Trump’s First Move: Halting Funding for UNRWA

On his first day in office, the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, took decisive action to strengthen Israel’s security and address the root causes of conflict in the Middle East by halting U.S. funding for UNRWA—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. This move, celebrated by Israeli lawmakers, aligns with longstanding efforts to reduce the agency’s controversial influence in perpetuating refugee dependency and radicalization.

During the recent conflict, UNRWA has been shown to contribute to the cycle of violence within the Gazan populace, fostering hostility rather than peace. As it says in Proverbs: “A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”  –  Proverbs 16:29. By removing funding from this agency, a step is taken toward breaking the chains of incitement and offering a future grounded in hope, justice, and genuine peace for all.

President Trump Halts Funding

President Trump’s decision to cut funding for UNRWA was praised by Knesset member Yulia Malinovsky, a key advocate for Israeli legislation targeting the agency. Writing on platform X, she expressed gratitude: “On his first day in office, President Trump has stopped U.S. funding for UNRWA. It took me nine months to pass the law removing this agency of terror, but Trump achieved it in a single day.”

Ending a Legacy of Dependency and Terror

Yuli Edelstein, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, highlighted the importance of this policy shift, stating: “UNRWA has been more than just an enabler of terrorism—it perpetuates the cycle of refugee status indefinitely.” Edelstein emphasized that the laws passed by Israel to counter UNRWA’s influence, set to go into effect by the end of the month, represent a historic change and the first step in dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism within Palestinian territories. “It provides hope for a better future and a real opportunity to move toward de-radicalization in UNRWA strongholds,” he stated.

Resistance and Resolve

While acknowledging potential international backlash, Edelstein stood firm: “The law will be implemented. It’s final and binding. Rather than perpetuating suffering, I urge all parties to seek real solutions. Israel stands ready to support those committed to ending this injustice.”

A Turning Point in U.S.-Israel Relations

President Trump’s decision aligns closely with Israel’s strategic goals, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Israel relations. By addressing the agency’s controversial role, this bold action offers a new opportunity for stability and peace in the region. This decision signals the beginning of a stronger, united front between the U.S. and Israel in confronting challenges and fostering hope for a brighter future.

ביום הראשון בתפקיד, הנשיא טראמפ עוצר את המימון של ארה”ב לאונר”א!

טראמפ ביום אחד עצר את המימון לאונר”א ופה בגלל ההתנגדויות של ראש הממשלה שלנו והממשלה שלו זה לקח לי תשעה חודשים להעביר את החוק לניתוק וסילוק סוכנות הטרור הזו ושלא יהיה לאף אחד ספק, הם עדיין מנסים להנשים את אונר”א… pic.twitter.com/iVTgMYtd7b

— Yulia Malinovsky יוליה מלינובסקי (@YuliaMalinovsky) January 21, 2025