When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walked onto the stage of the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, the hall was nearly empty. Dozens of nations staged a walk-out. Cameras captured rows of vacant seats — a symbol of Israel’s diplomatic isolation. But Netanyahu did not falter. His message was clear: Israel will not bow, will not forget October 7, and will not commit national suicide to appease the world.
“We Remember October 7”
Netanyahu reminded the world of what so many are already eager to forget.
“Much of the world no longer remembers October 7. But we remember. Israel remembers October 7.”
For Modern-Day Esthers, this is our call as well. The world may want to turn the page. But like Esther before the king, we cannot remain silent when the Jewish people are targeted for destruction.
The Hostages
Netanyahu’s most emotional moment came as he read aloud the names of the 20 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza. He spoke directly to them through loudspeakers Israel installed at the border:
“We have not forgotten you, not even for a second. The people of Israel are with you. We will not falter and we will not rest until we bring all of you home.”
And then, echoing Moses before Pharaoh, he declared:
“Let my people go. Free the hostages. All of them. The whole 48. Free the hostages now.”
As Esthers, we must carry the burden of remembering those in captivity, praying and speaking until they are home.
Exposing the Lie of Genocide
Israel, Netanyahu insisted, is not the aggressor but the defender.
“For Israel, every civilian casualty is a tragedy. For Hamas, it’s a strategy.”
He condemned those who accuse Israel of genocide while ignoring Hamas’s deliberate slaughter of innocents and theft of humanitarian aid. His words remind us of Isaiah’s prophecy: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20).
Rejecting a Terror State
Perhaps the sharpest line of the speech was his rejection of recent moves to recognize Palestinian statehood.
“Giving the Palestinians a state one mile from Jerusalem after October 7 is like giving al-Qaeda a state one mile from New York City after September 11. This is sheer madness. It’s insane. And we won’t do it.”
Netanyahu made it plain: Israel will not allow “a terror state shoved down our throats.” He added, “Over 90% of Israelis” share this position.
When Silence Is Not an Option
For Modern-Day Esthers, Netanyahu’s defiant words are a reminder that Israel is standing almost alone on the world stage. Nations walked out. Leaders caved under pressure. The propaganda war against Israel grows louder each day.
But Esther stood when no one else would. She raised her voice for her people at great risk. Today, God is asking us: Will you speak? Will you pray? Will you stand?
Netanyahu closed with hope, declaring that Israel’s resolve “burns brighter than ever” and that with God’s help, the nation would prevail.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, strengthen Israel in her isolation. Protect the hostages and comfort their families. Give courage to leaders who speak truth. And raise up Modern-Day Esthers who will not forget, who will not be silent, and who will contend earnestly for Your people. Amen.
