The Friends of Zion summit in Jerusalem brought together Christian leaders from 122 countries to commemorate the tragic events of October 7, 2023, and show solidarity with Israel.
Christian leaders and influencers from around the globe convened in Jerusalem on Wednesday for an international memorial event, marking October 7 as part of the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit. This gathering included Jewish leaders, released hostages, bereaved families, wounded Israelis, ambassadors, and diplomatic representatives, all coming together to commemorate the anniversary of the Hamas-led massacre that occurred on that date in 2023.
“October 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, stated in an interview. He emphasized the need to remember not only the more than 1,200 lives lost that day but also the over 70,000 individuals who lost their homes and loved ones. “You have a nation going through unspeakable pain, not only because of October 7 but also because of the feeling that they are alone and that the world has turned against them,” Evans added.
He continued, “What I’m sharing on October 7 is this: ‘You’re wrong. The world is standing with you.’ 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.”
The event was hosted by actor and influencer Nathaniel Buzolic and reporter Erin Molan, and it was broadcast live on numerous television networks worldwide. Buzolic remarked on the lack of acknowledgment for Jewish suffering, particularly in the context of radical Islamist violence. “When other minority groups suffer, there tends to be some sort of acknowledgment of that suffering, but when it comes to Jewish suffering, there is not only silence but also denial,” he said.
Buzolic described supporting Israel as a moral imperative, asserting that hostility toward the nation is rooted in a radical Islamist ideology that rejects peace and coexistence not only with Israel but also with Western societies at large.
Among the attendees were released hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Bar Kupershtein, and Evyatar David, along with Bar’s grandfather, Holocaust survivor Michael Kupershtein. Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, also participated in the event.
Earlier in the day, participants visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust remembrance center. The Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit, now in its second consecutive year, has brought together over 1,000 participants from 122 countries.
“The alliance is very strong. The vast majority of Zionists in the world are not Jewish; they are Bible-believing Christians,” Evans noted. He added that while Christian Zionists may not agree on all political matters, they unite in support of the people of Israel.
The delegation included many young people, part of an effort to reach a generation that Evans claimed has been “poisoned” by narratives from countries like Qatar and influenced by artificial intelligence.
The summit, held in cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, opened on Tuesday with an event on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, a site associated with Jesus and his ascension, which holds particular significance for the participants.
Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, George Deek, expressed pride in the ongoing support Israel has received from both Jewish and Christian communities since the events of October 7. “The arrival of Christian leaders carries a powerful message that Israel does not stand alone,” Deek stated. “They have come to bear witness, meet people whose lives were shattered on October 7, and carry their stories back to communities around the world.”
Deek emphasized that the bond between Israel and the Christian world is built on “truth, courage, and sheer determination” to confront antisemitism and other forms of hatred. He articulated that the relationship between Christians and Jews is founded on shared biblical heritage, a commitment to ensuring Jews can live free from antisemitism, and the right of Christians in the Middle East to live without intimidation.
“The future of the Jews in Israel and the future of Christians are connected because we have a shared history,” Deek remarked. “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.”
Influencer Oli London, who visited Israel shortly after the October 7 attack, expressed the importance of returning to honor the memory of the victims and advocate for those still suffering from trauma. “I think it’s also important to show Christians the holy sites in Israel,” he said, mentioning his visits to significant biblical locations to encourage Christians to return to Israel.
London also addressed the rising antisemitism globally since October 7, noting that many people either remain silent or contribute to anti-Israel sentiments. “Jewish people need support and need to know they are loved and supported by so many Christians,” he stated.
On Thursday, members of the delegation plan to visit the Nova music festival site, where one of the central massacres of October 7 took place, and meet with released hostages who were abducted from the festival. On Friday, the delegation will tour the ancient site of Shiloh in Samaria for a special prayer event.
Hooman Khalili, a participant born in Iran and a vocal supporter of Israel, shared his experiences of visiting the country multiple times to create murals advocating for women’s rights. “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,” he said.
The Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit serves as a testament to the enduring support for Israel from Christian communities worldwide, highlighting the shared values and commitment to standing against hatred and violence.
According to Fox News Digital, the summit underscores the importance of solidarity and unity in the face of adversity.