Episode 143 - Why Zionism Is Biblical, Not Political (featuring Dan Eshed)
Helping Christians make sense of their roots. Helping the Jewish community make sense of Jesus. Together, we are restoring the Jewishness of the gospel.
What’s it like to live on the frontlines of biblical prophecy and modern warfare?
In this gripping conversation, we are joined by Dan Eshed, a third-generation Israeli and IDF soldier who shares firsthand what life is like just an hour from Gaza.
From serving in Gaza and Lebanon to navigating the heartbreak of hostages, Dan reveals the deeply human and spiritual layers of Israel’s ongoing fight for survival.
They discuss the challenges of distinguishing civilians from Hamas operatives, the global misunderstanding of Zionism, and the raw tension between justice, mercy, and truth.
Dan’s insights are both sobering and hopeful as he describes how solidarity, biblical identity, and divine calling shape Israel’s unshakable resilience - even under fire.
If you want to understand Israel beyond the headlines - from a biblical, historical, and personal lens - this episode will challenge and inspire you.
Key Takeaways:
Zionism isn’t political - it’s biblical. Dan unpacks what Zionism really means and how opposition to it often masks anti-Semitism.
War on multiple fronts. Hear how Israel is balancing battles in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria while remaining a beacon of life and light.
Tourism as mission. Dan shares why bringing believers to Israel is more than sightseeing - it’s spiritual transformation.
Media bias and spiritual warfare. The battle Israel faces is not just physical but deeply spiritual, with truth often lost in global narratives.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro + meeting Dan Eshed
01:14 – Why the pomegranate matters in Israel
03:05 – Life after the 12-Day War
06:00 – The October 7 attacks + national solidarity
10:15 – Can Israel ever have peace?
14:44 – Human rights, Hamas, and military orders
19:00 – IDF and the spiritual side of the war
23:00 – Anti-Zionism vs. anti-Semitism
27:00 – Dan’s family legacy & the birth of Immanuel Tours
31:54 – When will tourism return to Israel?
34:45 – Where to learn more + final reflections
Visit thejewishroad.com to explore more.
Learn about Dan’s work and plan your trip to Israel at immanuel-tours.com.
Thank you to Joshua Royal, for writing our closer song now running seven seasons straight. Listen to him at Joshua Royal Music.
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