By Marelinke van der Riet

On the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacres, Christian supporters of Israel around the world gathered to stand in solidarity with the Jewish nation and people. During these memorial events, many of them led by national branches of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), Christians joined with Jews to express their firm commitment to aligning with Israel as it continues to recover from the devastating terror attacks carried out by Hamas. In city after city, the worldwide Christian and Jewish communities united in remembrance and prayer for the victims of this immense tragedy and their surviving families. 

Philippines 
In Manila, the ICEJ-Philippines team lead by Pastor Steve Mirpuri organised a powerful solidarity event that drew around 2,500 participants, including Christian and Jewish clergy and community leaders, for a significant moment of unity. Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, gave a heartfelt message of gratitude and hope. A member of the Jewish community led a Shema prayer, while the president of the Jewish Association of the Philippines expressed his appreciation for Christian support. A prominent bishop, who is also a congressman, delivered a resounding message calling for Filipino churches to stand as one with Israel.  

One of the most poignant moments came when Camille Jesalva, a 31-year-old Filipina caregiver, shared her harrowing experience during the October 7 massacres. Jesalva was taking care of 95-year-old Holocaust survivor Nitza Hefetz in Kibbutz Nirim, near the Gaza border, when Hamas militants attacked. Seeking refuge in a bomb shelter, the two were confronted by an armed militiaman who broke into the shelter. In a quick act of bravery, Jesalva pleaded for their lives and handed over her savings and smartphone, asking only to keep her passport and documents. The militant took the money but left them unharmed. Jesalva’s courage and decision to stay in Israel to continue caring for Hefetz despite the trauma earned her deep admiration, particularly from Israelis. 

The ICEJ-led event was a collaboration of ten Christian organisations and marked the first time leading members of the nation’s Jewish community attended a Christian event. They described the gathering as “fantastic” and deeply emotional, highlighting the growing solidarity between Christians and Jews in the island nation. 

USA 
In Washington, D.C., the first anniversary of the October 7 massacres was marked by a significant pro-Israel interfaith gathering on the National Mall, led by The Philos Project with participation by ICEJ-USA and our affiliated American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI). The event, overseen by Philos executive director Luke Moon, drew around 60 organisations from diverse backgrounds. The focus was to demonstrate unity across cultural and religious lines, especially in the face of rising antisemitism.  

Dr. Susan Michael, national director for ICEJ-USA, opened the rally by emphasizing the global Christian commitment to Israel. She highlighted that Christian Embassy in Jerusalem is the world’s largest Christian Zionist organization, with a presence in over 170 countries. Troy Miller, president of the National Religious Broadcasters, also reassured the Jewish community that Christian media would continue to share their stories, countering the often one-sided narratives in mainstream media.  

A notable moment was the speech by Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee. Vance condemned pro-Hamas protests on American college campuses and emphasized that Israel’s fight against Hamas must end with the return of the Israeli hostages and the complete defeat of the militant group. “The best way to end the war, and I believe the only way to end the war, is if Hamas would let the hostages go,” Vance insisted. He added that Hamas started the war on October 7, but “Israel is going to finish it.”  

The event also included a procession to the White House, where participants displayed photos of victims of the October 7 atrocities and hostages still held by Hamas, making a powerful statement of awareness and solidarity. 

“I left so inspired after today’s rally,” reflected Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of Congregation Kehilath. “It was truly a light of hope on such a difficult day. Thank you for your friendship and fellowship.” 

European countries 
ICEJ branches throughout Europe hosted similar events to commemorate the victims of the October 7 massacres and express solidarity with Israel. In Latvia, an event at a Christian congregation in Riga was held in partnership with the Israeli Embassy. Tal Solomon, the sister of Hilly Solomon, who was murdered in the attacks, shared her grief. Despite the heavy loss, Tal found comfort in the outpouring of love from the Christian community. “We witnessed God’s comforting hand upon her and tears of hope as we sang Aaron’s blessing upon her family,” said one attendee. Tal keeps her sister’s legacy alive by traveling and sharing her story.  

In Slovakia, ICEJ organised two events in the capital of Bratislava. A public ceremony at the city’s Holocaust Memorial was attended by around 250 people, including the Archbishop of the Catholic Church, who expressed his solidarity with Israel. The ceremony featured the reading of the names of the 101 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Later, a closed event, held in cooperation with the Israeli Embassy, brought together government officials and the diplomatic corps in a remembrance ceremony. Peter Svec, national director of ICEJ-Slovakia, was the keynote speaker and represented the Christian community in Slovakia.  

Meanwhile, at the main synagogue in Milan, a delegation from ICEJ-Italy attended a remembrance event along with many political leaders, journalists, and other public figures. More than 500 people had to remain outside because there was no room for them inside.  

Meanwhile, in Prague and many other cities in the Czech Republic, church bells rang in unison at 7 PM on October 7 in commemoration of the massacre victims. And in Ireland, the local ICEJ team under Paul Coulter were part of a memorial gathering in Dublin. 

Thailand 
In Thailand, a commemoration service held at the Israeli Embassy drew 350 Christians. The worship pastor led the crowd in singing Psalm 23, creating a powerful atmosphere of peace and comfort. The event was attended by over 700 people, including many ICEJ-Thailand supporters, and exemplified the sense of family and unity that has emerged globally in support of Israel.  

Australia 
The ICEJ-Australia team, together with a busload of supporters, gathered in Canberra for the October 7th commemoration event. This was followed by a private gathering hosted by the Israeli Ambassador at his residence, attended by the Foreign Minister, former prime minister, and many dignitaries. And in Brisbane, the ICEJ national youth ambassador, Pastor Moises, hosted a beautiful remembrance service.  

A Year of Remembrance and Resolve 
The global response to the anniversary of the October 7 massacre serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between Israel and its Christian friends. From the Philippines to the U.S., and from Europe to Asia, these solidarity gatherings reinforced the message that Israel is not alone in its fight for security and peace. As the world continues to witness the resilience of the Israeli people, we also hope for a future of peace, where the memory of those who fell on October 7 is properly honoured. These remembrance ceremonies also highlight the importance of standing together against radical Islamist terror. 

Main photo: A memorial gathering takes place in Ireland to commemorate the October 7 massacres.