More Than 550 Christian Leaders Join October 7 Commemoration in Jerusalem

About 2,000 Jewish and Christian participants from 117 countries gathered at Jerusalem’s Southern Wall on Oct. 7 to mark the third anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel. The event drew more than 550 Christian leaders brought by Eagles’ Wings, alongside Israeli hostages, families and diplomats, and extended the commemoration to audiences worldwide.

Why it matters: - The Jerusalem commemoration brought Christian leaders, Jewish leaders and affected Israeli families into one international event tied to the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks. - The gathering reflected continuing efforts by Eagles’ Wings and Friends of Zion to turn solidarity visits into long-term relationships between Christian communities and Israelis. - The event also widened the anniversary beyond Jerusalem through a 24-hour international broadcast aimed at Christian audiences around the world.

What happened: - About 2,000 Jewish and Christian participants from 117 countries gathered at Jerusalem’s Southern Wall on Oct. 7. - Friends of Zion organized the commemoration, which included Christian and Jewish leaders, returned hostages, bereaved families, wounded Israelis, ambassadors and diplomats. - More than 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries joined a 10-day delegation to Israel led by Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and president of Eagles’ Wings, in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - The delegation included Christian leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. - Delegation members met Israeli officials, Jewish and Christian leaders, returned hostages and families affected by Oct. 7 during their time in Israel. - The Eagles’ Wings group joined the Friends of Zion solidarity event at the Southern Wall, where Israeli hostages and families appeared on stage. - Participants on stage included Agam Berger, members of the Elkabetz family, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Evyatar David, Itamar Shapira and members of the Kupershtein family.

The details: - Friends of Zion also organized a 24-hour international broadcast around the Oct. 7 commemoration, and Bishop Stearns took part in it. - Among the delegation were His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri in Delta State, Nigeria, and Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, the kingdom’s queen consort. - Bishop Stearns said the visit was meant to help Christian leaders build relationships that continue after they return home. - His Majesty said healing and peace can improve the world and compared Israel’s diversity to Nigeria’s. - Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, Vision Pioneer of Throne Room Trust in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, said the trip strengthened his resolve to pray for and stand with Israel. - Apostle Daps Dalyop Gwom said praying for Jerusalem means seeking peace, forgiveness and healing across borders and generations. - On Oct. 3, Eagles’ Wings held its Awake Jerusalem music festival at the Tower of David, bringing Christian leaders together for an evening of song, worship and unity. - The October 7 gathering followed several days of events around the anniversary and several days of visits across Israel. - Participants said they heard directly from Israelis affected by the attacks and saw the country beyond the images and reports they receive at home.

Between the lines: - The delegation shows how religious diplomacy is being used to reinforce ties between Israel and Christian leaders from multiple regions. - The emphasis on listening to families, hostages and wounded Israelis suggests the trip was designed to create personal advocates who can speak from direct experience in their home countries. - The repeated focus on peace, healing and friendship signals that the organizers want the commemoration to function as both memorial and relationship-building exercise. - Eagles’ Wings framed the visit as part of more than three decades of bringing Christian leaders to Israel and encouraging personal connections with the people of Israel.

What's next: - The delegation has concluded, and the Christian leaders have returned to their churches and communities in 51 countries. - Participants are expected to carry their experiences from Israel back into sermons, advocacy and community relationships at home. - Eagles’ Wings is likely to continue using similar delegations to deepen Christian engagement with Israel.

The bottom line: - The Oct. 7 commemoration in Jerusalem was both a memorial event and a coordinated effort to build durable Christian support for Israel through firsthand encounters.