Lions of Zion Ideology Letter

Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,

I am Isaac Balbin, President of The Lions of Zion. We are a modern Zionist movement founded in Victoria, Australia, in 2024, in response to the rising tide of antisemitism and the coordinated demonisation of Israel by globalist forces. 

We write to you, the steadfast leader of the Jewish State and a towering figure in the Zionist cause, to express our profound gratitude for your decades of service – first as a soldier in the Israel Defence Forces, and then as a resolute political leader. Your unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and the Jewish people’s survival has been a beacon of hope, inspiring our movement and countless others worldwide.

The Lions of Zion draw inspiration from the visionary Ze’ev Jabotinsky and his Betar movement, which championed Jewish pride, self-reliance, and the unapologetic defence of our national rights. However, here in Australia, the remnants of Betar have drifted into ideologies that teeter on the edge of anti-Zionism, leaving a void that we are determined to fill. Zionism has achieved its foundational victory: The State of Israel exists within our eternal Jewish homeland, recognised even by its adversaries. Yet, the challenges that we face today – global antisemitism, delegitimisation campaigns, and cultural erosion – demand a new ideology, one that builds on the triumphs of the past while forging a path forward. We invite your wisdom and guidance in shaping this vision, which we outline below as the cornerstone of The Lions of Zion.

The Ideology of The Lions of Zion

Our ideology is a fusion of emotional passion and rational clarity, rooted in Jewish tradition yet inclusive of all who share our vision. It is defined by three pillars: General Attitude, Priorities, and Specifics.

General Attitude

We embrace a dual approach of emotionally grounded moral values and rational, logical conclusions. Our movement is driven by the heart - through spirited rituals, rallies, and celebrations that ignite Jewish pride – and by the mind – through disciplined reasoning and strategic action. We draw inspiration from Jewish religious texts, customs, and traditions, which form the bedrock of our identity, while welcoming non-Jews who align with our cause. Our meetings and actions are infused with emotional fervour but executed with rational precision, ensuring our movement is both inspiring and effective.

Gap Identified: While we have outlined the emotional and rational balance, we seek your guidance on how to structure our rituals and public engagements to maximise their impact. Your expertise in mobilising global support could guide us here.

Priorities

Our paramount priority is the unwavering belief in the State of Israel as the eternal national homeland of the Jewish People. This is non-negotiable. Membership in The Lions of Zion requires absolute commitment to Israel’s existence and its role as the manifestation of Jewish national rights. We reject the notion of “eternal human values” as a basis for a political ideology, as such a concept is too vague and malleable to sustain a movement. Instead, our ideology is grounded in the concrete reality of Jewish nationhood and Israel’s indispensable role in securing our survival and flourishing.

We recognise the Jewish people’s indigeneity to the Land of Israel, a bond unbroken by millennia of exile. Like the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Rim – whose histories of resilience and connection to their lands we honour – we see the Jewish people’s return to our ancestral homeland as a triumph of justice and self-determination. Israel’s moral leadership, exemplified by its unparalleled humanitarian efforts, particularly in environmental crises, sets a global standard. The IDF’s courage and restraint, and the Israeli people’s kindness and grace under pressure, are a testament to the Jewish spirit. We commit to amplifying these truths, ensuring that the world recognises Israel’s contributions and character.

Gap Identified: We have not yet fully defined how to integrate Israel’s humanitarian legacy into our advocacy. We would benefit from your insights on how to highlight Israel’s role as a first responder in global crises to strengthen our outreach.

Specifics

Our ideology addresses three key areas: Jewish Ethnicity, the Australian Jewish Community, and the local context of Victoria/Melbourne in Australia in 2025.

Jewish Ethnicity

• Definition of Jewishness: We define a Jew by birth through the maternal line or by Orthodox conversion, aligning with traditional standards to ensure cultural and historical continuity. While we respect the diversity of Jewish thought, we believe a rigorous definition preserves our national identity.

• Attitude to Jewish Religion: Our movement is grounded in Jewish religious texts, rituals, and traditions, which provide moral and cultural guidance. While open to all, our framework prioritises Jewish perspectives, ensuring our ideology reflects our heritage.

