In a moment filled with history and hope, President Donald J. Trump took the oath of office on January 20, 2025, casting himself as a “peacemaker and unifier.” During his second inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol, Trump spotlighted the Israel-Hamas hostage deal as a testament to his diplomatic approach, declaring, “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier.”
The agreement, which secured the release of hostages held in Gaza, received a standing ovation from attendees, symbolizing a hopeful start to Trump’s presidency. “As of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families,” he stated, highlighting the importance of ending conflicts through strategic diplomacy.
A Prayer for Peace
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, led a heartfelt benediction, praying for the 94 hostages still held in Gaza and for peace across the Middle East. Berman’s words resonated deeply: “Guide our schools and campuses which have been experiencing such unrest to inspire the next generation. Hear the cry of the hostages, both American and Israeli, whose pain our president so acutely feels.”
Wearing a yellow ribbon to symbolize solidarity with hostages, Rabbi Berman called for Trump and Vice President JD Vance to lead with faith and morality, uniting the nation around foundational biblical values.
Trump’s Vision for a New Era
In his address, Trump pledged to rebuild America’s military strength and focus on resolving conflicts, promising, “We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and, perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.” Drawing inspiration from Reagan-era diplomacy, Trump emphasized his vision for a stronger, more respected United States.
Despite his unifying tone, Trump didn’t shy away from addressing controversial issues, such as the Panama Canal’s management, signaling his commitment to ensuring fairness and protecting American interests.
Moving Forward
As Trump embarks on his second term, his administration faces the challenge of translating bold promises into action. His focus on peace, diplomacy, and unity sets a hopeful tone, but the road ahead will test the strength of these commitments. For Modern-Day Esthers, this moment serves as a call to pray for leadership guided by wisdom, faith, and a steadfast commitment to truth.
Read the full article by Times of Israel here
