By Staff writers

Hanaya Naftali began Feast Day four’s session with the wonderful news that a deal had been reached between Israel and Hamas for the release of the Israeli hostages. He shared on Current Affairs and emphasised that we should be ready to know why we are standing with Israel. He stressed how grateful Israelis are for Christian support, “When everybody took a stance against Israel, you took a stand for Israel”, said Naftali. He also thanked the ICEJ for what it is doing in the nations. “I have to say a big thanks to the ICEJ for the great work they do in reminding the world to stand with Israel.”

Prof. Gerald McDermott, author of The New Christian Zionism, presented his teaching on the New Perspective on Paul and Israel. He explained the dangers of replacement or neo-replacement theology and unpacked Paul’s teaching on the covenant with the Jewish people and the land promise to the nation of Israel. “The gift of the land is still in place,” said Prof. McDermott. “The land promise is all over the New Testament.”

Israeli pastor Daniel Yahav gave prophetic encouragement, speaking on The End-Time Gatherings to Jerusalem and presented four ‘gatherings’, quoting Scripture for each kind.: The gathering of the people of Israel back to Zion, all the nations coming against Jerusalem for war, the gathering of the believers to the heavenly Jerusalem, and all the nations that will come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Booths – Tabernacles. These are all events on God’s timeline.

He began his message by referring to our times, remembering the traumatic events that took place on October 7 and the events that subsequently unfolded over the past two years, and more recently, how the nations are turning against Israel. “How come intelligent people are being so deceived?” said pastor Yahav. We are engaged in a spiritual battle. Let us be encouraged and look up!

Iranian pastor Ramin Parsa concluded the morning sessions with his powerful testimony. He shared his experience of growing up in Iran, the horrors he witnessed, and his life in Islam. At 16, he was arrested and tortured. “I saw cruelty with my own eyes,” Parsa shared. This was when he started questioning Islam and researching the Quran with translations, discovering much evil within it. At 19, while listening to the radio, he heard a testimony about Jesus. He prayed and asked Yeshua to reveal Himself, and He did! He discovered a way to access a Bible online and learned that Jesus was a Jew, which sparked his love for Israel. After being physically attacked, he fled Iran to Turkey, then later to the United States, where he pastored a church, met his Israeli wife, and two years ago moved to Israel.

As soon as the morning sessions ended, the pilgrims grabbed their flags and headed off to the Jerusalem March.

The Jerusalem March is a cherished tradition during the Feast of Tabernacles. Typically, pilgrims flood the streets of Jerusalem, marching through the historic city to demonstrate their support and affection for the Jewish people. This year, Gan Sacher Park in the heart of Jerusalem was transformed into a natural stage for the sea of colourful flags characterising the Jerusalem march.

Over 1,500 pilgrims from 71 nations proudly represented their countries last night during the Roll Call of Nations. This special event allows people to carry their national flags and wear their cultural attire. The flags and outfits were displayed again, but this time for an audience of local Israelis. The march attracted substantial attention and interest from Israelis enjoying a day out with their families in the park.

“Who are all these people?” An ultra-orthodox Israeli mother asked an ICEJ staff member. “They are singing our song!” a group of football-kicking teenagers exclaimed as the pilgrims broke into an enthusiastic chorus of Am Israel Chai.

The march provides a wonderful opportunity to display Christian love and support for Israel, meet the locals, experience their hospitality and learn more about their culture.

Jewish children eagerly collected the flags pilgrims offered, keeping an unofficial but very competitive tally of who had the most countries’ flags. Amusingly, it became complicated as they acquired too many flags to hold in their hands, resulting in clusters of little flag piles on the grass.

Countless times during the afternoon, expressions like “we are praying with you” and “we hope for the return of the hostages every day” were used. This was met with warmth and surprise. Especially in today’s environment of criticism and antisemitism towards Jews and the Jewish homeland, Israelis were grateful and excited to see banners with “Israel is not alone”.

The march ended with a beautiful time of worship and prayer at the nearby Rose Garden, which overlooks the Israeli Knesset.

Pilgrims returned in the evening for an upbeat night to celebrate Israeli youth. The ‘Next Generation’ evening is focused on raising young Israeli leaders who will influence society for the Kingdom of God.

ICEJ-Finland national director Jani Salokangas welcomed the Worship group NORTHWORSHIP from Norway, featuring Brazilian artist Ana Paula Valadão. Together they boldly proclaimed, “There is One who is worthy of all honour and all glory.”

Mati Shoshani, Co-Host of Boots on the Ground with 1.5 Billion views, spoke passionately about the spiritual and cultural challenges facing today’s youth. “We are living in a time when history is being made,” he said. “What is being discussed right now is a new battlefield, the eighth front, which is the media. The war does not end when the ceasefire begins. The battle continues for hearts and minds.”

He reminded the audience, “Every child deserves love and freedom from suffering, but we must approach this from a Biblical perspective and with prayer.”

The young people rejoiced as SOLU Israel led the congregation in powerful worship, lifting their voices in both Hebrew and English:  “I will not be silent, my God is alive. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”

The atmosphere was filled with hope and faith as the next generation of Israelis was equipped to fight against media bias for truth and committed to carrying God’s light into the future.