• Attitudes Between Jewish Groups: We embrace diversity of thought within the Jewish nation but draw a firm line: those who deny Israel’s legitimacy as the Jewish state – regardless of their heritage – are not part of our nation. They are “people of Jewish descent”, not members of the Jewish people.

• Attitude to Israel: Our support for the State of Israel is unconditional. It is rooted in the role of the State of Israel as the guarantor of Jewish survival and safety. Israel must remain a secular state, guided by Jewish ideals, that supports Jews worldwide while welcoming non-Jews who share our values.
  

Gap Identified: The tension between Orthodox control of Jewish identity in Israel and the needs of diverse Jewish communities abroad remains unresolved. We seek your perspective on balancing tradition with inclusivity to avoid alienating Jews who feel marginalised by current policies.

Australian Jewish Community
In Australia, we aim to strengthen Jewish identity by fostering pride in our heritage, from the Bible to modern achievements. We will combat antisemitism by building alliances with non-Jewish communities, particularly those aware of the dangers of global Islamisation, such as Indian, Burmese, and Thai groups. We view Muslims, as a sociological group, as fundamentally incompatible with Israel’s existence due to the theological divide between Islam’s “World of Acceptance” and “World of Destruction” (Harb). While temporary alliances with Muslim nations may be pragmatic, lasting peace is unlikely. Among Christians, we find limited allies, with American Evangelicals being the notable exception due to their theological support for Israel. Most European Christian communities, shaped by historical antisemitism, remain ambivalent or hostile. Non-Abrahamic groups, such as those in China, Japan, and Korea, are potential allies if we can demonstrate Israel’s strategic and economic value. 

Gap Identified: Our outreach strategy to non-Jewish allies needs refinement. We would value your advice on how to frame Israel’s contributions to appeal to pragmatic, non-ideological partners.

Victoria/Melbourne Details
In Melbourne, we aim to unite Jewish activists and non-Jewish supporters to promote the cause of the State of Israel. We will serve as de facto ambassadors, advocating for the State of Israel’s legitimacy and countering antisemitic narratives. We are developing an “early warning system” to detect rising antisemitism, inspired by historical examples like the Soviet Union’s betrayal of its Jewish citizens post-World War II. If conditions in Australia become hostile, we will guide our community towards aliyah or other safe havens, ensuring the Jewish people’s survival. 

Gap Identified: Our early warning system for antisemitism is still conceptual. We seek your expertise on practical metrics and strategies to monitor and respond to escalating threats in diaspora communities.

Our Vision for Israel and the Jewish People

The Lions of Zion envision an Israel that remains free, democratic, and Jewish—a State that upholds its promise to welcome all Jews as citizens while fostering a society that balances tradition with modernity. We reject the control of Jewish identity by anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox groups and advocate for a Zionist rabbinate that reflects Israel’s national ethos. We oppose the manipulation of “democracy” by elites who undermine Israel’s sovereignty, as seen in recent judicial controversies, and call for a governance model that prioritises the Jewish nation’s interests.

Our movement answers two questions: “What for?” and “How?”

• What for? To strengthen Jewish identity in Melbourne and beyond, to support Israel as the Nation State of the Jewish People, and to promote a vision of Israel that inspires hope, intelligence, wisdom, and joy across all cultures.

• How? By uniting Jewish activists and non-Jewish allies, countering antisemitism, and advocating for Israel’s legitimacy through education, cultural exchange, and strategic partnerships.

A Call to Action

Prime Minister Netanyahu, The Lions of Zion pledge ongoing emotional, cultural, and material support for the State of Israel and the Jewish People. We stand with you, the IDF, and the Israeli people, whose morality, kindness, and grace shine as a light unto the nations. We commit to spreading Israel’s message of resilience and innovation, ensuring the Jewish state is recognised as a partner in building a better world.

We humbly request your guidance in refining our ideology and strategies, particularly in addressing the gaps we have identified. Together, we can forge a modern Zionism that unites Jews and our allies across the globe, ensuring the Jewish people’s survival and flourishing for generations to come.

With utmost respect and solidarity,

Isaac Balbin

President, The Lions of Zion

Melbourne, Australia