge the truth about the land of Israel and its historical significance.
“I think your words matter today. And the truth matters as well,” Miller said, the JPost reported. “It is time for us to step up and be honest about the truth of what’s happened in Israel, in the definition of this land. “And so we are privileged and honored to stand beside you and endorse this resolution.”
The resolution endorsed by NRB holds significant weight, given its extensive reach through over 1,100 member organizations reaching millions of viewers, listeners, and readers. The report in the JPost pointed out that this move not only reflects a commitment to biblical principles but also signals a broader recognition of the need to accurately represent Israel’s historical and cultural heritage.
As Miller expressed confidence in Christians across America endorsing the resolution, it underscores a growing movement to reclaim the narrative surrounding Israel and its territories. By advocating for the use of biblical terminology, NRB and its members are taking a stand to uphold historical truth and spiritual significance, setting a precedent for broader discourse on the region.
