Feast Review by Laurina Driesse & Marelinke van der Riet

Despite an entire year of war and widespread flight bans, nearly 500 Christians from 55 nations found their way to Jerusalem to take part in our Feast of Tabernacles 2024 from 16-23 October. They were undeterred by the warnings of family and friends not to come. They kept re-arranging flights many times over to find a way in, and many ended up paying double the price or more for airline seats. Yet our Feast pilgrims showed amazing courage and determination, and they all deserve medals for coming. 

In the end, because of their faith and perseverance, the ICEJ’s Feast 2024 was the largest solidarity mission to Israel since the war began last year! 

The largest groups this year came from Germany (80+), South Africa (30), UK (21) and US (21), plus another 50 nations – including Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries that have no relations with Israel. Many pilgrims have been part of our daily Global Prayer Gathering for the past year and answered the call to come pray before the Lord here in this nation (Zechariah 9:20-22). 

“My family, even my children wanted to stop me, but I said ‘no, I’m going’”, said Litiana from Fiji. “We wanted to be here to support and comfort the Jewish people… like the verse in Isaiah 40 says.” 

“Getting to Israel wasn’t the difficult part; explaining to my family and friends why I’m coming was”, explained Estelle from South Africa. “My son even arranged insurance for me before I left. But since 1990, I’ve come every year. Israel is my home.” 
 
Visiting the Frontlines 
The Feast opened with a tour of the Gaza border area and a special remembrance ceremony at HaBsor National Park to honour the 1,200 Israelis who fell and 250 who were taken hostage during the Hamas mass terror attack in this area on October 7 one year ago. The Christian visitors heard first-hand accounts from local community leaders and security officers about the tragic events on Simchat Torah last year. They also visited key sites connected to the Hamas atrocities, including the Nova music festival site, Kibbutz Be’eri, and the ‘car graveyard’, to gain their own impressions on what took place there. 

The pilgrims heard emotional testimonies from ordinary people who suddenly turned into heroes on that ‘Black Shabbat’ last year.  Eshkol regional security chief Ilan Isaacson recounted how he was so overwhelmed by the terrorist onslaught that he could not leave to help his own frightened daughter at their kibbutz several miles away. He added that special radio devices donated by the Christian Embassy were the only reliable means of communicating among security teams in the region and thus they helped save many, many lives that day. 

Nicole Carbone then described how she was on the phone with her mother in Kibbutz Be’eri as it was being overrun by terrorists. Tragically, her mother was killed moments later, but her 85-year-old father Alex somehow survived. As he sat in the audience surrounded by some 400 Christians from around the world, Alex was overcome with tears of relief that people care for him and his community. “People like you are the angels who help us”, concluded his daughter Nicole. 

“Coming here to connect with the real, personal stories was impactful”, said Denise from South Africa, who regularly attends the GPG online. “Being a mother, what really touched my heart was hearing how mothers had children huddled together and were having to comfort and console them.”  

“It means more to the Jewish people to come here in the middle of a war than to come when it is just fine”, said Guy from the US, who has been to several Feasts. “I cannot even imagine having neighbours and friends being killed or abducted.” 

The remembrance ceremony ended with Feast pilgrims placing hundreds of red and yellow tulip bulbs in pots in memory of the fallen and abducted during the brutal Hamas pogrom. In partnership with KKL-JNF, the ICEJ will soon re-plant the tulip bulbs at the new Nova memorial site so they can blossom in the shape of a red heart and yellow ribbon later this winter (see image below). 

Desert Encounter 
That evening, the Feast delegates gathered at Kfar HaNokdim, an oasis resort in the Judean Desert, where revivalist Suzette Hattingh encouraged the pilgrims to believe for God to touch their lives and also to deliver Israel in new and incredible ways not seen before, citing 1 Corinthians 2:9. 

“You are here because God Almighty has an appointment with you”, Hattingh proclaimed. “You were sent with a purpose. God has brought you here like a Gideon’s Army.” 
 
