The recent influx of American cowboys traveling to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Gaza has shed light on the striking similarities between the two settler societies. A viral photograph of four white men in cowboy hats at JFK airport, on their way to assist at Israeli farms, sparked a social media frenzy. This small group of volunteers quickly became a sensation, receiving thousands of likes and comments expressing support for Israel. Both Israeli and American media outlets have celebrated them through interviews and updates on their work in Har Bracha, a Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
While the cowboys’ journey may seem like a simple act of goodwill, it also serves as a window into the shared goals of white American and Jewish Israeli societies: the erasure of dehumanized “natives”. These men volunteer through the Christian Zionist organization HaYovel, which believes in the biblical promise of the land of Israel to the Jewish people. According to their website, HaYovel anticipates a day of worldwide redemption and a fully restored Israel. This ideology aligns with the belief among Christian Zionists that the establishment of the modern state of Israel and the gathering of Jewish people there are fulfillments of biblical prophecy leading up to the second coming of Christ.
The Christian Zionists’ support for Israel goes beyond ideology, as they actively contribute through donations, lobbying, and labor. HaYovel has been bringing hundreds of volunteers each year to work in settlement agriculture for the past two decades. With the recent decrease in foreign workers due to the conflict and restrictions on Palestinian labor in settlements, Christian Zionists like the cowboys are stepping in to fill the gaps. One American worker explained, “I can’t go into Gaza and fight, so I’m gonna help here on the farm.” These volunteers see themselves as “boots on the ground,” viewing their labor as a vital contribution to Israel’s time of need.
The presence of these American cowboys in Israel also highlights a larger trend of white, militaristic masculinity among evangelical Christians. In her book “Jesus and John Wayne,” scholar Kristin Du Mez explores how evangelical history in the United States has shifted towards an idolization of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism. This narrative aligns with the values of patriarchy, authoritarian rule, belligerent foreign policy, and fear of Islam. Although Du Mez’s study does not specifically focus on Christian Zionism, she acknowledges the practice of supporting Israel as part of this broader framework.
The rhetoric used by the cowboys in media interviews further reinforces this narrative. Montanan John Plocher, in particular, draws on the trope of good cowboys versus bad Indians, evoking the dehumanization of natives. When asked why he believes the Jewish population in Israel is excited about their presence, Plocher responds, “You think of all the Westerns and John Wayne and all these people who stand up for the right thing, and so it’s just an encouragement to them.” This portrayal perpetuates the narrative of good white cowboys and the need to eliminate “barbaric” natives, a narrative that has been prevalent in US popular culture.
It is crucial to recognize the parallels between Israeli and American settler colonialism, white supremacy, and aggressive militarism. As Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank continue to escalate, it is imperative that we challenge these tropes and trends. The affinity between the two states should inspire us to seek justice on behalf of those affected by colonization and domination. It is essential to counter these narratives and strive for a more just and equitable future.
