Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast draws foreign delegations despite war

Despite a tense regional climate and limited flights, foreign delegations and Christian leaders gathered in Jerusalem for the 10th annual Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast. The event, typically a mix of religion and politics, held a sharper meaning this year as guests arrived during ongoing conflict and amidst Israeli concerns about international isolation.

“

Ohad, it’s going to happen. You’ll see. And thank God you’re all here.

Israeli lawmaker Ohad Tal, initially hesitant about the event's feasibility, expressed gratitude for the attendees' presence. He framed the current conflict as a "war for Jerusalem," contrasting the enemies' vision of a city devoid of Jews and Christians with a "Jerusalem of life and peace." Tal also praised Israeli and American operations against Iran, labeling the regime as a significant force of evil and rejecting conditions on normalization with Saudi Arabia.

“

from the four corners of the earth to pray for the peace of Jerusalem

The gathering underscored the deep-seated support for Israel among pro-Israel Christian communities worldwide. The presence of international guests served as a counterpoint to growing concerns within Israel about its standing on the global stage. The event highlighted the intersection of faith, politics, and international relations, particularly in the context of the protracted conflict and regional instability.

“

Their Jerusalem is one in which Jews and Christians are not welcome, where we cannot gather to pray. Their Jerusalem is Jerusalem of death and bloodshed, and our Jerusalem is Jerusalem of life and peace.