Page 20 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition

CHRISTIANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

STAND WITH ISRAEL
IN HER DARKEST HOUR

International Roll Call of the Nations at the Tower of David

Christian

Photos: International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
I n October 2024, the International
Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) its inception in 1980, a foreshadowing participant, Denise from South Africa, said:
hosted its annual Feast of Tabernacles of Zechariah’s end-time prophecy that “It broke my heart to hear about the terrified
celebration, which became the largest “everyone who is left of all the nations that mothers who huddled with their children,
came against Jerusalem shall go up from trying to comfort and console them.” US
solidarity mission to Israel since the year to year to worship the King, the Lord of pilgrim Guy Thompson, who has been to
war began a year earlier. hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” several Feasts, recognized the significance
(14:16). Since that first Feast, the ICEJ of coming to this one: “It means more to the
Despite the ongoing seven-front battle has brought thousands of people from Jewish people to come here in the middle of
(and about 200 ballistic missiles Iran had around the world to Jerusalem each year to a war than to come when things are quiet.”
launched toward Israel just days before), celebrate it. Pilgrims also received in-depth teaching
nearly 500 Christians from 55 countries, from ICEJ staff, pastors, and speakers to
including more than 20 from the United But this year was unique, happening almost deepen their understanding of Israel,
States, traveled to Jerusalem to participate a year to the day after Hamas invaded strengthen their faith, and equip them to
in the event. Many participants, undeterred southern Israel and committed unspeakable return home and be a witness to friends,
by concerns expressed by family and friends acts of violence. It proved to be a unifying family, and their churches of what they
who urged them not to attend, rearranged experience for both the pilgrims who came learned and saw in Israel.
their flights multiple times to make the and the people of Israel. They heard from government officials like
journey. Some even paid double or more for Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who
new tickets, demonstrating profound faith Somber Testimonies, Resilient Hope thanked the ICEJ for its relief aid during the
and perseverance. During the Feast, pilgrims heard from Israeli prolonged conflict and noted the burgeoning
government officials about the current relationship between Jews and Christians:
The Feast of Tabernacles is an annual event situation in the Land and listened to gut-
the ICEJ has organized and hosted since wrenching testimonies from survivors. One

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