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Chief Rabbinate forbids Jews to attend Succot MarchICEJ preparing to host up to 7,000 Christian pilgrimsBy ICEJ News The ICEJ's Feast gathering is Israel’s largest annual tourist event, drawing thousands of Christian pilgrims worldwide and pumping millions of dollars into the Israeli economy. The march through the streets of Jerusalem is a highlight for the Feast pilgrims, and draws tens of thousands of Israeli viewers. The Rabbinate’s Committee for the Prevention of the Spread of Missionary activity in Israel said, “According to information we have, part of the organization convening in the International Convention Center are active - among other things - in converting Jewish people away from our faith…Those who fear for their souls should distance themselves.” the committee ruled. ICEJ executive director Malcolm Hedding expressed "disappointment" with the decision. “The truth is that these Feast pilgrims are coming up to Jerusalem at Succot because the Bible invites them, and the members of the Rabbinate know this well.” He stated that the ruling would be a departure from the biblical tradition of welcoming Gentiles to Jerusalem at Succot." "Sadly, some in Israel are alarmed by a Christianity that is no longer intimidating or hostile toward Jews," Hedding said. So far, the municipality of Jerusalem, which sponsors the march, has ignored the rabbinic ruling, while MK Benny Elon, an Orthodox rabbi and head the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, also called it into question. "It is very severe that, without properly investigating the matter, certain rabbis have been misled, and are now causing a dangerous misunderstanding in Israel's relations with countries around the world... The prophecy of Zechariah whereby all the nations will come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Succot holiday has been undertaken with great sensitivity and honor by the Christian Embassy for years now, and is not only one of the most important tourist events of the year, but also a very deep and significant event for Christians and Jews alike," Elon told The Jerusalem Post. The 28th annual ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles gathering starts on September 27 and could draw a record 7,000 Christians from nearly 100 countries this year. |
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