Diplomatic Events

ICEJ Brings Joy to Jerusalem During Sukkot with Tours, Feasts and Celebrations for Pilgrims from Around the Globe

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem hosted its annual Sukkot events this week with a schedule of activities spanning the map of Israel and linking thousands of religious pilgrims from dozens of nations and diverse backgrounds. Coming at a time when the Israeli tourism industry is still struggling to recover and many are still hesitant to travel to Israel only highlights the achievement and underscores the deep friendship and support of the ICEJ.

The week of festivities began with a celebratory at the Kfar HaNokdim oasis in the Negev desert in southern Israel on Friday evening, the first day of Sukkot, and continued at the International Conference Center (ICC) in downtown Jerusalem with Saturday’s Roll Call of Nations, Sunday seminars, prayers, VIP reception and Israeli Guest Night, and the annual march up Gan Sacher followed by public prayer in the Wohl Rose Garden on Monday. The celebration continues Tuesday with prayer services at the ICC before culminating with a special Communion Service at the Garden Tomb on Wednesday morning.

ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler noted at the VIP reception that in what has been a challenging time for Israel internationally, the ICEJ and its members steadfastly support Israel and Israelis, with over 1,500 guests attending the Sunday evening Israeli Guest Night, despite travel warnings, economic hardships and other hurdles, and this year’s program promoting pilgrimage  to Judea and Samaria businesses and historical sites, along with rehabilitation projects at the southern border communities in the Gaza Envelope region. The Embassy recently unveiled its tenth recovery initiative with a project to support the restoration of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Dr. Bühler also highlighted the miraculous vitality of the Israeli economy which continues to thrive in the face of all adversity.

Knesset Member Tatiana Mazarsky spoke next, stressing that “only true friends” of Israel would visit under such difficult circumstances, and expressed appreciation for the thousands of such true friends who continued to stand by Israelis through the Embassy. MK Mazarsky noted the symbolism of visiting during Sukkot, when historically 70 sacrifices were brought in the Temple in Jerusalem to represent 70 nations of the world. In concluding her remarks she thanked the organizers and guests and blessed them.

Participants themselves made the pilgrimage from all corners of the world, with many wearing traditional clothing, national pins or flags highlighting the diversity within unity of this special event. Their presence bears testimony to the bonds of friendship and religious solidarity that supersede any national, geographical or linguistic boundaries.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog gave a special video greeting to Feast pilgrims, welcoming them to Israel and the Feast and recognising the Christian Embassy’s long record of friendship and practical support for Israel.

“I congratulate all of you as the head of State and president of the State of Israel for coming here and showing solidarity, support, affection and love, and praying for the well-being of the State of Israel and Jerusalem,” said President Herzog. “I want to thank all of you, especially I want to thank the office and leadership of ICEJ. You are doing incredible work, and we find you all over.”

The message continued a theme from last year, when he described the ICEJ as a global expression of Christian friendship, solidarity and action for Israel.