The sun broke through the clouds over Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon, as thousands gathered in Sacher Park for the International Jerusalem March, hosted by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) during the Sukkot holiday.
That morning, the Jerusalem Municipality held its own Jerusalem March, with three scenic walking routes that wound through the city and ended in Sacher Park with family activities.
In the afternoon, attention shifted in Sacher Park to the international parade, an annual highlight of Sukkot that celebrates friendship between Christians and Jews.
Founded in 1980, the ICEJ represents millions of Christians around the world who support Israel and the Jewish people’s connection to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. This year, delegations from more than 70 countries joined the celebration, transforming the park into a vibrant sea of flags, costumes and music.
Banners from Cameroon, Fiji, Uganda, Ukraine and even Iran were waved by the delegations walking around the park. Children in native costumes walked. Seniors in wheelchairs joined in the procession, smiling and singing as they circled the park to the delight of the local spectators.
In past years, the ICEJ March wound through Jerusalem’s streets, but this year’s route remained inside Sacher Park. The numbers may have been smaller than in past years, yet the enthusiasm and warmth were undiminished. Israeli families eagerly collected miniature flags from around the world, learning about faraway places from the friendly visitors who handed them out.
Tomas from Germany offered flags to children, smiling as he spoke of his love for Israel. Liron, a young mother from Tel Aviv now living in Jerusalem, clutched a handful of colorful flags for her children. “It was amazing!” she told JNS, beaming as the marchers passed by.
As the afternoon drew to a close, the songs “Am Yisrael Chai” and “Shalom” echoed across the park. For a moment, dark clouds gathered, but the rain held off, and the sun reappeared over Jerusalem’s Sukkot celebration of unity and friendship.
