Record number of Israelis join ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles celebrations

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has gathered Christians from the nations to celebrate Sukkot since 1980, but this year is different. The huge hall at the International Convention Center was almost as full of international Christians and local Israelis as ever for the first time in ICEJ history.

At its peak, well over 5,000 Christians would come for the event but years of COVID and war have led to greatly depleted numbers. Though far fewer than there had once been, thousands still bravely took the risk and came anyway, even during the war, but this year the crowd was boosted by many more local believers who came to join them.

David Parsons, Senior Vice President & Spokesman for ICEJ, talked to ALL ISRAEL NEWS about the phenomenon, saying that the Lord was “filling the hall.”

“This year we have the most local Israeli believers at the feast that we've ever had… They say, we want to help join you in hosting the nations. We realize we've got to get these Christians back and we're going to join with you.”

“We may have 1,500, 1,800 local Messianic Jewish and Arab believers here tonight. That's very exciting for us,” he added, explaining that the Israeli worship teams had brought many local believers to the event.

The convocation began in the desert among camels for an initial meeting and time of worship under the stars before making the pilgrimage “up” out of the wilderness to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast. The first stop in the desert was meant to remind Israel how God kept them through 40 years of wandering in the wilderness between Egypt and the Promised Land.

“You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 23:42–43).

God commanded His people to go up to Jerusalem three times a year: for Passover, Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks) and for Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. Whether coming from the north, south, east or west, we always say we go “up” to Jerusalem, because it is not just a matter of elevation (though Mount Zion is certainly higher than many places in Israel) but it is also a spiritual concept.

Israelis come from all over the country during Sukkot to worship in the holy city, and the ICEJ event focuses on the day described in Zechariah 14 when the nations will all stream up to Jerusalem for the feast.

Ambassador Mike Huckabee attended the Israeli guest night and the Upper Room worship team came from Dallas, Texas, for the youth event. 

“Even the older folks are feeling younger when you bring that energy and you see the young generation rising up and taking the baton that is so needed today because of what Israel is facing,” said Parsons. “That young generation has to catch fire for Israel to help secure Israel's future, and it is a powerful testimony.” 

Israeli band Solu also led a time of worship along with Aaron Shust.

“I actually got a little choked up a couple of nights ago in this room right here leading some simple songs, beloved songs,” Shust told ALL ISRAEL NEWS.

“I looked out and I saw the flags. Everyone's holding flags representing their home countries, and they're raising their hands. They're from all over the place, different languages. And it just felt like it's happening. What I've read about in the Bible, what I've believed in my life, it's happening. And it's only going to continue happening more and more. It's just an honor to be a part,” he said.

James Letoa, a delegate from Samoa, said he had come from “the end of the earth.” 

“Samoa holds Israel very dear to our nation. Our Prime Minister, when he was installed this year, he had the prayer shawl on him,” he said. “And when you come to Samoa, the Israel flag and the Samoa flag, they wave almost equally. So Samoa, when you go to Samoa and visit, Israeli flags are all over Samoa. So it's almost like this is our other cousins. So coming here is like coming home.”

Letoa said he had been particularly impacted by inspirational teaching about the “eighth front” in Israel’s battle for survival.  

“I didn't have any understanding what the 'eighth front' is,” he said, referring to the media and misinformation poisoning people against Israel. “It's very important to make us aware because this is a war not of bombs, a war of weapons, but it's a war on knowledge.”

In defiance of recent political moves to boycott Israeli products from Judea and Samaria in various nations, ICEJ deliberately took delegates to shop for products in those areas.

“Some Europeans… might get arrested when they go back. Seriously, you may face jail time. But they want to stand with Israel and all the Israelis out in the Jewish communities, what are called settlements, were in tears that we would come and stand in solidarity with them in this way,” said Parsons.

Next year will be the 48th ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles event and Parsons promised it would be special.

“We're going to gather under the biblical theme of the tabernacle of God. The Feast of Tabernacles is all about God coming and dwelling with us,” he said. “The whole command to dwell in booths for a week given to Israel is a prophetic picture of God who says in Revelation, 'And the tabernacle of God will be with men.' He'll come and dwell with us. So you come next year and celebrate this feast with us. We can't wait to see you here!”