After three years, Israel’s capital has once again hosted the largest global Jewish–Christian media gathering: the 2025 International Christian Media Summit. The event was organized by the Israeli Government’s Press Office from 2 to 6 November.
‘God Sent Us Here for a Reason’
Amid ongoing regional tensions and the ever-intensifying information war, Head of the Samaria Regional Council Yossi Dagan addressed an international group of journalists at this year’s Christian Media Summit. Dagan underscored the spiritual, historical, and strategic significance of Judea and Samaria for Israel’s security and identity.
‘These are not easy days for those who stand for the truth,’ Dagan said. ‘We have paid a heavy price in wars and terror attacks, but we remain strong, because we have faith. We know that God sent us here for a reason: to build what the Bible describes in Judea and Samaria.’
According to Dagan, Israel’s mission in the region is both the fulfilment of historical justice and the realization of divine prophecy. Referring to the prophet Jeremiah, he reminded the audience: ‘Two thousand years ago, the people of Israel were promised that they would return and rebuild this land. It is on this prophecy that we are building Israel’s future today.’
A Key Strategic Territory
Standing on a hilltop overlooking the coastal plain, Dagan used a map to show just how narrow Israel is between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River: only 43 miles at its widest point, and in some places a mere nine miles.
‘Without the mountains of Judea and Samaria, the State of Israel would be defenceless,’ he warned. ‘From this ridge you can see Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion Airport, and Jerusalem. To give this up would be military suicide.’
He urged journalists to witness the geography first-hand, insisting that ignorance is an even greater threat to Israel than antisemitism.
‘Most politicians and reporters speak about Judea and Samaria, yet have never set foot here. How could they possibly understand what they have never seen?’
Dagan also stressed that the radical Islamist movement is not only hostile to Israel but to the entire Western world:
‘For them, Israel is only the “little Satan”, while the West is the “great Satan”.’ This, he argued, is why Israel and the West must fight together for truth: ‘To those who support radical Islamic ideologies, Israel is merely the appetizer, the West is the main course.’
Boycotts against Israel Also Harm Palestinians
Dagan sharply criticized international activists and so-called ‘peace organizations’, accusing them of spreading falsehoods about Israel and promoting boycotts that hurt both Israelis and Palestinians. He highlighted Samaria’s industrial zones, where Jews and Palestinians work side by side.
‘In our factories, Israeli citizens and Palestinians earn the same wages,’ he said. ‘They celebrate both Jewish and Muslim holidays together, the Jewish festivals and Ramadan alike. This is real peace, not the peace of conferences and slogans.’
A Two-Front War
Dagan emphasized that Israel is fighting two wars: one waged with tanks and rockets, and another fought for truth against lies. After realizing they cannot destroy Israel militarily, Israel’s enemies have turned to campaigns of disinformation and delegitimization.
‘In the 32 years since the Oslo Accords, we have witnessed bloodshed and broken promises,’ he said. ‘But in the factories of Samaria, Jews and Arabs prove every day that coexistence is possible.’
Toward the end of his address, Dagan invoked Israel’s spiritual legacy, recalling the biblical covenant between God and Abraham, forged near Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in the hills of Samaria.
‘God promised to bless those who bless Israel,’ he said. ‘You, our Christian friends, bless Israel, and I believe God will bless you in return.’
‘Together,’ Dagan concluded, ‘we fight not only for Israel, but for the truth itself.’
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