It’s no secret that Israel is surrounded by enemies who wish to wipe them off the face of the earth. That’s tough to contend with each and every day.
But when you have several thousand people, from over 30 countries, who love and support you, it’s got to make a difference, right?
This is no ordinary parade. The March of the Nations in Jerusalem is an annual display of solidarity; an outpouring of love and compassion. This year it took place on Thursday October 17.
Despite their own problems with environmental issues and government corruption, a large contingent of Bulgarian citizens traveled about 2,800 miles to show support.
People’s Republic of China are celebrating their 70th anniversary this month, yet they traveled 7,200 miles to come here.
Dressed in their native costumes and colors, but wearing identical smiles, their enthusiasm was contagious.
What I love most is that the marchers genuinely want to mingle and converse with the Israelis. There was so much love!
The Liberia Delegation traveled across the entire African continent to tell Israel they love and stand with them.
The spirit and dedication of the Brazilian people was truly inspiring. I could have been at a soccer match…
Brazil is about the same distance from Israel as the US. It takes me a full day, usually 24-30 hours of travel, to get here. It’s not easy.
With an aging population threatening the welfare system, Portugal has serious problems, but you’d never know it. By the way, it’s 7,200 miles round trip, 60 hours each way if one were to drive.
A small, but mighty delegation, this group cheerfully represents Macedonia, formerly a part of Yugoslavia.
Blossoming Rose provides Tours to Israel and has a fascinating history. Because of the Union Jack, I assume this is a British tour group.
Many tongues and many nations; love and unity under one gospel.
Putting human rights and immigration problems aside, these Hungarians traveled 1300 miles, each way, to participate.
Typically, each country hands out their national flag to the spectators along the parade route. Some give trinkets, balloons, or candy.
Two small kippa-clad boys pose for a picture. The older one already has an impressive collection of flags.
Although I am not Jewish, I still tend to tear up at the amazing love and support extended to the people of Israel by these selfless pilgrims.
The Filipino people are staunch supporters of Israel and travel over 10,000 miles to come here from Asia.
God promises “They shall prosper that love thee…”
Prosperous in oil and gas production, Norway supports Israel!
Primeval and plaintive, the shofar, a ram’s horn, speaks a universal language of celebration, love, and repentance.
Taiwan faces an existential threat from China, and its sovereign status is being gradually erased, yet her people traveled 10,000 miles to come to Jerusalem, to march in support of Israel.
Brandishing balloons and lots of flags, I think they ALL came.
This would be a strenuous journey for these older women. Certainly, the parade route would tax a much younger person.
Cameroon and Kenya are represented here. There were thirteen nations I could not photograph, including Botswana and Samoa, but they were present.
Cameroon and Bolivia’s flags were amazingly beautiful.
Gipsy Nation are pseudo-gypsies called Roma. Living in Hungary, they experience intense racial discrimination. Perhaps their understanding of persecution is what brought them here in full force.
I had never heard of Samiland. Sandwiched between two large groups, I nearly missed them.
Sapmi, Samiland is part of Lapland, north of the Arctic circle. This tiny delegation traveled 3,500 miles in either direction to show their support for Israel!
A small, but fetching delegation for Panama, though there’s nothing small about the 16,000 mile road trip.
France traveled 5800 miles to be a part of this event.
United Nations for Israel, not to be confused with the UN, fights for education on the importance of supporting Israel. https://unitednationsforisrael.org/
South Korea’s pageantry and traditional dress was captivating.
Angola, a large country on the west coast of Africa, is 3100 miles from Israel.
It would take 111 hours to drive to the Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire). These people traveled 10,000 miles to be here today.
In matching outfits, they are singing and dancing their way up the hill!
Malaysia is in southeast Asia, south of Thailand- a round trip distance of 9,400 miles.
The Malaysian women were waving gossamer-like flags that looked like wings.
Their joy is palpable. There’s just something about these people…
This colorful shofar is painted with flags of many different nations.
This is the view looking up the hill. Meanwhile, downhill there is a break in the action. It feels like the 7th-inning stretch.
I take a quick look around and a selfie, just to prove I was really here.
I thought we were nearly done, when another contingent of Chinese supporters crested the hill. Joyful, cheerful, smiling…
By now, the concrete barrier I’m perching on feels like it has become a part of my anatomy…
Just when I think it’s safe to come down off my Rock of Gibraltar, here comes Ghana up the hill, garbed in vivid geometric patterns.
A 9,000 mile round trip journey, it would have taken 4 days to drive here one way.
Their costumes are dazzling, but I have no idea how this poor soul made it up that hill. The woman beside her is fanning her to beat the band. God bless their fortitude!
And on their heels, I see Papua, New Guinea. An island country in the southwest Pacific, they have traveled 7,500 miles to get here.
The big guy looks like the chief. I love his feather headdress.
Loosely translated, the sign says Papua honors and loves Israel.
This indeed appears to be the last group, and weary parade-goers begin to drift up the hill toward the shuk, myself included.
As the crowd thins out, I spot a lone man with a single sign, coming down the hill toward me. His smile is radiant and he is positively joyous!
He brandishes his sign, proclaiming its message to anyone who will look. He is Iraqi, a believer in Yeshua, proclaiming love for Israel. A delegation of one!
Click on the picture below to see him actually walking backwards, in step with the guy with the cell phone, who ignores him. Most Jews don’t acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, and most Iraqis are Muslim.
All I can say is wow!- what a gift to be able to capture that moment. Hindsight being 20/20, I wish I had taken a moment to speak with him.
So, if you’re still here, and you haven’t keeled over from boredom, look closely at the last four photos.
This is Bezelel St. where I’m living. When I leave my flat, I have to walk up this hill- sometimes more than once per day. It is very steep, the sidewalk even has stairs and ramps in places. At the bottom, you can see the park, where the parade began.
I took these pics earlier this month on Yom Kippur, when there were no cars on the road for 24 hours, and kids were allowed to play in the streets.
My point is, thousands of people climb this street, this hill, each year, in support of Israel. They travel thousands of miles at great expense, to stay for a very short time. The total miles just for the countries listed here exceeds 180,000!
I hope you were blessed by the absolute dedication, joy and passion they have for our Lord and for the Jewish people. This is Holy Spirit-powered love!
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls,
Prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brethren and companions,
I will now say, “Peace be within you.”
Because of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.
Psalm 122:6-9 KJV
WONDERFUL! THANK YOU! The Iraqi man made me CRY! Why don’t we see wonderful things like THIS on the news and Facebook???
Thanks, Debra. I had the same reaction. The world, generally speaking, thrives on negativity, but I think individually we look for the positive.
Marie this is really amazing! Truly brings joy to see this support from so many nations. I was literally weeping at the end (one man!) and quickly shared it with my family! Thanks so much for sharing.
All I can say is that was breath taking. Must of been an unbelievable feeling to have been there. Keep on and blessings to you
Had no clue. March of the Nations? From 2019. Wonder if it took place during 2020 or 2021 during lockdown?