By ICEJ staff
Since Hamas ignited a war with Israel on October 7, a major wave of antisemitism has spread worldwide, but there also is a very strong wave of pro-Israel solidarity circling the globe. The International Christian Embassy, through our global network of national branch offices, has been standing with the Jewish state and people in a variety of ways. Here are just some of the recent reports of our global branch activities.
ICEJ Australia joined in a rally against antisemitism
In February 12,000 Christians and Jews came together for an inspiring gathering that included worship songs and encouraging speeches from Australian leaders. It was to push back against the un-Australian wave of hatred on our streets and stand up for Australian values. Quotes from members of the Jewish community included:
Some of the speakers included:
Former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison; Julian Lesser, Federal MP for Berowra; John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister; Rev Sandy Grant, Dean of St Andrews Cathedral; Warren Mundine AO, Businessman and advocate for Indigenous affairs; Jacqui Lambie, Senator for Tasmania Australian Parliament; Michelle Pearse, CEO ACL; Hollie Hughes, Federal Senator for NSW; and a wonderful address by Daniel Taghaddos, Iranian political peace activist.
ICEJ-South Africa standing tall for Israel
ICEJ-South Africa national director Vivienne Myburgh has been helping lead valiant efforts in her nation to stand with Israel. She helped organise a recent pro-Israel rally in Cape Town, but police called off the event due to the violent threats of an unapproved counter-protest by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, who attacked several people and also clashed with police.
Vivienne joined many Christian and Jewish leaders in signing a public statement opposing the ANC-ruled government’s misguided decision to charge Israel with genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
ICEJ-USA joins mass rally for Israel in Washington
In mid-November 2023, ICEJ-USA national director Susan Michael led many of our supporters nationwide in attending the “March For Israel”, a massive rally in Washington, DC to stand with Israel, demand freedom for the hostages, and oppose antisemitism. The gathering on the National Mall facing Capitol Hill far outdrew expectations as some 290,000 Christians and Jews came from across the country for what turned out to be the largest-ever pro-Israel rally in the US.
ICEJ-Canada rallies for the Jewish people
In early December, ICEJ supporters were among the 20,000 Canadian Christians and Jews who ascended Parliament Hill in Ottawa to stand in solidarity with Israel and Canada’s Jewish community. Even though the capital had just experienced its first significant snowfall with sub-zero temperatures, Canadians bravely stood with the Jewish state and people during this time of crisis. ICEJ-Canada played a pivotal role in rallying Christians to the gathering, thanks to our national director Donna Holbrook and our Ottawa area representatives, Michael and Leonor Ward.
Finland stages nationwide rallies to release hostages
In late November, ICEJ-Finland joined with 20 other organisations in the umbrella group Finnish Friends of Israel to stage 24 simultaneous pro-Israel rallies in 24 different cities featuring a special call for the release of the kidnapped Israelis held in Gaza.
Norway supports Israel
Dag Juliussen, the head of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem’s Norway operations, says that the war is galvanizing support for Israel in Norway, where hundreds of people attended a solidarity vigil that the country’s Catholic bishops officially supported for the first time in history.
Papua New Guinea embraces Israel
The ICEJ branch in Papua New Guinea joined with numerous church leaders to hold a nationwide gathering in Port Moresby in December to bless and support Israel, with more than 50 denominations represented. ICEJ-PNG national director Peter Harut also has plans to invite the Prime Minister for an upcoming major pro-Israel event, and also has been invited to share about Israel at other congregations in the country.
A surprise gift from Vietnam
A group of Vietnamese Christians boldly held a public rally to sing Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah” and declare “Vietnam stands with Israel” while waving Israeli flags. They also were able to raise funds enabling them to ship a container full of raincoats worth $60,000 to Israel. These raincoats will be extremely useful during Israel’s current winter season, and were sent to Israel via the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam, with Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer on hand to receive the gifts.
