George Washington & Israel

Many Americans are unaware that George Washington wrote to the Jewish people affirming his desire for their safety and political and civil liberty. Many do not know that when Washington prayed, he mentioned Israel by name and that Washington and the Founders hoped for the restoration of Israel. While it is true that Israel did not exist in Washington’s day, this book demonstrates that Washington’s views about Israel helped set the direction that American Presidents have taken toward Israel and answers the question, “Is it inherently American to be pro-Israel?”

Dr. Lillback's insightful work researches the question, "Is it inherently American to be pro-Israel?" Yet, could the evidence from Washington's life and writings show that he knew far more about Israel than most thought possible? Many Americans are unaware that George Washington wrote to the Jewish people affirming his desire for their safety and political and civil liberty. Many do not know that when Washington prayed, he mentioned Israel by name and that Washington and the Founders hoped for the restoration of Israel. While it is true that Israel did not exist in Washington’s day, this book demonstrates that Washington’s views about Israel helped set the direction that American Presidents have taken toward Israel.

Peter A. Lillback, Ph.D., is the president of The Providence Forum and president of Westminster Theological Seminary, where he is also Professor of Historical Theology. Dr. Lillback received a Ph.D. from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from Cedarville University in Ohio. He is the author of The Binding of God:Calvin's Role in the Development of Covenant Theology (Baker), Freedom's Holy Light-With a Firm Reliance on Divine Providence (Providence Forum Press), Proclaim Liberty: A Broken Bell Rings Freedom to the World (Providence Forum Press), Wall of Misconception-Does the Separation of Church and State Mean the Separation of God and Government? (Providence Forum Press), Lessons on Liberty (co-author Judy Mitchell) (Providence Forum Press) and George Washington's Sacred Fire (Providence Forum Press).