by Shannon Bennett, Director of Communications, ACLI, ICEJ-USA
On the first anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network joined a diverse group of leaders and organizations gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC, to stand in solidarity with Israel. This significant event brought together multiple communities in prayer and remembrance alongside the Jewish people, underlining the shared commitment to supporting Israel as it continues its fight against those who seek its destruction.
Luke Moon, executive director of The Philos Project and a member of the ACLI network, spearheaded the event. Moon’s vision for the event was clear: unity across religious and cultural lines in support of Israel. Initially, Moon secured the permit for the National Mall as a preventative measure against pro-Hamas groups obtaining access to the space for violent antisemitic demonstrations. Luke’s “preventative measure” resulted in one of the most diverse pro-Israel events in recent history, with approximately 60 organizations from numerous communities in representation. Groups represented included Jews and Christians from multiple traditions and ethnic backgrounds, as well as pro-Israel Muslim and Hindu groups.
The American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) network, a project of the U.S. Branch of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ USA), was a leading sponsor of the event and instrumental in its planning and rallying the support of multiple organizations. A total of 14 ACLI network organizations signed on as sponsors. Dr. Susan Michael, director of ACLI and ICEJ USA, encouraged the crowd gathered on the National Mall, saying, “We (ICEJ) are the largest Christian Zionist organization in the world. We reach into over 170 countries with a presence and representation in over 90 nations. Over the last 24 hours, we have been a part of gatherings like this all around the world, from London to Helsinki, and on and on and on. We are here to say that Christians stand with Israel.”
Dr. Michael then handed the microphone to fellow ACLI leader Troy Miller, president of the National Religious Broadcasters. Miller shared that after the events of October 7, Christian broadcasters quickly dispatched crews to Israel, producing thousands of stories and documentaries. In his address, Miller reassured the Jewish community that while mainstream media may have overlooked them, “Christian Media is there to tell your stories, and we will be with you and support you always. God bless Israel.”
Event organizers invited both presidential and vice-presidential candidates to speak at the event and were delighted when Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, accepted their invitation. Vance vowed to support Israel and condemned pro-Hamas protests on American college campuses, stating that universities using federal money to harass Jewish students should lose their accreditation and funding. Commenting on Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas, Vance stated, “The best way to end the war, and I believe the only way to end the war, is if Hamas would let the hostages go.” Vance continued declaring that Hamas started the war when it attacked the Jewish State on October 7, 2023, and “Israel is going to finish it.”
A powerful moment during the event was the display of photos of each person whose life was taken on October 7, 2023, as well as every hostage still held captive. Attendees marched with these images to the White House, making a profound statement of awareness, solidarity, and unity. This act of remembrance honored not only the victims but also the many heroes who have emerged amid the violence over the past year.
The event also served as a call to action, reminding all that Israel and its people are not alone in their grief or their fight against those who seek their destruction.
Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz of New York’s Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun reflected on the day’s events, sharing, “I left so inspired after today’s rally – it was truly a light of hope on such a difficult day. Thank you for your friendship and fellowship.”