Global Christian Leaders Convene in Jerusalem for Oct. 7 Memorial

Christian community leaders and influencers from 122 countries converged in Jerusalem for an international memorial service marking the Oct. 7 Hamas-led massacre. The event, part of the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit, brought together over 1,000 participants to honor the victims and express solidarity with Israel.

Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, stated that Oct. 7 represented "the worst day in Israel’s history, a day of hopelessness." He highlighted the suffering of those who lost homes and loved ones, emphasizing a feeling of isolation that many Israelis experienced. "What I’m sharing on Oct. 7 is this: ‘You’re wrong. The world is standing with you,’" Evans said. "You see the faces, languages and songs of people from around the world united to comfort you and stand with you. It’s not political. It’s for the Jewish people: You are not alone. We’re with you. We love you."

The summit, hosted by actor Nathaniel Buzolic and reporter Erin Molan, included speeches from released hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Bar Kupershtein, and Evyatar David. Holocaust survivor Michael Kupershtein also attended.

Buzolic described the event as a moral imperative, citing what he characterized as efforts to destroy Israel and hostility rooted in radical Islamist ideology that rejects coexistence. "When other minority or groups suffer, there tends to be some sort of acknowledgment of that suffering, but when it comes to Jewish suffering, particularly at the hands of radical Islamists, there is not only silence but also denial and an attempt to downgrade the atrocities we witnessed," Buzolic told Fox News Digital.

The delegation visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust remembrance center, and participated in events on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives. The summit, now in its second year, aims to counter anti-Israel propaganda and rising antisemitism.

Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, George Deek, expressed pride in the support Israel has received. "The arrival of Christian leaders carries a powerful message that Israel does not stand alone. They have come to bear witness, meet people whose lives were shattered on Oct. 7, and carry their stories back to communities around the world," Deek said.

He emphasized that the bond between Israel and Christian communities is built on shared biblical heritage, a commitment to fighting antisemitism, and ensuring the right of Christians to live without intimidation. Influencer Oli London, who also attended, stressed the importance of showing Christians Israel's holy sites and supporting the Jewish people amidst rising global antisemitism.

The summit's agenda also included visits to the Nova music festival site, where many victims of the Oct. 7 attack were killed, and meetings with released hostages. The delegation also planned to visit the ancient site of Shiloh for a prayer event.