Christian leaders from 122 nations gather in Jerusalem for Oct. 7 memorial at Friends of Zion Summit
Christian community leaders and influencers from 122 countries convened in Jerusalem on Oct 7, 2026, to mark the third anniversary of the Hamas‑led attacks on Israel as part of the Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit.
The gathering, which drew more than 1,000 participants, underscored a broad‑based display of solidarity with Israel and a coordinated effort to counter antisemitic propaganda that has intensified since the attacks.
“Oct. 7 is the worst day in Israel’s history, a day of hopelessness,” Dr. Mike Evans, founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center, told Fox News Digital. “People talk a lot about the more than 1,200 people killed that day, but not enough about the more than 70,000 who lost their homes and loved ones.”
Evans added that the summit’s purpose is to remind the world that Israel is not alone, stating, “You’re wrong. The world is standing with you. You see the faces, languages and songs of people from around the world united to comfort you and stand with you.”
Released hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel‑Chen, Bar Kupershtein and Evyatar David attended the memorial alongside Bar’s grandfather, Holocaust survivor Michael Kupershtein. Earlier in the day, participants visited Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust remembrance center, to honor victims of past genocides and reinforce the link between historical memory and present‑day solidarity.
Host Nathaniel Buzolic, an actor‑influencer, told Fox News Digital, “When other minority or groups suffer, there tends to be acknowledgment, but when it comes to Jewish suffering, there is silence, denial and an attempt to downgrade the atrocities we witnessed.”
George Deek, Israel’s special envoy to the Christian world, praised the summit’s message, noting that the alliance rests on a shared biblical heritage, a commitment to protect Jews from antisemitism, and the right of Christians to live without intimidation.
“The arrival of Christian leaders carries a powerful message that Israel does not stand alone. They have come to bear witness, meet people whose lives were shattered on Oct 7 and carry their stories back to communities around the world,” Deek said.
Influencer Oli London, who visited Israel shortly after the attacks, highlighted the importance of showing Christians the holy sites, saying, “Jewish people need support and need to know they are loved and supported by so many Christians.”
Iranian‑born activist Hooman Khalili, participating in the summit, described his mural work titled “Woman, Life, Freedom” and emphasized the mutual future of Jews and Christians in the land of their shared prophets.
The summit’s agenda continues with visits to the Nova music festival site, where many of the October 7 victims were taken, and a prayer event at the ancient site of Shiloh in Samaria. Young delegations, comprising roughly 300 participants aged 18‑29, are expected to share their experiences with faith‑based communities back home.
Organizers said the next day will conclude with a joint statement reaffirming the commitment of Christian and Jewish communities worldwide to confront hatred, preserve historical memory, and support Israel’s right to live in peace.