Kenyan Christian leaders join global delegation marking October 7 anniversary in Jerusalem

Kenyan Christian leaders joined more than 550 Christian leaders from 51 countries in Jerusalem to mark the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel.

The Kenyan delegation, led by Bishop Dr. Gibson Anduvate, was part of a 10-day visit to Israel organised by Bishop Robert Stearns and Eagles’ Wings in partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The leaders attended a Friends of Zion solidarity event at the Southern Wall in Jerusalem, where they stood alongside Israeli hostages and their families, bereaved families, Jewish and Christian leaders, ambassadors and diplomats.

During their visit, the Kenyan Christians met Israeli officials, Jewish and Christian leaders, returned hostages and families affected by the October 7 attacks. They also received security briefings on the conflict.

Anduvate said the visit had given the Kenyan delegation an opportunity to hear directly from families affected by the attacks and gain a better understanding of their experiences.

“As Kenyans and as Christians, we understand the importance of standing with people in difficult times. Coming to Israel and meeting families affected by October 7 has made this much more personal for us,” Anduvate said.

He added that the delegation would return to Kenya with the stories shared by the families and a deeper understanding of what Israelis had experienced.

The Friends of Zion event brought together about 2,000 Jewish and Christian participants from 117 countries.

Returned hostages and family members, including Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel Chen, Evyatar David and Bar Kupershtein, addressed participants alongside members of the Elkabetz and Kupershtein families and others.

Stearns said the participation of more than 550 Christian leaders from 51 nations demonstrated the interest of the global Christian community in understanding Israel's experience.

The event was also accompanied by a 24-hour international broadcast in which Stearns participated.

The delegation included Nigeria's Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, Delta State, and his wife, Olori Atuwatse III.

The visit also included Awake Jerusalem, an annual worship gathering held at the Tower of David on October 3, with Daystar Television Network serving as a media partner and international broadcaster.

The October 7 gathering formed the central part of the delegation's visit, providing an opportunity for participants to remember those killed in the attacks and hear from families and returned hostages.

For the Kenyan leaders, the visit was also an opportunity to listen to people directly affected by the attacks and take their accounts back to communities in Kenya.