Opening Night in Jerusalem 
The Feast then moved up to Jerusalem for the opening night in the Pavilion, where the stage was adorned with succahs and palm branches, while attendees waved their flags from many nations in a show of support for Israel. The celebration kicked off with a performance by Shamayim (“heaven” in Hebrew), a delightful worship band and choir from Estonia consisting of three generations—grandparents, parents, and children. The Norwegian music team NORTHWORSHIP, led by new ICEJ Arise director Marius Wigardt, also led the gathering in a special time of worship. 

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz delivered a video greeting to welcome the pilgrims and thank the ICEJ for all its relief aid during the prolonged conflict. “We will never forget all your efforts and humanitarian aid over the past year”, he said. “The State of Israel sees you as true friends and allies.” 

In his keynote message for the evening, ICEJ Senior Vice President David Parsons first expressed how proud he was of everyone who came to the Feast this year. Just moments before, news broke that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7 massacres, had been eliminated by the IDF. Rather than celebrating his death, however, Parsons asked the gathering to stand for a moment of silence in honour of the many Israeli victims of his cruelty. 

Parsons then focused on this year’s Feast theme from Zechariah 4:6 – “’Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit’, says the Lord.” He noted the pattern for Israel’s restoration – even for today – which was set forth in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Zechariah. He also explained that Zechariah saw kingdoms and powers as “horns” trying to uproot and scatter the Jews, but the Spirit of the Lord sent the antidote in the form of “craftsmen”, meaning both skilled artisans and skilled warriors, to help Israel reclaim the land, build the house of the Lord, and restore right relationship with God (Zechariah 1:18-21).

Teachings and Briefings 
The next morning saw the start of the Feast seminars, which this year featured excellent Bible teachings, as well as current affairs briefings by Israeli experts, such as former IDF spokesman Lt Col (ret) Jonathan Conricus, Israeli law professor Avi Bell, and geo-political analyst Dr Dan Diker of the JCSFA. One memorable session involved the personal testimony of Ido Shamriz from kibbutz Kfar Aza, who fought off terrorists for hours in his community on October 7. However, his brother Alon was abducted into Gaza, where he managed to escape weeks later only to fall in a tragic ‘friendly fire’ incident with nearby Israeli troops. Ido’s very personal account of bravery and loss left a deep impact on everyone. 
 

One Body of Messiah 
The next day, pilgrims entered the serene Garden Tomb for a moving Communion service. The Sakhini Brothers, an Arab Christian family of gifted musicians from Nazareth, led a beautiful time of worship, while Israeli pastor Peter Tsukahira delivered a powerful message on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11. This was followed by a local Jewish and an Arab believer overseeing the Lord’s Supper, providing an uplifting moment of reconciliation in Messiah amid the current war. 

“This was the best Garden Tomb service ever”, insisted Jo from South Africa. “The message was both brilliant and challenging, and the sharing of Communion by the ‘One New Man’ was emotional and sincere.” 
 
Youth Night 
Day Four of the Feast featured a stirring Next Generation night back at the Pavilion in central Jerusalem, drawing together many Israeli youths alongside the Feast delegates. The atmosphere was charged as the popular Israeli band SOLU-Israel led everyone in Hebraic-style worship. SOLU leader Shilo Ben Hod was joined on stage by IDF soldier and TBN presenter Yair Pinto, who shared his experiences of both fighting and reporting in Gaza since October 7. 

Marius Wigardt and NORTHWORSHIP then followed up with a rousing worship set and time of sharing from the word. “When you experience the presence of God in the Land of Israel, it changes you,” he said. 

“I’m very excited about tonight. From generation to generation, we must keep the faith”, responded Kristelle from Australia, who did not tell her family she was coming to Israel until after she arrived. 
 
‘Roll Call’ in Regal Setting 
As night fell on Day Five, the Tower of David provided a most regal setting for the colourful “Roll Call of the Nations”, which was combined this year with the traditional Israeli Guest Night. The outdoor amphitheatre was filled to capacity with over 700 Jews and Christians, with the majestic walls of the Old City serving as a stunning backdrop for the flag procession representing the more than 50 nations attending this year’s Feast. 

Among the beaming flag-bearers was Annerie Mare from Namibia, a former Miss World contestant. “It was a very big moment”, she said afterwards. “I represented my country in a new way, on a different stage. It was like an Esther moment—standing in the gap for my country.” 

