Feast 2026 Calls a New Generation to Stand with Israel
By ICEJ Staff
The ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles has continued in Jerusalem with two extraordinary days, bringing together biblical teaching, prayer, Israeli friendship, and a powerful call to the next generation. Under the banner “The Lord Roars from Zion,” a unique blend of biblical teaching and engagement with current affairs has offered fresh insight into what God wants His people to understand.
Israel Spoke to the Christian World
Sunday began with worship and prayer before Feast pilgrims gathered for a series of morning teachings from Israeli pastors and Bible teachers Peter Tsukahira, Ariel Blumenthal, Saleem Shalash, and Erez Soref. Together, their presence reflected something central to the Feast: strengthening the local body of Messiah while bringing Christians from the nations into a deeper understanding of Israel and God’s purposes for His people.
The speakers represented both Jewish and Arab believers in Jesus. Pastor Saleem Shalash from Nazareth taught on reconciliation between Jews and Arabs as an important part of his ministry, while Dr. Erez Soref of ONE FOR ISRAEL shared how Jewish and Arab believers working together in the gospel can make an impact throughout Israel and the Middle East.
“Israel has a secret weapon, and that secret weapon is the Jewish identity of Jesus,” said Peter Tsukahira, while Ariel Blumenthal affirmed, “Returning to the Hebrew Scriptures helps us hear the depth of Joel’s message.”
Israeli Guest Night
Sunday evening then turned the focus toward the people of Israel for the Feast’s special Israeli Guest Night.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog gave a special video greeting to Feast pilgrims, welcoming them to Israel and the Feast and recognizing the Christian Embassy’s long record of friendship and practical support for Israel.
“I congratulate all of you, as the head of state and president of the State of Israel, for coming here and showing solidarity, support, affection, and love, and praying for the well-being of the State of Israel and Jerusalem,” said President Herzog. “I want to thank all of you, especially I want to thank the office and leadership of ICEJ. You are doing incredible work, and we find you all over.”
His message continued with last year’s theme, as he described the ICEJ as a global expression of Christian friendship, solidarity, and action for Israel.
2026 Nehemiah Award
The evening also included the presentation of the ICEJ’s Nehemiah Award to Peter and Christine Darg, recognizing a lifetime of service to Israel and the Jewish people. The couple’s relationship with Israel stretches back more than five decades, including pioneering Christian media work from Jerusalem and years of ministry encouraging Christians to pray for and stand with Israel.
“It is so important that we Christian Zionists know that when we stand with Israel, we are like Nehemiah—that we mourn, we weep with Israel,” expressed Christine.
An Outpouring of Love
On Monday, the focus shifted from honoring decades of Christian friendship with Israel to investing in the generation that will carry that friendship forward.
The day started with messages from ICEJ Senior Vice President and Spokesman David Parsons, Christine Darg, prayer leader Lars Enarson, and ICEJ President Dr. Juergen Buehler. Later, Feast pilgrims gathered for the Jerusalem March, one of the most visible and beloved traditions of the Feast.
Jerusalem March
Christians from the nations took to the streets of Jerusalem, carrying their national colors and greeting Israelis celebrating Sukkot. As they circled the Knesset and made their way towards the Rose Garden, flags and treats were handed out to excited children.
For decades, the Jerusalem March has given Feast pilgrims a unique opportunity not simply to say that Christians stand with Israel, but to demonstrate that friendship publicly to ordinary Israelis. The March concluded at the Rose Garden, where a powerful prayer vigil for Israel was held overlooking the Knesset.
A Jerusalem March participant from Thailand linked the journey to Zechariah 14 and simply explained, “We come because we would like to bless Israel.” Meanwhile, Wessel from South Africa expressed his gratitude for participating in the March: “I want to thank the ICEJ for really making it possible. They give us a platform to show our love and support to the Jews and to Israel.”
On Monday evening, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a long-standing Christian supporter of Israel who assumed his diplomatic post in 2025, addressed the gathering. His participation encouraged delegates to continue blessing and supporting Israel.
“Once you come to Israel, for the rest of your life, you will be reading the Bible in 4K brilliant color,” said Ambassador Huckabee.
Next Generation – ARISE
The evening brought yet another change of pace as the Next Generation – ARISE celebration filled the convention Ccnter with the sound of a new generation of worshippers. Pastor Michael Miller, founder and senior pastor of UPPERROOM, was the featured speaker, with UPPERROOM and NORTHWORSHIP leading the evening in worship.
“I want to encourage you to be a student of what God has for you in your generation,” Miller shared.
From Israeli Guest Night to the streets of Jerusalem and an evening focused on a rising generation, the past two days have captured the remarkable breadth of the Feast: honoring Israel, encountering God in worship, and passing the biblical calling to stand with Israel from one generation to the next.
Watch the 2026 Feast of Tabernacles live from Jerusalem—online!
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