Christian Group Protests European Boycotts With West Bank Shopping Trip

Participants in a Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) conference hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) visited communities in Judea and Samaria, purchasing local products in protest against European boycotts. The initiative aimed to support businesses and manufacturers from these areas.

Several buses carrying conference attendees traveled from Jerusalem to locations such as Efrat and Shiloh. There, they bought goods directly from local businesses. This action was intended as a practical demonstration against policies adopted by some European countries, which have imposed restrictions or outright bans on goods originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, sometimes classifying their import as a criminal offense.

David van der Walt, Vice President of the ICEJ, told Arutz 7 that the organizers wanted to provide attendees with a tangible way to express their support beyond mere words. "We decided to give our people the opportunity to buy products from Judea and Samaria," he stated, explaining that many small businesses and suppliers were invited to sell their wares at the conference in Jerusalem.

Van der Walt noted that participants came from countries like the Netherlands, Norway, England, and Ireland, where the stance on Israel and its West Bank settlements is a subject of public and political debate. He described the encounters in the communities as meaningful, with residents expressing joy at the visitors' solidarity. "Everywhere we went, people were so happy that they came to stand with them in Judea and Samaria," he said.

The ICEJ's broader message to Israelis and residents of Judea and Samaria is one of unwavering support. "The message we really want to convey to both Israel and Judea and Samaria is: we are with you, we love you, we are your friends," van der Walt declared. "We will do everything possible to fight against this antisemitism in these times."

He also emphasized the need for enhanced global public relations efforts to counter negative perceptions of Israel, advocating for a clearer presentation of the "real situation" in Israel as a democratic country.