Despite opposition from certain Rabbinic authorities in recent days, Israel’s rebounding tourism industry will receive a boost as over 6,000 Christians from more than 90 nations will arrive in Jerusalem next week to take part in the 28th annual Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
This ICEJ's Sukkot gathering may be the largest annual tourism event in Israel this year and is expected to infuse some $15-18 million into the local economy, accounting for over 16,000 hotel room nights.
“Our Feast pilgrims have a deep love and concern for Israel, bring much color and joy to the city of Jerusalem, and always receive a warm welcome from the Israeli people," said Rev. Malcolm Hedding, the ICEJ Executive Director.
“Some rabbinic authorities suspect that parts of our group are engaged in missionary activity, but the ICEJ has never conducted any missionary programs in Israel and we clearly instruct our Feast pilgrims against such activity during their stay here," continued Hedding.
“We see ourselves as those friendly Gentiles promised in Scripture."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on September 24, 2007
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2007