Hundreds of Israeli believers gather for national Sukkot celebration in central Israel

What does celebration look like during a war? Is it possible to rejoice during the high holidays while over one hundred hostages remain in Gaza and friends and family are still absent, fighting for Israel on multiple fronts? ALL ISRAEL NEWS correspondent Rotem Magen visited a Sukkot celebration for Israeli believers to find out.

The gathering, planned for over a year, proceeded despite the high tensions in the land. Held in the beautiful grounds of the Baptist Village in central Israel, hundreds of believers came together to encourage one another and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) event last week, organized by Yoel and Liel Davis and the Messianic Jewish Alliance.

Magen explained, “Sukkot is a joyous holiday that holds deep meaning for us as Messianic believers. It commemorates God’s provision for the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness while also pointing forward to the day Yeshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus) will return and tabernacle among us.”

The event had a fun, festive atmosphere with decorated tabernacles, a variety of children’s games, and beautiful artworks and handmade goods available for browsing. Activities were offered for all ages, including craft workshops, live worship sessions, and engaging faith-based lessons for children. Artisans showcased handmade Judaica, candles, soaps, artwork, jewelry, and delicious food, alongside a wide selection of faith-related books for all ages.

There was a fun and festive atmosphere with decorated tabernacles, a variety of games for children, and beautiful artworks and handmade goods for sale for people to peruse. Activities were offered for all ages, craft workshops, live worship sessions, and engaging faith-based lessons for children. Artisans showcased handmade Judaica items, candles, soaps, artwork, jewelry, and delicious food, alongside a wide selection of faith-related books for all ages.

“Families and friends are reuniting from all over the country and worshiping together,” Magen reported.

There are an estimated 30,000 believers in Israel, according to a study conducted by Israel College of the Bible in 2017, though some suggest the true number could be double that. Representing less than 1% of Israel’s population, events like these are a great opportunity for Israeli believers to meet for mutual encouragement and fellowship.

A similar event is held every spring in Yad Hashmona near Jerusalem for the feast of Shavuot, 50 days after Passover, and has become a well-established event for believers to gather from all over the land.

The Sukkot fall celebration at the Baptist Village, however, was a relative newcomer, with the first such event taking place just two years ago.

The Baptist Village is located near the city of Petah Tikva, close to Tel Aviv. It was originally a farm purchased by the Baptists in 1945 with the aim of establishing a Jewish Christian farming community. Since then, the venue has been used as an orphanage established by Arab believers from Nazareth, a vocational school, and has even become one of Israel’s premier baseball fields.

Today the Baptist Village is used as a retreat and camp center serving all believers in the land: Jewish, Arab, and international. The site hosts congregational meetings, children’s camps, student gatherings and other nationwide events for the believing community. 

The attendees were “native Hebrew speakers, Russian immigrants, Arab Christians, Ethiopians, international residents, all coming together despite diverse languages and cultural traditions. We’re bound by our shared faith in Yeshua and our hope in God’s promises," Magen said.

“This gathering beautifully reflects the vision of peace and unity that Sukkot represents, offering a glimpse of the day when we all as nations will come and worship together,” she added.

The war was not far from people’s minds during the holiday celebration. Some family members were absent because they were serving in the army.

The Baptist Village itself has been well used throughout the war, which began last October, serving as a refuge for many who were evacuated from their homes. It has also served as a base from which “Send Relief” has been able to distribute food and aid to Israelis.

It continues to be a central hub to gather God’s people for comfort and encouragement.

Magen concluded, “As we gather for Sukkot we’re reminded of God’s enduring faithfulness from ancient times to the present day. This festival teaches us to trust in God’s provision, especially in challenging periods when we’re out of our comfort zone."

"We, as believers in the land, have faced a significant, difficult year. Sukkot serves as a powerful reminder that while we may dwell in temporary shelters now, our true home lies not in this world but in the eternal dwelling God is preparing for us,” she added.

Magen's message to all believers at this difficult time is: “Do not put your trust in the circumstances but rather in His faithfulness.”