Christians from 38 nations join Israeli leaders for 10th annual Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast

JERUSALEM – Israeli lawmakers, government officials, and Christian leaders from 38 nations gathered at the Knesset this week for the 10th annual Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast (JPB), a milestone event focused on prayer, solidarity, and support for Israel during a period of heightened regional uncertainty.

Held in Israel's parliament, the gathering brought together participants from across denominations, countries, and political perspectives under a shared theme: praying for the peace of Jerusalem.

ALL ISRAEL NEWS correspondent Isamar Mata was there to cover the event, which took place against the backdrop of ongoing concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence, as well as continued conflict involving Iranian-backed terror groups. Several speakers warned that diplomatic agreements alone would not eliminate the threats facing Israel and emphasized the need for vigilance, faith, and international support.

Among the strongest messages delivered during the gathering were warnings about the Iranian regime and its stated hostility toward Israel.

Knesset Member Ohad Tal told the attendees, "As long as the Iranian regime survives, any deal is temporary. Any ceasefire just delays the resumption of war. Israel will not surrender to terror. And we will not surrender to evil. The people of Israel live. The God of Israel lives. And Jerusalem will stand forever."

Former Congresswoman and JPB co-chair Michele Bachmann underscored the seriousness of Iran's threats against the Jewish state.

"We will annihilate Israel in 25 years. They are not making that up. They're serious. That is their plan. When a madman speaks, listen." Pay attention. They mean it. Iran means it. We are on a knife's edge. That doesn't bring us to fear. That brings us to our knees. Our strength, our resilience, our ability to rise again and grow, that strength comes from above."

Throughout the event, speakers repeatedly described prayer as an essential source of strength for Israel and the first line of defense alongside IDF soldiers and security forces serving on the front lines.

Members of Knesset and international Christian leaders also highlighted the growing partnership between Christians and the Jewish people. Speakers stressed that support for Israel extends beyond political alliances and is rooted in shared faith, history, and values.

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli emphasized that Israel's national resilience is rooted in education and the importance of fostering a strong connection to the country's identity, culture, and history. He said children should remain "connected to the legacy" of previous generations and to the story of the Jewish people, from the Bible and the "Exodus of Egypt" through the entirety of Jewish history.

Other speakers highlighted the shared heritage between Christians and Jews and encouraged believers worldwide to support Israel. That message of partnership echoed throughout the gathering, where participants expressed solidarity with the Jewish state amid international criticism and ongoing security challenges.

Bachmann asserted, "We need to stand with them now because we are attacked, they are attacked. And together we're strong and united. And this is what God calls us to do: to bless Israel. We're watching the world curse Israel, and we're called to bless them."

One of the distinctive features of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast was its ability to bring together political rivals. Members of both the governing coalition and the opposition participated in prayers and worship, presenting what organizers described as a powerful example of unity despite political disagreements.

Knesset Member Orit Farkash-Hacohen said stood at the podium and said, "I'm an opposition member and I'm a very vocal critic of this government, but it doesn't mean anything when it comes to the protection of my people and to the very just war that our people is now engaged in against all these evil fronts."

Speakers, including Michael Biton, also praised the event for demonstrating Israel's democratic character and its ability to unite people around shared national interests.

The gathering came only weeks after Jerusalem Day celebrations commemorating the reunification of the city in 1967. While participants celebrated Jerusalem's significance to Jews and Christians worldwide, many acknowledged that lasting peace for the city remains an ongoing aspiration.

Reflecting on Jerusalem's role as a city open to people of all faiths, MK Tal emphasized the importance of preserving freedom and access for all communities, saying: "Since Israel is having the control over the old city of Jerusalem, everybody is welcome. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, everybody is welcome. We are not against anybody."

As the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast marked its 10th anniversary, attendees described the event as both a celebration of enduring friendships and a renewed commitment to pray for Israel, Jerusalem and peace in the Middle East.