Israel received more than 2,000 Christians to participate in the weeklong celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot in Hebrew. This marks the most significant Christian gathering for solidarity with Israel for the year.
Feast of the Tabernacles
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has invited thousands of Christian pilgrims to take part in the feast. And with the COVID restrictions gone, most of them responded.
Sukkot, or “huts” in English, commemorates Israel’s 40 years of wandering. During those years, they lived in huts and solely depended on God for provision and protection.
And this year, Jews will not celebrate it alone, for thousands of Christians from 70 nations have come to celebrate it with them.
Christians and Jewish solidarity
Sharren Haskel, a member of Israel’s parliament, welcomed the pilgrims and expressed gratitude for their presence. She said, “The Jewish people throughout history didn’t have many friends,” said Haskel. “They had a few, but not many. And to see thousands of people, Christian leaders, and believers that are coming here to celebrate with us – people who are advocating for Israel – who are bringing that message that Israel is a light in the Middle East. How we bring those shared Judeo-Christian values of freedom and liberty, and equality. And it’s important to me to show them that it’s not taken for granted.”
She further explained that the gathering is a fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy. “The prophet Zechariah spoke of a future time when all the nations would come to Jerusalem to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot. Look around you now. We are the living proof of the accuracy of the Bible and the truth of the Word of God.”
Naomi, an Israeli citizen, affirmed Sharren’s message. She said that the Christians “feel like a big hug.”
“We always feel so isolated in Israel – this little, tiny, tiny Jewish people,” she shared. “And to feel this hug from people from all over the world is really wonderful. And we appreciate every single person who has come.”
Meanwhile, Ashley, a Christian from Zimbabwe, said her participation in the feast feels like a miracle. “It’s hard to describe. It’s really something you have to experience, and to be here in person in the eternal capital of the nation is just profound.”
Reference: CBN News
Every biblical holiday given to the Jewish people has these three aspects. Israel was commanded to observe the holiday in the present in order to remember something God had done in the past, and because of some future prophetic purpose hidden within each festival. Thus Jews begin Shabbat each week by lighting of two candles, which stand for “Keep” and “Remember”. In so doing, they remember how God rested on the seventh day of Creation while also looking forward to the Millennial rest promised for the whole earth.
Every biblical holiday given to the Jewish people has these three aspects. Israel was commanded to observe the holiday in the present in order to remember something God had done in the past, and because of some future prophetic purpose hidden within each festival. Thus Jews begin Shabbat each week by lighting of two candles, which stand for “Keep” and “Remember”. In so doing, they remember how God rested on the seventh day of Creation while also looking forward to the Millennial rest promised for the whole earth.
Every biblical holiday given to the Jewish people has these three aspects. Israel was commanded to observe the holiday in the present in order to remember something God had done in the past, and because of some future prophetic purpose hidden within each festival. Thus Jews begin Shabbat each week by lighting of two candles, which stand for “Keep” and “Remember”. In so doing, they remember how God rested on the seventh day of Creation while also looking forward to the Millennial rest promised for the whole earth.
