A historic international congress convened in Jerusalem last week, bringing together nearly 100 leaders from 22 different nations across six continents. The event, organized by the World Noahide Center, marked the first global assembly of individuals who adhere to the ancient moral principles derived from the Torah—known as the Noahide Laws—without seeking conversion to Judaism. This gathering solidified the movement’s commitment to a universalist vision, establishing a foundational charter and laying the groundwork for lasting international cooperation.

Establishing a Global Covenant

The congress, which took place in Jerusalem, served as a pivotal moment for the Noahide movement. Participants signed the foundational scroll, the Megillat Bnei Noach, in the presence of local authorities. The charter established six regional continental councils, formalizing the structure of the newly formed international Beit Din, which acts as the supreme legal and spiritual authority for the worldwide movement. Rabbi Oury Cherki, the movement’s leader, stated that while previous efforts focused on the material liberation of the Jewish people, the current moment demands a focus on a healthy connection with the entire world, fulfilling ancient prophetic visions.

A Distinct Path in a Fractured World

The event also provided encouragement to the Israeli populace amid global anti-Israel sentiment. Leadership within the movement emphasized that Israel offers a unique and positive perspective for humanity. According to commentary from the organization, Israel possesses a distinct identity separate from Western norms. They argue that this unique heritage allows the nation to present a universal vision, offering a leadership role for humanity as global ideologies struggle with internal contradictions.

The Theological Backlash and Conspiracy Theories

However, the movement’s growing visibility has drawn intense criticism. The ancient commandments—which prohibit acts like murder, theft, and idolatry—have become the focus of a bitter religious controversy, recently highlighted by public attacks from media figures. Rabbi Tovia Singer, a prominent Jewish educator, forcefully dismissed the growing hostility among certain Christian fundamentalists. Singer asserted that the core conflict is not over the moral laws themselves, but over the theological concept that a non-Jew can worship the God of Israel and achieve spiritual merit without accepting Jesus Christ. He argued that opponents, unable to challenge this idea biblically, have resorted to ‘grotesque conspiracy theories,’ portraying the movement as a sinister plot against Christians.

Singer characterized this hostility as ‘religious paranoia dressed up as prophecy,’ noting that the Noahide movement has no history of persecution. The gathering, therefore, stands as a powerful testament to the movement’s resilience, demonstrating a commitment to universal moral principles even while facing intense theological and political opposition.

The late Ambassador Yehuda Avner, renowned diplomat and author of the definitive work, The Prime Ministers, offered a profound historical record of Israel’s founding. His life’s work, which chronicled the actions of nation-builders, was underpinned by a deeply personal set of guiding ethics he referred to as his Ten Commandments. As the nation navigates extreme political volatility, escalating regional threats, and internal divisions, analysts are examining how Avner’s unwavering principles—which prioritize survival and dignity—would inform today’s fraught decisions.

Domestic Stability and the Price of Unity

Avner’s philosophy stressed that national survival required uncompromising commitment to the Jewish people’s rights. In the current climate of complex coalition negotiations, where ultra-Orthodox parties hold pivotal leverage over legislative matters, his perspective would likely focus less on political maneuvering and more on communal cohesion. He advocated strongly for internal solidarity, a lesson he learned during the national unity efforts preceding the Six-Day War. For Avner, the maintenance of peace within the community, even amid deep disagreement, was paramount. He would have viewed the persistent debates over military service and religious exemptions not merely as political disputes, but as existential tests of national resolve.

Navigating External Threats and Peace

Regionally, Avner’s commandments provide a stark framework for risk assessment. His first guiding rule—to trust warnings from adversaries regarding intentions to destroy the nation—resonates powerfully with current geopolitical tensions involving Iran. He saw the historical pattern of aggression and would likely advise a posture of extreme vigilance. Furthermore, his ninth commandment, which balances the desire for peace with the absolute need for freedom, frames the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Avner acknowledged the historical path toward peace, yet he emphasized that disarmament and genuine security must precede any lasting agreement. He would maintain that the pursuit of freedom, defined as the right of the Jewish people to self-determination, remains the ultimate goal.

The Global and Spiritual Imperative

Avner’s commitment extended beyond mere politics. He consistently maintained that Jerusalem is not exclusively a Jewish city, but a holy place that accommodates the prayers of all faiths. This pluralistic view was central to his eighth commandment: unwavering loyalty to the truth that Israel is the Jewish nation-state and Jerusalem is its eternal capital. On the diplomatic front, he would have been critical of any perceived weakening of Israel’s sovereignty, whether through external political pressure or diminished international support. His career taught him the critical importance of national self-assurance, believing that a nation must stand strong on its own merits, rather than relying on external validation. His legacy remains a powerful reminder that national identity is defined by both historical truth and moral courage.

The geopolitical landscape is undergoing a profound shift, with Israeli military technology increasingly becoming a cornerstone of national defence for dozens of nations worldwide. Once primarily serving its own security needs, the nation’s advanced defence industry is now a dominant global supplier, providing sophisticated protective systems to countries across continents. This growing reliance highlights a universal recognition that modern states require cutting-edge countermeasures against escalating threats.

The Rise of an Arms Powerhouse

Israel has established itself as one of the planet’s most significant defence manufacturers. Its arms sales reached a record $19.2 billion in 2025, representing a substantial portion of the nation’s total exports. The market reach is extensive, with sales extending not only to established European buyers for systems like the Arrow 3 and Iron Dome but also to several Arab states, including Morocco, the UAE, and Bahrain. This robust export market is supported by decades of necessity, as the Israeli military developed its innovative arsenal in response to sustained regional hostility and international embargoes.

Advanced Systems Meet Global Demand

At the forefront of this technological appeal is the Spike guided missile. This versatile anti-tank and anti-personnel weapon has garnered immense international attention due to its precision, compactness, and impressive range of up to 32 kilometers. The global popularity of the Spike system is evidenced by the annual gathering of its user club, which recently saw the membership grow to 48 nations. This international forum, held in Cyprus, brings together representatives from over 20 NATO members, including Canada and the United States, to share operational knowledge and best practices.

A Reflection of Global Vulnerability

The increasing demand for Israeli defence products reflects a broader, worrying trend: the heightened vulnerability felt by nations globally. Countries such as Germany, Lithuania, and Poland are keenly aware of the need to bolster their national preparedness. While some nations, like Australia, have faced political scrutiny regarding their support for Israel due to diplomatic disagreements, they are nevertheless exploring the adoption of protective measures, such as the Iron Dome system. Officials within the Australian defence sector have defended the acquisition of top-tier military equipment.

Strategic Implications

The proliferation of this advanced technology suggests that the pursuit of national survival is transcending political and diplomatic boundaries. While the long-term political dividends of this global support remain uncertain, the strategic benefit to the countries adopting these systems is undeniable. The success of Israel’s homegrown defence industry, which was forged through necessity, has positioned it as a crucial provider of security solutions in an increasingly volatile world.