"Together, we await word whether this Simchat Torah? could be the most joyous ever in our history: a holiday that sees the return of our missing family from the tunnels of Gaza."
"The country has entered Sukkot on tenterhooks as we await word on whether the plan to end the Gaza war and return our hostages unveiled by US President Donald Trump last week will bear fruit.
"Thankfully, we have friends from abroad who are boosting the spirits of the country and embracing its citizens during these trying times, and reminding us that Sukkot is a joyous time for the Jewish people.
"We’re talking about the thousands of Christian pilgrims who have arrived this week for the holiday, which they know as the Feast of Tabernacles. With incoming tourism hit sharply over the last two years of the Gaza war (and with the COVID pandemic before that), any sign of visitors and support for Israel should be welcomed.
"Ironically, while most Jews around the world are reticent about visiting Israel during wartime, our Christian friends have no qualms about emphatically stating their love and identification with our mission and our plight.
"One of the main attractions for this year’s visitors was the A Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem (DPPJ) and the Awake Jerusalem solidarity concert, both of which took place on Sunday at the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem.
"Founded by Bishop Robert Stearns and Dr. Jack Hayford, this event has grown into the largest annual global prayer movement for Israel, uniting millions in over 175 nations to stand together for the peace of Jerusalem.
"The event was attended by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee – himself a staunch Christian supporter of Israel – Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, Israel’s 2025 Eurovision entry Yuval Raphael, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and thousands of Christian supporters of Israel." . . .
If you see Christian pilgrims with signs or shirts expressing their love of Israel (or just plain tourists), thank them for coming and standing shoulder to shoulder in Israel with the Jewish people.
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