On Oct. 7, 2026, more than 1,000 Christian community leaders and influencers from 122 countries convened in Jerusalem for the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit, marking the third anniversary of the Hamas‑led attack on Israel.
The gathering underscored the deep bond between Christian believers and the Jewish people, with participants emphasizing that “the world is standing with you.” Founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, Dr. Mike Evans, told reporters that the day represents “the worst day in Israel’s history” and called on Christians to remember the over 1,200 victims and the more than 70,000 displaced families.
High‑profile guests included released hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel‑Chen, Bar Kupershtein and Evyatar David, who shared personal testimonies alongside Holocaust survivor Michael Kupershtein. Jewish leaders such as Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress Israel, and Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, George Deek, also addressed the summit, highlighting the shared biblical heritage and mutual commitment to confront antisemitism.
Program highlights featured a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust remembrance museum, and a ceremony on the Mount of Olives—site linked to the ascension of Jesus—underscoring the spiritual significance for the attending Christians. The event was broadcast worldwide by actor‑influencer Nathaniel Buzolic and reporter Erin Molan, who warned that “radical Islamist ideology” drives the ongoing hatred toward Israel.
Influencer Oli London, who first visited Israel six weeks after Oct. 7, described his return as an effort to honor victims, raise awareness of trauma, and encourage fellow Christians to experience holy sites such as the Sea of Galilee and the Garden Tomb. Hooman Khalili, an Iranian‑born artist, spoke of his “Woman, Life, Freedom” murals and urged pastors to witness Israel’s resilience firsthand.
Beyond the memorial, summit participants toured the Nova music festival site, the location of one of the Oct. 7 massacres, and planned a pilgrimage to the ancient city of Shiloh for prayer. Organizers hope the youth contingent—about 300 attendees aged 18 to 29—will carry the message of solidarity back to their home churches and campuses.
George Deek summed up the summit’s purpose, stating that the alliance between Christians and Jews rests on “truth, courage and sheer determination” and that the shared future of both peoples is bound by a common history and values. The Friends of Zion Summit will continue through Oct. 11, reinforcing a global network of faith‑based support for Israel.