By Staff Writers

The ICEJ’s Feast of Tabernacles 2026 has begun with two memorable days of worship, celebration and fellowship, as Christians from around the world have gathered in Israel to celebrate Sukkot and stand with the Jewish people.

A Powerful Start

Under the theme “The Lord Roars from Zion!”, the Feast opened on Friday evening in the spectacular setting of Kfar HaNokdim, where pilgrims gathered beneath the moonlit skies of the Judean Desert for the first celebration of this year’s Feast. Worship was led by Aaron Shust and King of Kings Worship, setting a joyful and expectant tone for the week ahead.

The opening message was delivered by Brazilian Apostle Renê Terra Nova, a long-time friend of Israel and National Director of ICEJ-Brazil. Terra Nova leads an influential Pentecostal movement in Latin America and has mobilised tens of thousands of Brazilian Christians in prayer and support for Israel.

Terra Nova addressed the Feast theme with these words: “From here a voice goes forth; a voice of authority, a voice of power, a voice of change, coming from the heavens through Israel to every nation on the earth.”

Day Two

After the desert opening, the Feast moved to the historic ICC Ussishkin Hall in the heart of Jerusalem on Shabbat for another evening filled with worship and celebration. In the packed hall, the colourful Roll Call of the Nations served as a powerful reminder to our Israeli friends that they are not alone, as 68 national flags were presented.

One by one, the nations represented at this year’s Feast were welcomed to Jerusalem, offering a vivid reminder of the prophetic vision which has inspired the Christian Embassy since its founding: that the nations would once again come up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord during the Feast of Tabernacles.

The gathering also welcomed Ambassador George Deek, Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World and the first Arab Christian appointed as an Israeli ambassador. His presence carried particular significance as Christians from many cultures and nations gathered in Israel’s capital.

Reflecting on the enduring survival of the Jewish people, he said: “Before Israel became a nation of soldiers, farmers, kings or statesmen, it became a nation of teachers. And that may be one of the great secrets of Jewish survival. The Egyptians built monuments of stone. The Jewish people built monuments of memory.”

ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler also addressed the gathering, welcoming pilgrims to Jerusalem and reflecting on the significance of Christians coming from across the world to celebrate the biblical Feast.

He said: “‘The Lord roars from Zion’ is a warning to the nations of the world… You are here, representing a nation today, because your nation matters before God.”

Music from Sergey Popov and a special trio featuring Shilo Ben Hod, Nizar Francis and Aaron Shust added to an evening that reflected the remarkable international character of the Feast.

A Blessed Experience

The two opening days have already displayed what has made the ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles such a unique gathering for more than four decades: Christians from diverse nations and church traditions worshipping together in Israel, expressing their love for Israel and seeking the Lord together.

Jonathan, one of the delegates from the United Kingdom, says, “I don’t think you can come here without changing.” He has seen that change not only in himself but also in delegates who have returned to the UK with a renewed perspective and deeper faith.

And the Feast is only beginning.

In the days ahead, pilgrims will hear from Israeli and international Bible teachers, meet Israeli leaders, participate in the Jerusalem March, gather for prayer and Communion and join further evenings of worship and celebration in Jerusalem.

Please watch our special highlight video: