Christian leaders go to Gaza border and witness destruction in Israel: “Shocking”

Last year, in Israel, a historic event took place bringing together rabbis and pastors in response to the massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists on Israeli territory.

The gathering of religious leaders was unprecedented given the circumstances in that region.

“Rabbis and pastors had never before gone to Congress to lobby together,” said Rabbi Jaim Steinmetz of the Kehilath Jeshurun Congregation.

This week, around 70 pastors from 18 different countries came to Israel to witness the effects of the attacks on October 7th. These attacks impacted Kibbutz Nir Oz, resulting in the destruction of 1,300 cars in the parking lot, leaving a desolate scene.

“The courtyard with piles of burnt and rusted cars seemed almost sacred, as many of them once housed Israelis whose lives were brutally cut short,” said David Parsons, vice president and chief spokesman of the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem (ICEJ), which sponsored the trip.

Gerald McDermott, an expert on religious matters and an Anglican priest, noted that the group had the opportunity to witness extreme evil and the consequences that arise when humans cease to see others as human beings.

During their visit, the group entered an abandoned cafeteria filled with broken glass and spoiled food in the kibbutz.

They also had the opportunity to explore the residence of Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage from Gaza, who turned one year old earlier this month. They observed the security measures surrounding the child as well as the toys and bicycle of his brother lying outside the house.

The group has scheduled meetings with members of the Israeli parliament and families of abducted individuals, as well as a visit to the border between Israel and Lebanon. Vivienne Myburgh, national director of ICEJ South Africa, expressed the challenges of being South African amidst the current situation in the country. She traveled to witness the situation firsthand, engage with those involved, and get properly informed.

According to Myburgh, this experience will provide solid insights to support the cause and counter false narratives on social media that some have suggested.

On Wednesday, American Christian Leaders for Israel, in collaboration with various religious organizations, will coordinate a joint mission of rabbis and pastors to urge Congress for greater support for Israel. This mission comes at a critical time as Israel continues its struggle against Hamas, considered a threat to global freedom.

The leaders will advocate on behalf of the Israeli hostages and urge members of Congress to provide necessary assistance to win this battle. This effort aims to reassure U.S. political leaders by demonstrating broad and deep American support for Israel amid disturbing protests and attacks against Jews.

Rabbi Jaim Steinmetz of the Kehilath Jeshurun Congregation in New York explained that the group’s visit to the U.S. city is because they believe that supporting Israel in its conflict against Hamas is a matter that concerns the United States and all people with positive intentions.

“Rabbis and pastors had never before gone to Congress to lobby together. This is happening today as Americans are increasingly concerned that Iran and its representatives are threatening the very existence of a key ally of the United States,” he concluded.