What happened
Thousands of Christians from 70 nations gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the biblical holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. The event, hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), featured worship, music, and messages of support for Israel. Representatives from each nation attended, waving their countries' flags and expressing solidarity with the Jewish people.
The celebration took place against the backdrop of recent tensions, including the walkout of U.N. delegates during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech in New York. However, in Jerusalem, the atmosphere was one of unity and friendship, with Christians and Jews coming together to promote peace and understanding.
Key speakers at the event included George Deek, Israel's first Israeli Arab ambassador to the Christian world, and ICEJ President Jurgen Buehler. Deek welcomed the visitors and thanked them for standing with Israel, while Buehler urged participants to pray for their nations and to support Israel in the face of international pressure.
The theme of this year's Feast was based on Joel 3:16, which says, The Lord roars from Zion. Buehler believes that this passage is a warning to nations that they will be held accountable for their treatment of Israel.
