Question:

Is the modern-day State of Israel the realization of the Biblical prophecies concerning the Messianic Era?

Answer:

Zionism and the State of Israel are not a substitute for the Redemption that Moshiach will bring.

The Torah clearly indicates that Moshiach will gather all the exiled Jews back to Israel and rebuild the Holy Temple, ushering in the Era of Redemption. When Moshiach comes, all Jews will live peacefully in the land, and our sovereignty will be recognized by all nations of the world. There will be no further battles or wars, as the verse states: "No nation will lift its sword against another nation, and they will no longer study the tactics of war." Moshiach will create a government in Israel based on Torah law and divine justice.

Living in the Land of Israel is considered a great mitzvah, and living there certainly enables a person to be more spiritual. Furthermore, Israel is a land that "The eyes of Hashem, your G-d are upon it from the beginning of the year to the end of the year." We have all seen the outstanding miracles that G-d has performed for the Jewish people, in the Six-Day war, the Gulf War, and many other occasions as well.

However, Zionism and the State of Israel are not a substitute for the Redemption that Moshiach will bring. All those who thought that it was a viable alternative have been sorely disappointed by more than five decades of strife and terrorism. We all pray for the safety and well-being of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, and strongly hope for and anticipate the day when Moshiach will appear and establish his rule over the Land of Israel. Only then will we be guaranteed lasting peace and security, when "the Lord shall have the kingdom." (Ovadiah 1:21)