More than 1,500 Christians from about 30 countries and Israelis participated in the "March of Nations" in Jerusalem on May 16. By marching through Israel's capital, they sent a message against antisemitism and commemorated the Holocaust. They also celebrated the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel and the reunification of Jerusalem.
With loud music and a lively atmosphere, this year's march began in the late afternoon of May 16th from Sacher Park in Jerusalem to the City Hall. Leading the way were the event's honored guests, including several Holocaust survivors. The march, and thus the two-day "March of the Nations" conference, concluded at Jerusalem City Hall. Among the celebratory speeches and personal testimonies was a video message from Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, an Israeli immigrant organization. For him, the march is "a sign of reparation for what happened, not only through words, but also through deeds.".
The event was organized by the Christian movement "March of Life" under Jobst and Charlotte Bittner and Heinz Reuss.
Passersby were touched
Many people who happened to be watching the march were moved. “The banner they’re carrying in the front row reminds me of the sign my parents were photographed with when they came to Israel as new immigrants in 1948,” Elijahu recalled. “Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalaym” (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem) was written on the current banner.
The Israeli added: “This touches me so deeply because we as a Jewish people feel that the world doesn't particularly value us. We are constantly attacked and unpopular. This is different; it warms my heart and is not something to be taken for granted. This is truly not something to be taken for granted.”
Staff from international branches of Christians Standing with Israel also participated in the march. Among them was the chairman of the association in Germany, Luca Hezel. He was enthusiastic about the organization and execution of such a large and international event: "We thank the March of the Nations team for making this happen!"
Head of State Herzog: "Israel welcomes you!"
Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog had officially welcomed the march in Jerusalem beforehand: "Your presence demonstrates your unwavering moral support for our nation-state and its people, and the State of Israel welcomes you with open arms," the head of state declared, according to the "March of the Nations" website.
The director of March of Life, Heinz Reuss, wants to send a clear message through the event: “Israel, you are not alone! We pray together for the peace of Jerusalem! We celebrate 75 years of the State of Israel and 56 years of the reunification of Jerusalem and at the same time proclaim that God's calling of Israel still applies today!”
The first March of Nations was held in 2018 to mark the 70th anniversary of Israel's statehood. More than 6,000 people expressed their solidarity with the Jewish people at that time.
