Evangelical Christians celebrate Feast of Tabernacles in Israel

Thousands of Evangelical Christians have arrived in Israel from all over the world for the 32 annual Feast of Tabernacles Succot celebrations. The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has brought over more than 6,000 Christian pilgrims from over 80 countries and five continents -- including Brazil, China, Finland, Gabon and the US, and will be in the country for six days of festivities and touring activities. In addition to the ICEJ pilgrimage, a separate mission of 3,000 Christians were brought to Israel from a dozen countries by the Manmin Central Church of South Korea. The pilgrims gathered in Haifa on Saturday for a prayer rally where they prayed for peace and the safe return of Gilad Schalit. Also in attendance were 3,000 Messianic Jews from around Israel. The festival of Succot has become a notable date in the evangelical calendar "because of the universalism inherent in the holiday," explains the organization's Spokesman David Parsons. "In King Soloman's Temple, 70 sacrifices were made during Succot on behalf of the 70 nations of the world and gentiles were welcomed to come to the Temple to pray to God. The opening gala event was held on Thursday night at Jerusalem's Binyanei Ha'uma conference center, and the pilgrims spent Saturday at the Dead Sea.