Full Breakdown
International Christian Leaders Gather in Jerusalem for Oct. 7 Memorial
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Memorial and Solidarity Summit
Christian and Jewish leaders, released hostages, bereaved families, wounded Israelis and diplomatic representatives assembled in Jerusalem for a week-long Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit marking the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. The centerpiece—a solidarity gathering at the Southern Wall of the Davidson Center—hosted roughly 2,000 participants and was broadcast live to a global audience.
Background & Context
Friends of Zion, founded by Dr. Mike Evans, seeks to mobilize Christian Zionists worldwide to counter antisemitism and amplify Israeli voices. The summit, held with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marks the second consecutive year the organization convenes a global delegation of Christian influencers, clergy and youth.
Key Figures & Groups
- Dr. Mike Evans – Founder of Friends of Zion.
- George Deek – Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World.
- Bishop Robert Stearns – Leads a delegation of ~550 Christian leaders.
- Nathaniel Buzolic – Co-host of the live broadcast.
Timeline
- Oct. 6 – Opening on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, attended by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
- Oct. 7 – Main ceremony at the Southern Wall, featuring hostages and families.
- Oct. 8 – Delegates visit the Nova music-festival site near Kibbutz Re’im.
- Oct. 9 – Prayer gathering at Shiloh in the West Bank.
Data & Statistics
- Over 1,000 participants from 122 countries.
- Approximately 2,000 attendees at the central Jerusalem event.
- Youth cohort of ~200 Christians aged 18-29, plus the 550-person delegation led by Bishop Stearns.
- Broadcast linked Friends of Zion communities across Fiji, New Zealand, Austria, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Official Statements & Responses
Mike Evans said the summit is “not political” and aims to show Israelis that “the world is with you.” George Deek highlighted the “strong bond” built on “truth, courage and sheer determination” to confront antisemitism worldwide. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Sa’ar, participated to underscore governmental support for the Christian-Jewish partnership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Oct. 7 is the worst day in Israel’s history, a day of hopelessness,” — Dr. Mike Evans
- “The alliance is very strong. The vast majority of Zionists in the world are not Jewish; they are Bible-believing Christians,” — Dr. Mike Evans
- “Our solidarity must be more than words,” — Bishop Robert Stearns
Why It Matters / Impact
The summit aims to translate personal encounters with survivors into narratives participants can share in their home nations, countering a “global antisemitic trend.” By bringing together Christian Zionists, Jewish leaders and Israeli officials, the event reinforces diplomatic and cultural ties beyond electoral politics.
What's Next
- Oct. 8 – Visits to the Nova festival site will allow delegates to meet additional hostages and families.
- Oct. 9 – A prayer service at Shiloh will conclude the program.
- The 24-hour broadcast is slated to continue reaching audiences worldwide, targeting at least 100 million viewers.
The gathering underscores a coordinated effort by Christian Zionist networks to maintain an international presence in support of Israel three years after the Oct. 7 tragedy.