The history of the People of Israel is clearly unique, and it is unparalleled in all of human history. No other people from the ancient world went into exile, survived for two thousand years despite constant persecution, were not destroyed, and were not assimilated among other peoples. In addition, no one settled permanently in another land, and the People of Israel eventually returned to Israel from all parts of the world, though there is still a diaspora.
Prosperous against all odds, the survival of such a people is indeed counter to the logic that guides nations. There is no other nation whose influence on world culture, through the Bible and its values instilled in the world, has been so enormous compared to its meager size.
It is all the more remarkable when it turns out that prophecy foresaw all these events: the dispersion of the people, the ultimate return, and the difficulties along the way.
