Christians coming for ICEJ Feast experience a taste of heaven on earth

Undeterred by the volatile security situation in Israel, more than 400 Christians worldwide came to participate in the ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles celebration, held each year by the International Christian Embassy – Jerusalem.

ICEJ's Senior Vice President David Parsons has called the Feast of Tabernacles event “the largest solidarity mission to Israel since the war began.” 

This year’s convocation began on a somber note, with a remembrance ceremony to honor those who were slaughtered and kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 of last year. The opening event was held at Eshkol National Park, just four miles from the Gaza border

Michal Uziyahu, incoming mayor of the Eshkol Regional Council and Eshkol's regional security chief, Ilan Isaacson, told the attendees about his experience of trying to defend the surrounding Israeli communities on the day of the massacre.

The ICEJ event celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot is usually a joyful celebration. However, this year, the program was modified to fit the solemn time marking one year since the Hamas invasion and atrocities in southern Israeli communities. The terror attack led to the deaths of 1,200 and the abduction of at least 250 people into Gaza. Israeli authorities estimate that there are 97 hostages, both alive and deceased, still being held captive by terrorists.

The ICEJ gathering included a tour of the Gaza border region, the Nova festival site, and the "car graveyard" near Tekuma. Participants heard from survivors and had the opportunity to plant red and yellow tulips in memory of the deceased.

On the first day, the Christian visitors also traveled to Kfar Nokdim, an oasis in the Judean Desert, for a time of worship and fellowship, led by Suzette Hattingh, co-founder of "Voice in the City,” an international, interdenominational missions organization. The remaining ICEJ events will be held in the Jerusalem Pavillion Theater and Conference Center.

The ICEJ, established 40 years ago, follows the biblical mandate to support Israel in practical ways, including sponsorship projects, education about Israel and fighting antisemitism.

Yair Pinto, the director of Operations of TBN Israel and Sar-El Media, ​​said he was deeply moved by what he experienced on Saturday at the Pavilion.

“The thing that touched me the most was seeing all the young people, the next generation: children, and young adults. And for me it was super encouraging after fighting in the Gaza Strip, after fighting against Hezbollah, against Hamas, to receive all this love from Christians around the world here, standing together with the people of Israel in this battle. It really encouraged me, and that’s what we saw here tonight, in Jerusalem,” Pinto said.

Reflecting on the events of the third day, Robert Baxter, the national director of ICEJ - France, said he was particularly touched by an eyewitness testimony from one of the survivors.

“Hearing from the brother who was there, right on the border of Gaza, enduring the attacks from a year ago… so many times I was just in tears, hearing how he lived through all that.” 

Pastor Peter Tsukahira of Kehilat HaCarmel spoke about the resurrection of Lazarus during his session.

“I have to say my favorite part of the whole day was the communion service Pastor Saleem and Richard just did an amazing job. Seeing a Jew and an Arab in Messiah leading us at the table of the Lord – it was just amazing. It was heaven on earth,” Tsukahira commented later.

The theme of the ICEJ Feast this year comes from the Bible verse in Zechariah 4:6: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”