Christian community leaders and influencers from 122 countries convened in Jerusalem on Wednesday for an international memorial marking the first anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. The gathering, part of the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit, included Jewish leaders, released hostages, bereaved families, and diplomatic representatives.
Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem, described Oct. 7 as the worst day in Israeli history and a period of profound hopelessness. He noted that while public discourse often focuses on the more than 1,200 people killed that day, it insufficiently addresses the more than 70,000 who lost their homes and loved ones. Evans stated that his message to Israel is that the world is standing with the nation, countering feelings of isolation and global opposition.
The event was hosted by actor Nathaniel Buzolic and reporter Erin Molan, with the program broadcast live on dozens of television networks worldwide. Buzolic argued that supporting Israel is a moral imperative, attributing hostility toward the country to radical Islamist ideology that rejects coexistence. He criticized what he described as a lack of acknowledgment for Jewish suffering compared to other groups.
Released hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Bar Kupershtein, and Evyatar David attended the summit. Bar Kupershtein was accompanied by his grandfather, Michael Kupershtein, a Holocaust survivor. Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, also participated as a full partner in the event.
Earlier in the day, participants visited Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust remembrance center. The summit is being held for the second consecutive year and is supported by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It opened Tuesday with an event on the Mount of Olives, a site Evans said holds particular religious significance for Christian participants.
George Deek, Israel's Special Envoy to the Christian World, stated that the presence of Christian leaders demonstrates that Israel does not stand alone. He described the bond between Israel and Christian communities as being built on shared biblical heritage and a commitment to confronting antisemitism. Deek noted that this relationship rests on three foundations: shared history, ensuring Jews can live free from fear, and protecting Christians from intimidation.
Influencer Oli London, who first visited Kibbutz Kfar Aza six weeks after the attack, said he returned to honor victims and encourage Christians to visit holy sites in Israel. He expressed concern over rising antisemitism and emphasized the need for Jewish people to feel supported.
The delegation includes young people in an effort to reach a generation Evans said has been influenced by opposing narratives at universities and through artificial intelligence. Hooman Khalili, an Iranian-born supporter of Israel who has visited the country 17 times in 21 months to create murals, joined the summit to pray for the state and connect with fellow believers.
On Thursday, members of the delegation will visit the Nova music festival site to meet with released hostages Romi Gonen, Elkana Bohbot, and Noa Argamani. On Friday, the group will visit the ancient site of Shiloh in Samaria for a tour and prayer event.