Christian Leaders Visit Jerusalem to Express Solidarity with Israel
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Over 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries visited Israel for a ten-day solidarity mission coinciding with the Sukkot holiday and the third anniversary of the October 7th attack. Led by Bishop Robert Sterns, the delegation engaged in prayer, remembrance, and personal meetings with Israelis affected by the Hamas attack. The visit aimed to foster long-term connections and share firsthand accounts of the events with global Christian communities, emphasizing that "the world is with you."
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Over 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries visited Israel for a solidarity mission.
- The delegation participated in events commemorating the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre.
- Participants emphasized the impact of personal encounters with Israelis affected by the Hamas attack.
- The ten-day visit was led by Bishop Robert Sterns of Eagles Wings.
- Events included prayer, music, and rallies at Jerusalem's Tower of David and Southern Wall.
- The initiative aimed to show Israelis they are not alone and have international friends.
Over 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries visited Israel during the Sukkot holiday and in proximity to the third anniversary of the October 7th massacre. The delegation participated in days of prayer, remembrance for "Black Sabbath," and expressions of solidarity with Israelis. Participants emphasized that personal encounters with those affected by the Hamas terror attack were the most impactful aspect of their ten-day visit.
The delegation, led by Bishop Robert Sterns, founder and president of the Eagles Wings organization, brought together religious leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The visit included an event called "Awaken Jerusalem," an evening of music and prayer at the Tower of David, and a solidarity rally commemorating three years since the October 7th massacre. This rally, organized by Friends of Zion and co-hosted by Sylvain Adams, President of the World Jewish Congress in Israel, took place at the Davidson Center near the Southern Wall in Jerusalem.
The event drew approximately 2,000 participants, including released hostages, bereaved families, injured Israelis, and international supporters of Israel. It was also the focus of a 24-hour broadcast connecting global communities. Bishop Sterns stated that the delegation's participation was about building long-term connections between Christian leaders and Israelis, emphasizing that true friendship is demonstrated during crises.
For many attendees, the visit offered a deeper understanding of Israel beyond media portrayals. Dr. Gibson Andubata from Kenya noted that meeting families impacted by October 7th made the events deeply personal. Pastor Dr. Reinaldo dos Santos from Brazil highlighted the responsibility that comes with hearing firsthand accounts of loss and survival, stressing the need to share these experiences upon returning home. The visit also held religious significance for participants, connecting their Christian faith to the biblical land.
Nigerian King Ogiama Atuatsa III spoke about Jerusalem's ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, noting that shared elements often outweigh differences. He added that African leaders could gain their own understanding of Israel and share it with their communities. Dr. Emmanuel Nuho from Nigeria affirmed his commitment to stand with Israel, stating that personal encounters with those whose lives were changed by October 7th were more impactful than any speech or statistic.
The delegation also participated in "Awaken Jerusalem" at the Tower of David, an event featuring music and prayer from various nations. Bishop Sterns described praying for Israel in the land itself as a unique experience. Daps Daliof Gwam, a participating Christian leader and artist, linked praying for Jerusalem's peace with the pursuit of healing globally, suggesting that solidarity with Israel can coexist with a broader message of reconciliation.
Organizers aimed to reassure Israelis that they are not alone and have many friends worldwide. Bishop Sterns highlighted that the 550+ leaders represent a significant portion of the global Christian community, eager to build genuine relationships with Israelis. The leaders intend to share the stories they heard in Israel with their churches and communities, ensuring that the experiences of October 7th are heard beyond Israel's borders.
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