Christian Leaders From 122 Countries Unite in Jerusalem for Oct. 7

Christian leaders, faith-based influencers and community figures from across the globe arrived in Jerusalem on Wednesday for an international memorial honoring the victims of Oct. 7. The gathering was held as part of the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit.

Jewish leaders, former hostages, bereaved relatives, wounded Israelis, ambassadors and diplomatic officials also took part in the ceremony, which marked the anniversary of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, massacre.

“Oct. 7 was the darkest day in Israel’s history, a day defined by despair,” Dr. Mike Evans, founder of Jerusalem’s Friends of Zion Heritage Center, told News Media.

Evans said public attention often centers on the more than 1,200 people killed on Oct. 7, while overlooking the tens of thousands who lost their homes, families and sense of security. “A nation is living through unimaginable suffering,” he said, adding that the pain comes not only from the attack itself but also from the belief that Israel has been abandoned and condemned by much of the world.

His message for the anniversary, Evans said, is one of solidarity: “You’re wrong. The world is standing with you.” He pointed to the many faces, languages and songs represented at the memorial as evidence of an international community united in support of Israel. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It is about telling the Jewish people: You are not alone. We stand with you, and we love you.”

Actor and influencer Nathaniel Buzolic and journalist Erin Molan hosted the memorial, which was broadcast live from Jerusalem by dozens of television networks around the world.

Buzolic told News Media that Jewish suffering is frequently met with silence or denial, particularly when the victims are targeted by radical Islamists. While other minority communities often receive broad recognition when they suffer, he said, the Oct. 7 atrocities and the violence that followed have faced efforts to minimize or dispute what happened.

He described support for Israel as a moral obligation in the face of what he characterized as ongoing attempts to eliminate the country. Buzolic said the animosity is driven by a radical Islamist ideology that rejects peaceful coexistence with Israel and also poses a broader challenge to Western societies.

Former hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Bar Kupershtein and Evyatar David were among the attendees. Kupershtein’s grandfather, Holocaust survivor Michael Kupershtein, also joined them. Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel and a full partner in the event, participated as well.

Before the memorial, summit participants visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust remembrance center.

Now in its second year, the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit has drawn more than 1,000 participants representing 122 countries.

Evans said the gathering reflects a powerful alliance between Israel and Bible-believing Christians worldwide. “Most Zionists around the world are not Jewish,” he told News Media. “Christian Zionists may not share the same political views, but they agree on the importance of standing with the people of Israel.”

The summit also features a significant number of young attendees. Evans said the outreach is intended to engage a generation he believes has been influenced by Qatar-linked messaging at universities and by content generated or amplified through artificial intelligence.

Organized in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit began Tuesday with a gathering on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives. Evans said the location carries special meaning for Christians because of its association with Jesus and the ascension, making it a powerful symbol of faith for those attending.

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George Deek, Israel’s special envoy to the Christian world, said he was proud of the continued backing Israel has received from Jewish and Christian communities overseas since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

“The presence of Christian leaders sends a strong message that Israel is not alone,” Deek told News Media. He said the visitors came to meet survivors and families whose lives were upended on Oct. 7, bear witness to their experiences and share those stories with people in their own communities.

According to Deek, the relationship between Israel and Christian communities around the world rests on “truth, courage and sheer determination” to confront antisemitism and every other form of hatred wherever it appears.

“This visit is a testament to the strength of the bond between Israel and Christian communities despite attempts by various groups, including paid actors and anti-Israel organizations, to drive a wedge between them,” he added.

Deek said the special relationship between Christians and Jews rests on three foundations: a shared biblical heritage; a commitment to ensuring Jews can live free from antisemitism and fear and the right of Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere to live without intimidation.

“The future of the Jews in Israel and the future of Christians are connected because we have a shared history. We share the same historical land, the same values, kings and prophets, and we have to stand together, especially when it comes to this warfare against the soul of Christians, trying to drive them away from Israel,” Deek told News Media.

Influencer Oli London first visited Israel six weeks after the Oct. 7 attack, traveling to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where residents were killed and kidnapped and homes were burned during the massacre.

“I felt it was so important to come back to honor the memory of the victims, advocate for those still suffering from trauma, raise awareness of their suffering and take part in mass prayers,” London told News Media.

“I think it’s also important to show Christians the holy sites in Israel. I’m visiting the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives, the Garden Tomb and other biblical sites to encourage Christians to return because Israel has had a difficult time over the past few years,” he continued.

London also praised the resilience of the Jewish people and addressed rising antisemitism around the world since Oct. 7.

“Sadly, many people are either staying silent or jumping on the bandwagon of the anti-Israel trend, fueling hatred and bringing out antisemitic views in many people. Jewish people need support and need to know they are loved and supported by so many Christians,” he said.

On Thursday, members of the delegation will visit the Nova music festival site, where one of the central massacres of Oct. 7 took place, and meet with released hostages Romi Gonen, Elkana Bohbot and Noa Argamani, who were abducted from the festival. On Friday, the delegation will visit the ancient site of Shiloh in Samaria for a special tour and prayer event.

Hooman Khalili, who is participating in the summit, was born in Iran and has been an outspoken supporter of Israel. He said he has visited the country 17 times over 21 months to create “Woman, Life, Freedom” murals.

“I was invited and saw it as an opportunity to share with American pastors the work I have been doing to show the world how Israel and the Jewish people support women and the people of Iran,” he told News Media.

“This is one of those opportunities to come and pray for the land and the State of Israel, connect with other Christians and people who share my beliefs and values.”