Q&A: Is the State of Israel Holy?

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Q: Rav Kook zt"l wrote that the State of Israel [will be] the foundation of G-d's throne in the world, but he qualifies this by saying that it must be a state run according to the path of Torah, with fairness and justice. But unfortunately, in our day, we don't yet have these elements – so why do I hear so many rabbis who say that the State today is the foundation of G-d's throne?

And since the State was established by secular people who wanted the State to have a secular character, why should we see in this a symbol of something positive?

Palestine Post reporting on the creation of the State of Israel, 1948

[Answered by Rav David Chai HaCohen, Chief Rabbi of Bat Yam, https://www.yeshiva.org.il/ask]

A: We believe that G-d in Heaven established the State, and that the leaders of the State are tools in His hands and in the service of Divine Providence. This is clearly stated by the Prophet Isaiah regarding Assyria.  And ever since the State's establishment, a tremendous Ingathering of Exiles has begun – the true herald of the complete Redemption "when G-d returns the returnees to Zion," as we sing in Shir HaMaalot.

In addition, ever since the State was established, Torah study has increased greatly, and its study and influence in Israel is great –to an extent that has not been seen for thousands of years in the Land of Israel. And most certainly, when the day comes and Torah will lead Israel – it will be clear to everyone that our State is truly G-d's throne, as written in Yirmiyahu 3.