Pilgrims march for Israel

2008-10-15 20:25

Jerusalem - Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the globe took to the streets of Jerusalem on Wednesday, swaying to the tune of the hymns they sang, in a colourful show of support for Israel against Iran.

"We understand the threat that is out there, and we say we are with Israel," said Mike Kerry, a pastor from the Manchester, England area, clad in jumpsuit made of Union Jacks, with an Israeli flag dangling from his baseball cap.

"I believe (Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad is as much of a threat as Adolf Hitler," said Kerry, who took part in the march as part of a pilgrimage marking the eight-day Biblical celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, known to Jews as Sukkot, which some Christians observe.

The Papua New Guinea delegation, wearing traditional grass skirts and war paint, marched to the tune of a furious drum beat, while the Indonesian pilgrims delicately swirled silk banners in the air.

About 3 000 people took part in the march, a sea flags from Israel and around the world which slowly advanced through the streets of the Holy City.

Many said the annual pilgrimage, organised by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ,) represented a fulfilment of a Biblical prophesy that all nations would gather in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles.

Israel's demise

Most of those gathered are Evangelical Christians whose bond with Israel is rooted in their shared biblical covenant between God and Abraham, said David Parsons, a spokesperson for the ICEJ.

This year's gathering is giving heightened attention to Iran, which Israel considers a potential threat to its existence because of Tehran's accelerating nuclear enrichment programme and the hardline rhetoric of its leaders.

Tehran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful, but senior Iranian leaders, including Ahmadinejad, have repeatedly predicted the demise of the Jewish state.

On Thursday, the ICEJ plans to announce a new Christian-Jewish coalition to pursue charges against Ahmadinejad at The Hague of incitement to genocide.

"Because of the unique and tragic history of Christian anti-Semitism, particularly in Europe ... Christians have a profound sense of a moral duty to speak out whenever the Jewish people are threatened," said Parsons.

But Mosy Madugba from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, does not believe Israel faces any real threat. "She is not in danger because the God of Israel is stronger than her enemies, but we know she appreciates the love and encouragement from other nations."

- AFP