Marc Ellis explores indigeneity in his article. He explains how the concept is never quite pure. There always seems to be a group that was present in an earlier time. After which, a dominant religious or ethnic group conquered the geographical area. Ultimately it is a struggle to prove legitimacy to the land. In the case of Jerusalem, there are many factors at play. The Palestinians claim to the land is backed by the United Nations, while the Israeli claim to the city is backed by the United States. Specifically, Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem symbolized its recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Following this news, several evangelical groups including Tommy Waller and his foundation Hayovel were vocal about their happiness regarding Trump’s Decision. Motivated by their belief in the end of times messianic prophecy, Hayovel is a private interest group that basically hosts volunteers from all over the world at their vineyards. The study abroad like trip consists of tending to the vineyards in the west bank and “restoring Israel through the tending of the land”. When you visit the website, it is clear that these trips are less about connecting to god through the land and more about gaining international support for Jewish Settlements in the West Bank. This organization’s international reach is far and its followers are diverse. I wanted to draw attention to the fact that even without Trump’s decision to move the embassy and the “American support” of the state of Israel, there are many private interest groups with a mission to legitimize the Israeli state’s claim to Jerusalem and beyond. Even if all US support stopped, there is an international community of Evangelical Christians who support Israel.
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