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

Christian leaders and influential figures from across the globe gathered in Jerusalem Wednesday for an international memorial honoring the victims of Oct. 7. The event was part of the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit.

Jewish leaders, former hostages, bereaved relatives, wounded Israelis, ambassadors and diplomats also attended the gathering, which marked the anniversary of the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023.

“Oct. 7 is the worst day in Israel’s history, a day of hopelessness,” Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, told News Outlet.

“People talk a lot about the more than 1,200 people killed that day, but not enough about the more than 70,000 who lost their homes and loved ones. You have a nation going through unspeakable pain, not only because of Oct. 7, but also because of the feeling that they are alone and that the world has turned against them,” Evans said.

Evans said the gathering was intended to deliver a direct message of solidarity. “What I’m sharing on Oct. 7 is this: ‘You’re wrong. The world is standing with you,’” he said. “You see the faces, languages and songs of people from around the world united to comfort you and stand with you. It’s not political. It’s for the Jewish people: You are not alone. We’re with you. We love you.”

Actor and influencer Nathaniel Buzolic and reporter Erin Molan hosted Wednesday’s event in the Israeli capital. The memorial was broadcast live by dozens of television networks worldwide.

Buzolic told News Outlet that Jewish suffering is often treated differently from the suffering of other minorities and groups. “When other minority or groups suffer, there tends to be some sort of acknowledgment of that suffering, but when it comes to Jewish suffering, particularly at the hands of radical Islamists, there is not only silence but also denial and an attempt to downgrade the atrocities we witnessed, and we really have witnessed atrocities not just on Oct. 7 but in the continuation of that,” he said.

He described support for Israel as a moral imperative amid what he characterized as efforts to destroy the country. Buzolic said hostility toward Israel stems from a radical Islamist ideology that rejects peace and coexistence with both the Jewish state and Western societies more broadly.

Former hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Bar Kupershtein and Evyatar David attended the memorial. Bar’s grandfather, Holocaust survivor Michael Kupershtein, was also present. Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel and a full partner in the event, took part as well.

Earlier Wednesday, participants visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust remembrance center.

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

“The alliance is very strong. The vast majority of Zionists in the world are not Jewish; they are Bible-believing Christians,” Evans told News Outlet. “The Christian Zionists worldwide don’t necessarily agree on the politics, but they agree on the people. They are uniting with the people of Israel.”

The delegation includes a significant number of young people, reflecting an effort to connect with a generation Evans said had been “poisoned” by countries such as Qatar at universities and by artificial intelligence.

Held 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, traditionally associated with Jesus and his ascension, has special meaning for attendees and represents their faith.

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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 Oct. 7, 2023.

“The arrival of Christian leaders carries a powerful message that Israel does not stand alone. They have come to bear witness, meet people whose lives were shattered on Oct. 7 and carry their stories back to communities around the world,” Deek told News Outlet.

Deek said the relationship between Israel and the global Christian community is grounded in “truth, courage and sheer determination” to challenge antisemitism and other forms of hatred wherever they emerge.

“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 Outlet.

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 Outlet.

“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 Outlet.

“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.”