By Jonathan Feldstein
This week, I had the privilege to host a powerful and very personal conversation for the “Inspiration from Zion” podcast and webinar series this week that was so profound, I have to tell you about it. The program was entitled “Stranded: Christian Americans Stranded in Israel & Israeli Jews Stranded Overseas,” reflecting that, as I write, I am stranded in the United States, several thousand miles away from my home and family in Israel. Due to the war, presently, except for “rescue flights” being organized to bring Israelis home, there are no commercial flights available in or out of Israel, along with other Middle Eastern countries caught in the fire attacks from Iran, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. I have a ticket to return before the end of the month, but only God knows if it will actually happen. It’s interesting and perhaps the only example, ever, that in Israel when we are at war – something that raises its ugly head too often – we are the only people who actively rush to get home, as compared to fleeing the fighting.
It was also entitled “Stranded” because my two good friends and panelists in the conversation, Pastor Jen Mallan and Rev. Dr. Tricia Miller, are stranded in Israel. Or so I thought. Early on in the conversation, Mallan corrected me that she was not stranded, but “planted.” That it was part of God’s plan to have her in Israel at this time. Miller agreed and added, based on her dissertation and book on antisemitism and the Book of Esther, they were specifically in Israel to celebrate Purim – the 2500-year-old salvation of the Jewish people in Persia. For such a time as this. This idea became one of several “bumper sticker” thoughts to come out of the conversation.
What ensued was a heartfelt, faith-centered discussion amid the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran’s Islamic regime. The conversation took place less than an hour after the panelists needed to take cover in a bomb shelter again, for the third time that day due to missile threats from Iran. Through it, they expressed an unrelenting solidarity with Israel during these ongoing missile barrages from Iran, and its proxies like Hezbollah, now nearly two weeks old.
Mallan praised American and Israeli leaders for standing against a “bully” regime, declaring they act “for the world, not just their nations.” Citing biblical imagery, she noted that “one will put a thousand to flight, and two will put ten thousand,” extending this exponentially to allied nations uniting to “finish the job.” The refrain “we are our brother’s keeper” and “our sister’s keeper” underscores collective responsibility under Judeo-Christian principles, insisting evil cannot be allowed to endure indefinitely.
Both panelists underscored the distinction between average Iranians, and the Islamic regime’s threat. They emphasized that the world needs to target the “barbaric” Iranian government—not Iranians, specifically underground Christians, women, and children. They affirmed that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, as decades of negotiation have failed against an untrustworthy Islamic adversary that attacks neighbors impulsively, and for 47 years has repeated its goal to eradicate Israel and the United States. Miller emphasized the threat to destroy Israel, the U.S., and Western civilization, making this a necessary defensive global struggle.
Addressing practical concerns like rising U.S. gas prices, the speakers reject selfishness as motivation. Miller contrasted American inconveniences with those of Israelis on the front lines—enduring constant rockets from Hezbollah in the north, running to shelters, and suffering civilian deaths. Israelis, she observed, are willing to endure this threat for themselves and the world, knowing it prevents greater catastrophe. The sad reality is that the threat is as grave as it is because of past appeasement policies (including billions sent to Iran under previous administrations) emboldening the regime, contributing to current economic pain with the misuse of US tax dollars more than the war itself.
Both women, “planted” in Israel during the war, shared profound personal insights. Mallan, who hosts a popular TV program, “Come Home with Jen,” describes Israel as “home,” the “safest place on Earth” under divine protection. Despite sirens disrupting sleep, she feels God’s presence in bomb shelters, Shabbat meals, and daily life. She invokes Micah 5:1, calling women to arise as modern “Esthers,” “Ruths,” and “Deborahs” to counter threats through prayer, intercession, and sounding the alarm.
Miller highlighted Israelis’ extraordinary love for neighbors: overwhelming outreach from friends and associates, and even strangers, offering food, help, and support despite their own hardships. This deepens her appreciation for Jewish resilience and care, even toward visitors like herself.
The discussion also touched on broader church issues. Responding to questions, they lamented anti-Israel sentiment among some Christians, attributing it to replacement theology, misunderstanding of Scripture, and failure to recognize prophetic fulfillment. Mallan sees clearer division in the midst of this war, between “sheep and goats,” “wheat and tares,” urging boldness against “doctrines of demons.” Miller, drawing from her work countering Christian antisemitism, explains the war as just and defensive—essential for removing existential threats—rather than as one of unnecessary aggression. Peace is desired by all except jihadists, but sometimes force is required. They noted that while nobody wants war except the jihadists, some wars are just and necessary, as is this one.
Despite their fortitude, both speakers were honest about personal vulnerabilities: stress from uncertainty (when flights resume, financial strain, disrupted sleep from sirens), pressure from loved ones urging their departure, and human doubts about decisions that they are making. Yet peace prevails through their faith, viewing their presence as purposeful.
Overall, the conversation emphasized urgency and resolve: this is a pivotal historical moment demanding righteousness, unity, and action against an existential threat. Mallan and Miller called upon all Christians and people of conscience to support Israel spiritually and practically, rejecting complacency in a time they see as biblically significant, and not to waiver in the need that this war be victorious and Americans maintain strong resolve.
To see the entire conversation visit the Genesis 123 YouTube channel, or for the audio at Inspiration from Zion.
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