The program also included a video greeting from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who extended a warm holiday welcome to the Christian visitors and expressed his deep gratitude for their unwavering support of Israel at its darkest hour. 

Nir Barkat, a senior Israeli cabinet minister, also addressed the gathering in person. “I think the ICEJ is one of the secrets of Israel’s success. I am here to salute you,” he said.  

Another highlight was the warm remarks by legendary Israeli general Doron Almog, the new chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel, which oversees Aliyah to the Jewish homeland. He thanked the participants for coming to Israel at such a turbulent time, when the country is fighting for its very existence, adding: “What brought you here at this time is your passionate love for Israel. You are our partners, our friends – and we love you.” 

The evening also featured stirring musical performances by violinist Serguei Popov, singer Vesna Buehler, and the Estonian choir Shamayim. In addition, the interfaith gathering enjoyed several Israeli folk songs performed by the Israeli choir Or Lamishpachot (“Light for the Families”), whose members are bereaved family members whose loved ones fell while serving in the IDF.  

ICEJ Senior Vice President David Parsons concluded the evening with a moving message regarding the sincere motivations of Christians who support Israel. “Just as there is a mystery to why many are obsessed with hatred towards the Jewish people, there is also a mystery to the love we have for you as Christians”, he explained to the hundreds of Israeli guests on hand. “We see the deep wounds the Jewish people have suffered down through the ages, often in the name of Jesus. We see what was inflicted on you so wrongly on October 7, and it draws forth from within us a profound love which compels us to stand by your side. And Isaiah, your own prophet, assured you that you can trust this love,” he said, citing Isaiah 49:22-23. 

The entire evening was marked by a palpable spirit of intimacy, unity and grace, which was readily received by our Israeli guests after the past year of isolation and loss. 

“It filled my heart with joy that you understand what happened with Israel”, said Zachi, an Israeli attendee. “It’s as if you’ve experienced everything with us—like it happened to you. It was very heartwarming to see. Before coming, I didn’t know what to expect, but when I arrived, it felt like we were one.” 

A special Jerusalem March 
The following afternoon, our delegates gathered for the ever-popular Jerusalem March. Although the traditional afternoon segment of the Jerusalem March had been cancelled due to war restrictions, the city of Jerusalem invited our Christian pilgrims to march around Sacher Park with their national flags and engage with the thousands of Israelis gathered there for the usual Sukkot holiday activities. The atmosphere was festive, with national flags and banners flying high and songs filling the air in the packed park in central Jerusalem. 

One Christian in the march stood out – Farnoosh Mazarei, a native of Iran who now resides in America. Israelis saw her carrying the former Iranian republic’s flag and ran to meet her, while Israel’s largest daily newspaper carried a feature article on her visit and life story. 

“I feel blessed that the Lord used me to represent my nation and to come and bless Israel”, she said. “I pray that my coming here by faith was pleasing to Him and that our prayers will start a revival in Iran.” 

“During the march, all I heard was, ‘Thank you for coming, thank you, thank you’”, added Linel from South Africa. “So many locals were in tears… One woman gave me a very sweet letter from her little brother thanking us for coming.” 

The Jerusalem March ended at the Knesset Menorah, outside Israel’s parliament building, for a special time of prayer. It proved to be another highlight for the Feast attendees, as they stood near the seat of government and prayed earnestly for the nation’s leaders to have wisdom in securing victory for their country in the current war.   

Final Days 
The last two days of the Feast included a bus tour to engage in hands-on volunteer projects, a healing service conducted by Finnish evangelist Juha Ketola, the ICEJ’s former international director,  a day of prayer with local and international pastors and ministry leaders, and a closing worship concert with SOLU-Israel once again. Rev. Suzette Hattingh was especially powerful in her closing teaching on prayer and intercession birthed by the Holy Spirit. 

This year’s Feast may have been smaller in size than usual, but it was greater in impact in many ways. This will always be the Feast marked by the yellow ribbon of remembrance – an intimate time of worship in the Spirit, fellowship with the saints, and friendship with the still recovering people of Israel. 

We hope to welcome you next year in Jerusalem!

Watch Feast 2024 highlight videos

Read how ICEJ’s Feast featured in the news