"When the Jewish people, after nearly 2,000 years of exile, under relentless persecution, became a nation again on 14 May 1948 the 'fig tree' put forth its first leaves. Jesus said that this would indicate that He was 'at the door,' ready to return"

This quote by Hal Lindsey is describing a passage in the Bible, in which Jesus mentions a fig tree presenting its leaves as an indication of his imminent return. In this quote, Lindsey is recommending that the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 is a sign that Jesus is at the door, prepared to return. This is because the Jewish individuals had actually been in exile for nearly two thousand years, and had actually faced relentless persecution. The facility of the State of Israel was a special occasion for the Jewish people, and Lindsey is suggesting that it suggests Jesus' impending return. This quote is a suggestion of the value of the State of Israel to the Jewish individuals, and of the hope that Jesus' return brings.