For years, Iran’s regime has tried to strangle Israel by funding terrorist groups like Hamas in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. Their plan was to wage an endless proxy war, with the ultimate goal of destroying the Jewish state. But October 7, 2023, was a catastrophic misstep by Israel’s enemies. Over the past 20 months, Israel has not only crushed Iran’s allies but also witnessed the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. Now, the spotlight shines on the true threat: Iran’s brutal, genocidal regime.

The fall of this regime is near, along with its nuclear and missile programs. This collapse will liberate the Iranian people and pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East. More nations will join the Abraham Accords, recognizing Israel’s vital role in the region. The Hamas attack sparked this seismic shift, positioning Israel as a beacon of hope where good triumphs. Isn’t it staggering that Khamenei dedicated his life to destroying Israel, only for Israel to dismantle his prized assets: Hamas, Hezbollah, and his nuclear ambitions?

The world is waking up to a simple truth: Don’t mess with Israel. Living in a tough neighborhood has forged Israel into a powerhouse, forcing us to build cutting-edge defense systems like the Iron Dome and to become more innovative, resilient, and powerful. Our enemies, in their attempts to break us, have only made Israel stronger than ever.

At the heart of this epic struggle stands a timeless symbol: the lion. For both the Jewish and Iranian peoples, the lion embodies strength, courage, and resilience. But what does this symbol mean to each, and how does it reflect their battles in this war? Let’s explore the “Lion of Judah” and the “Lion and Sun” of Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag, and how these emblems tell a story of defiance and hope.

The lion is sacred to the Jewish people, known as the Lion of Judah. Its roots lie in the Bible, in Genesis, where Jacob blesses his son Judah, comparing him to a young lion—a bold, valiant leader. “Judah is a lion’s cub… who dares to rouse him?” (Genesis 49:9). The Lion of Judah represents strength, unity, and resilience. It adorns synagogues, ceremonial objects, and Jerusalem’s emblem, where a roaring lion stands proudly before the Kotel. For Jews, this symbol is not only historical but also messianic, promising redemption and victory against all odds.

In the current war, the Lion of Judah embodies Israel’s unyielding resolve to survive and thrive. Since Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israel has shown ferocious resilience, dismantling Hamas’ capabilities in Gaza, weakening Hezbollah in Lebanon, and contributing to the fall of Assad, Iran’s key ally. The lion symbolizes not just military might but also the innovation and unbreakable spirit of a people who, in a hostile region, have built advanced technologies and a vibrant economy. As the saying goes: “Don’t mess with Israel.”

Now, let’s turn to the Iranian people and their own lion. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran’s flag bore the Lion and Sun emblem, a symbol dating back to the 12th century that represented national identity, courage, and cultural heritage. The lion, clutching a sword, stood for strength and protection, while the sun symbolized the shah’s grandeur, the motherland, or the mythical king Jamshid. For centuries, the Lion and Sun united Iranians under a banner of national pride.

But in 1979, the Islamic regime replaced this emblem, erasing the lion from the official flag. For many Iranians, especially in the diaspora and among those opposing the regime, the Lion and Sun remains a powerful cry of resistance. In recent protests, it has resurfaced as a symbol of nostalgia for a free Iran and defiance against the oppressive ayatollahs. The Iranian lion does not represent the current regime but the people yearning for freedom.

As Khamenei’s regime falters, grappling with sanctions, internal protests, and the loss of allies like Assad, the Lion and Sun reminds us that Iran’s true spirit lies not in oppression but in the courage of its people. The lion tells two stories: for the Jewish people, the Lion of Judah is a symbol of divine strength against those seeking their destruction; for Iranians, the Lion and Sun is a reminder of a stolen national identity, still burning in the hearts of those fighting for liberty.

As Iran’s regime weakens, Israel emerges as a beacon of hope. The Abraham Accords, uniting Israel with Arab nations, are just the beginning. The fall of Iran’s regime will not only free its people but also open the door to lasting peace in the region. The roaring lion teaches us that strength is born from adversity. Israel, forged in the fires of war, stands stronger than ever. And the Iranian people, with their lion in their hearts, are poised to reclaim their freedom.

Israel: A beacon of hope. Iran: A people awakening. October 7 was the mistake that triggered this transformation. Israel’s enemies, in trying to crush the Lion of Judah, have only amplified its roar. And the Lion and Sun will soon shine again, free from the regime’s chains. If you believe in a future of peace and freedom for the Middle East, share this article. What does the lion mean to you? Together, we see the dawn of a new Middle East.