As "Operation Rising Lion" unfolds, Lion's Trail Monuments echo Israel's resolve

The name of Israel’s newly launched military operation — Operation Rising Lion — echoes one of the most enduring symbols of Jewish strength and identity. For Jerry Klinger, founder and president of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, the lion is more than metaphor — it is the centerpiece of a growing public art campaign that visually affirms Jewish history, survival, and legitimacy.

“This military operation and our Lion’s Trail projects share a powerful metaphor — both the airborne mission and our sculptures bear witness to Israel rising like a lion to defend its land, legacy, and people,” said Klinger.

Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, struck dozens of Iranian nuclear and missile installations in a bold effort to “roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.”

The Lion’s Trail is a series of imposing concrete and steel lion monuments being installed at key gateways across Israel — from the Golan Heights in the north to Dimona in the Negev. Each lion, drawing from the biblical symbol of the Lion of Judah, affirms the enduring link between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, echoing a legacy of resilience and connection spanning thousands of years. The latest installations include Ofakim — site of the deadly Hamas incursion on October 7 — as well as a memorial in Ein Qiniyye honoring 12 Druze children “accidentally on purpose” killed by a Hezbollah drone strike July of 2024 while they played soccer. All were victims of Iran-backed terror. As the primary sponsor and armorer of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, Iran casts a long shadow over these regional tragedies.

The lion sculptures were conceived and fully funded by Klinger and are being brought to life by renowned sculptor Sam Philipe. As Klinger describes, “They stand as guardians of Jewish history and presence — now, as the IDF defends Israeli soil, the metaphor of the lion is sharper than ever. As the IDF protects the modern Jewish state, our lions stand as stone witnesses to a continuum—in stone and action, in art and defense,” Klinger added.

JASHP, under Klinger’s leadership, has completed over 200 commemorative projects across 44 U.S. states and nine countries, celebrating Jewish heritage and survival—from Holocaust remembrance to pioneer settlements.

The Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation identifies and commemorates Jewish historical and cultural sites worldwide. Founded and led by Jerry Klinger, a retired financial executive from Merrill Lynch who resides in Boynton Beach, Florida, JASHP continues to expand its mission globally. Asked about his motivation, Klinger responded, “The unspoken reason for my doing everything is to fight antisemitism, to fight the denial of Jewish historical presence, legitimacy, and contributions.” Visit jashp.org.