Yesterday, October 2, a conference took place at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem entitled, “One State for One Nation.” The conference occurred in the wake of recent international pressure on Israel to make further concessions to the Palestinian Authority in an effort to keep the “two-state solution” afloat. “One State for One Nation” featured many Israeli public figures that spoke at the event including Economy Minister and Head of the Jewish Home Party Naftali Bennett, along with other members of Knesset from his faction such as Eli Ben Dahan and Ayelet Shaked. In addition, there were members of Knesset from Netanyahu’s Likud party such as Deputy Foreign Minister Zev Elkin as well as Tzipi Hotovely. What is telling is that these aforementioned speakers are all members of the governing coalition and are all coming out in strong opposition to any further Israeli concessions.

The speakers expressed very similar messages from one another.  More than just  expressing the need to cease making any more concessions, the conference speakers primarily mentioned the importance for the Jewish people of maintaining sovereignty on all of the Land of Israel. One such message that resonated from the speakers was the eternal Jewish connection to the Land of Israel. Speakers also referred to the constant yearning for Jews throughout the centuries to eventually return to their homeland. In essence, the speakers were giving a much more positive and active message. The Jewish state needs to further develop existing communities and build new communities in the Judea and Samaria regions.

One very unique observance to take away from the conference was not just the packed auditorium in the conference center but also the significant level of spirit and enthusiasm from the audience. Much of the enthusiasm was a result of the very large attendance of Israeli youth. Their presence was well known at the event through their loud cheers and applause for the speakers. There were also intermittent points throughout the conference where Israeli singer Aharon Razel would sing some of his songs that expressed ideas of Religious Zionism. As he sung, many Israeli youths got up and started dancing, either at the front of the auditorium or in their seats. It is clear from yesterday’s conference that not only is there a significant number of prominent members in Israeli society supporting the cause of “One State for One Nation,”  but that most importantly, many Israeli youths are also on board. This is very encouraging because it ensures that the next generation will continue the work of further developing the Zionist value of settling the Land of Israel. There is good reason to be optimistic that the future of the development of Zionist goals and ideals such as settlement in all of the Land of Israel has a very bright future in spite of current difficulties or roadblocks.