In a spectacular display of faith and unity, thousands of Christians from across the globe converged upon the streets of Jerusalem on Wednesday.
“I am so happy to see all of the nations who are present here to celebrate Israel,” said Bini Kouassi Kra, who came from the Ivory Coast. “This is a celebration of the glory of God. What we see here in Israel is so real and so powerful.
“I pray that God should bless Israel and there should be peace in Jerusalem.”
Kra was among more than 2,000 Christian Zionists from more than 90 countries that took part in what is known as the March of the Nations or the “Grand Parade,” the final part of the 68th Jerusalem Parade, which began in the morning and ended around 5 p.m.
The parade included 60,000 participants from Israel and other states. The people marched against the backdrop of a unique landscape and historic sites of the Holy City.
At 3 p.m., the March of the Nations kicked off in Gan Sacher, where marching bands, IDF soldiers, street articles, and dance groups brought the park to life.
The International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem organizes the March of the Nations as part of its Feast of Tabernacles Celebration. This year, more than 3,000 Christians took part in the event.
The marchers from the nations dressed in their traditional garb, carried their national flags, and handed out small gifts to the children and other passersby.
Marchers came from countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, and Iran.
Police paying attention to possible incidents
This year, following several violent attacks against Christians in Israel, including spitting and shouting by Orthodox Jews, police chief Kobi Shabtai instructed district commanders to pay special attention to events where harm is inflicted on civilian or public structures, especially those with religious significance.
“In these days when the people of Israel come together in great numbers to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the State of Israel, any act of religious-based hatred is a stain that tarnishes the special holiday atmosphere throughout the country,” Shabtai said.
“In recent months, the Israel Police have been engaging in a series of creative activities to combat incidents of hatred against Christians in Jerusalem, utilizing technological means, skilled personnel, and dialogue with various communities. Freedom of worship is a cornerstone of our society in a democratic state and the most recognized image worldwide in the Old City of Jerusalem and Haifa, the Galilee, and Tiberias.
“Jerusalem represents all faiths and will remain so while ensuring the safety of those who pray and visit from all religions.”
The police did not report any violent incidents during the march.
Moreover, the marchers who spoke to The Jerusalem Post said they felt safe and had not experienced anything but acceptance and joy.
“It is nice here,” said Raphael Souza Pimenta from Brazil. “I have not felt threatened about anything at any time. We don’t even know where these incidents [of violence against Christians] took place.”
Pimenta came to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles and march in the March of the Nations for the third time this year. He said he comes to celebrate Israel because “we love Israel, and we pray for the peace in Israel because we love the Lord.”
Others, such as Pao Ramos and Rose Zschornack from the Philippines, also said that “everything is amazing.”
Ramos said he was invited to eat in a sukkah this year and learn more about the holiday from a Jewish perspective. Zschornack, who noted that “coming is in a way a sacrifice because of the money, but it is worth it,” took a traditional Christian tour where she could visit Bethlehem and Nazareth.
“The Bible just came so alive,” Zschornack told the Post. “Now, instead of just reading the Bible, I could put myself in the Bible because I have been to these places.”
Zone Ho from Taiwan expressed similar sentiments: “We love to come here. Celebrating with you is a miracle.”