In a world that’s increasingly divided along political, social and economic lines, the need for strong, principled leadership has never been more critical. As global tensions rise and democracies are tested, we find ourselves at a crossroads where the values that underpin our societies are being challenged.
The lessons of history, particularly those from moments of great peril, offer invaluable guidance. One such lesson comes from former British prime minister Winston Churchill, whose leadership during the United Kingdom’s darkest hour serves as a timeless beacon of hope and resolve.
In the face of overwhelming odds, Churchill reassured a beleaguered Britain that democracy would prevail. His speeches, marked by unwavering confidence and a refusal to surrender, galvanized a nation teetering on the brink of despair.
Churchill’s message was clear: no matter the challenges, the principles of freedom and democracy would endure. His leadership was not just about strategy or policy, it was about instilling a sense of purpose and resilience in the people he led.
Today, as we grapple with global challenges that threaten the very fabric of our democracies, we must look to Churchill’s example. Leadership in the modern era requires more than just the ability to navigate crises. It demands a vision that inspires and unites. It calls for leaders who are unafraid to speak hard truths and possess the moral courage to stand by their convictions.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East, where Iran has emerged as a central figure in what can only be described as a modern-day axis of evil. Through its alliances with Russia and China, Iran has solidified its influence, creating a dangerous triad that threatens global stability.
Russia and China, both of whom purchase Iranian oil, are indirectly fuelling the terrorism that Iran exports across the region. This unholy alliance not only endangers the Middle East, it poses a grave threat to democracies worldwide.
In a troubling sign of the moral decline of the West, this week, the mayor of Nagasaki decided not to invite Israel’s ambassador, Gilad Cohen, to a memorial commemorating the atomic bombing of the city. This decision not only disrespects Israel’s right to self-defence, it tarnishes the legacy of humanitarian figures like Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.
By excluding Israel’s representative, Nagasaki’s mayor risks aligning himself with forces that are opposed to democracy and justice, a reminder that the West must stand together to defend fellow democracies like Israel against the growing threat of authoritarianism and moral ambiguity.
Among the failures in leadership is UNRWA, which, this week, terminated nine employees for their participation in the October 7 massacre. UNRWA’s leadership, including the broader United Nations, has repeatedly refused to fully acknowledge the agency’s role in turning a blind eye while Hamas stored its weapons in UNRWA facilities and used its headquarters as a base of operations. This failure not only jeopardizes the safety of innocents, it undermines the very principles that the UN is supposed to uphold.
It’s shameful to see democratic states undermine other democracies. This week, Israel did the right thing by revoking the accreditation of eight Norwegian diplomats. In justifying the decision, Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz explained that, “Norway chose to award the murderers and rapists of Hamas in the form of recognition of a Palestinian state (and) joined the unfounded lawsuit against us at the ICC.”
What we are seeing in cities throughout the West is alarming. Our streets have been overtaken by extremists, yet our politicians are elsewhere. Our universities are allowing hate and intimidation to fester on their campuses, but our governments continue to fund them.
Even more troubling is the fact that government officials appointed to fight antisemitism and ensure the memory of the Holocaust endures — which is essential for maintaining our social moral compass — have made little progress in rebuffing the skyrocketing threats against the Jewish community. This stark reality underscores the critical need for leadership that is actively engaged in defending the very principles that hold our societies together.
Leadership is often thought to apply only to political figures, but in reality, it encompasses corporate leaders, spiritual leaders and those working in law enforcement and education. These individuals often have a greater influence than even a prime minister in ensuring that their communities maintain a strong moral compass.
This week, I had the refreshing opportunity to meet with two people who exemplify this broader concept of leadership. One is a Catholic corporate leader who has taken it upon himself to independently learn and investigate the truth about Israel.
The other is a provincial lawmaker who, despite the risks, speaks out fearlessly against extremism in our streets. These leaders, through their actions and convictions, contribute to the moral strength of our society, often in ways that resonate far beyond the political sphere.
Thankfully, there are many upstanders among us. In the fall, my foundation, the Abraham Global Peace Initiative, will be honouring former prime minister Stephen Harper for his support for Israel, as well as an Israeli-Muslim-Bedouin policeman who saved 300 kids from the Nova Music Festival on October 7.
These individuals embody the spirit of true leadership — acting with courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. We must reset our moral compass by exemplifying the heroes among us.
In the face of this growing menace, it is imperative for the West to stand together resolutely. Just as Churchill rallied the free world against the tyranny of his time, today’s leaders must unite to confront the dangers posed by this axis of evil.
At the heart of this struggle lies Israel, a beacon of democracy in a region plagued by authoritarianism and extremism. Israel’s survival is not just a regional issue, it’s a matter of global importance. It represents the front line in the defence of democratic values against the encroachment of tyranny.
The fractures we see today — whether in the form of polarized political discourse, rising authoritarianism or social unrest — are symptoms of a deeper crisis of leadership. The world is in desperate need of leaders who can transcend divisions and remind us of our shared values. Leaders who, in Churchill’s words, can “never give in” to the forces that seek to undermine our democratic ideals.
The preservation of democracy requires vigilance, courage and an unyielding commitment to truth. As we face the complexities of the 21st century, it is this kind of leadership that we must cultivate and demand.
Churchill’s legacy teaches us that leadership is not about avoiding challenges; it’s about confronting them head-on, with resolve and integrity. In today’s fractured world, where Iran’s ambitions and its alliances with Russia and China present a clear and present danger, we need leaders who can reassure us that, despite the storms we face, our shared values and democratic principles will prevail.
The path forward may be fraught with difficulties, but with the right leadership, we can navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger, just as Britain did under Churchill’s stewardship.
As we reflect on the lessons of history, let us remember that the need for strong leadership is as urgent now as it was during Churchill’s time. The future of democracy depends on it, and in the face of an emboldened Iran, the West must stand united to protect Israel and, by extension, the democratic ideals we all hold dear.
National Post
Avi Benlolo is the founding chairman of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative.