International Christian Embassy Convenes Thousands in Support of Israeli Settlements

Thousands of Christians gathered in the West Bank during the International Christian Embassy’s annual conference, expressing solidarity with Israeli settlements in response to recent European legislation restricting trade with them. The event, held in the region, was framed as a moral stance against what participants described as antisemitic measures.

Dag Juliussen, head of the Christian Embassy’s Norwegian branch, emphasized the significance of the visit, stating that the laws enacted in Europe against purchasing products from Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are “antisemitism, pure and simple.” He called for opposition to these measures, drawing a parallel between historical attempts to cleanse Europe of Jews and current efforts to restrict Jewish presence in the West Bank. “Why shouldn’t Jews live there, just as Muslim Arabs live in Israel?” Juliussen questioned.

The visit to the Psagot winery and other settlements in the Binyamin and Gush Etzion regions included purchases of locally produced goods, underscoring support for the economic and cultural life of the communities. This action was part of a broader effort to affirm the right of Jews to reside in the area, as well as to challenge what participants viewed as discriminatory policies.

Earlier this month, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) condemned the European trade bans, acknowledging the need for Israeli authorities to address harassment and violence by some settlers. However, the organization argued that such issues should not justify targeting all Jews living in the West Bank. “That should not be used as a pretext to selectively target all the peaceful, law-abiding Jews living in these areas,” the ICEJ stated.

The ICEJ also accused European nations of double standards, noting that few had imposed similar sanctions on regions with comparable conflicts, such as Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus and Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara. The organization claimed the trade bans were politically motivated, aiming to influence the upcoming Israeli elections. It described the actions as “an intrusive act of disrespect for a fellow democratic state,” which it said would not be tolerated in other Western democracies.

The gathering highlighted the intersection of religious conviction and political activism, with participants framing their actions as a defense of Jewish rights and a challenge to what they see as unjust policies. The event underscored the role of Christian communities in advocating for their beliefs and the communities they support, reflecting a commitment to justice and the protection of religious freedom.

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