By ICEJ Staff Writers

On the fourth day of the ICEJ’s Feast of Tabernacles celebration, the spotlight shone on the Next Generation, as Israeli and international young believers enjoyed a lively time of praise by the Norwegian worship band NORTHWORSHIP and the local band SOLU-Israel. Band leaders Marius Wigardt and Shiloh Ben-Hod also joined TBN-Israel presenter Yair Pinto and ICEJ-Norway national director Dag Øyvind Juliussen in ministering encouragement to the Israeli youth who have endured many traumatic experiences over the past year of war in the Land.

Day five’s morning seminar sessions covered an array of interesting topics, from Apostle Renê Terra Nova, who spoke on ‘You are the message’ (Zechariah 2:1-4), to a panel with Jewish pastor Israel Pochtar and Israeli Arab pastor Saleem Shalash, who shared how the current conflict has affected Jewish and Arab believers in the Land. In addition, pilgrims heard from retired IDF spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus, who gave a security update on the war in Israel, while Reichman University researcher Kasey Barr gave a fascinating presentation on‘Israel and the AI Revolution’.

In the evening, the nations gathered at the magnificent Tower of David, where Israeli guests were also welcomed in to witness the colourful ‘Roll Call of the Nations’, as representatives from 53 nations in attendance this year proudly paraded their flags into the regal setting just inside the walls of Jerusalem. The evening also featured greetings from senior cabinet minister Nir Barkat and JAFI chairman Gen Doron Almog, while ICEJ Senior Vice President David Parsons delivered an encouraging message to the Israeli guests on the true motivations of Christian Zionists.

The musical program that evening included special performances by the Israeli choir ‘Or Lamishpachot’ (Light for the Families), led by renowned musical director Kobi Oshrat and consisting of bereaved Israeli family members whose songs of hope brought encouragement to those in attendance. The Estonian choir ‘Shamayim’ and noted violinist Serguei Popov also were part of the moving musical presentations.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also delivered a video greeting to welcome the Christian visitors for the Succot holiday and thanked them for their strong support of the Jewish state, saying:

“Shalom, dear friends from the President’s residence in the Holy City of Jerusalem. It gives me great pleasure to share greetings with hundreds of Christian pilgrims who are with us in Jerusalem today, and to the thousands who join us with your hearts from around the world, and all those who have come here in the last year to help and support the State of Israel.

This festival of Succot, rooted in ancient harvest celebrations, is also tied in the Jewish tradition of a long time of ingathering of all the nations of the world, a time where all peoples come together around what unites us, our hopes for abundance, our hopes and prayers for blessings, our hopes and prayers for peace and harmony amongst human beings. The Prophet Isaiah prophesies that the Temple in Jerusalem will draw all peoples together in longing and in prayer, for my dwelling place shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Your prayers for Israel and this Feast of Tabernacles are so appreciated.  

To see colourful Feast pictures and highlight videos, view our Feast Photo Gallery at feast.icej.org/feastgallery

You can still participate in this life-changing Feast of Tabernacles. Besides the enriching daily Seminar teachings, you can catch a glimpse of the popular Jerusalem March and extend your faith to the Healing Service and Prayer Day. Our daily Feast events are also available in the Video on Demand section of our unique Feast platform. To join us online, register at:  feast.icej.org