‘United for Victory’: Prayer and Diplomacy Take Center Stage at Knesset Solidarity Event
Leaders and clergy from 17 countries joined a prayer gathering to support Israel during its ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah and Hamas
A solidarity and prayer event held last week at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, united leaders, clergy, and delegates from 17 countries to advocate for Israel during a time of crisis. The gathering, under the theme “United for Victory,” aimed to counter misinformation, bolster global support, and foster solidarity as the country faces conflict with Hezbollah and Hamas.
The event, organized by Knesset Member Tatiana Mazarsky with assistance from Albert Veksler, the global director of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast, emphasized the spiritual and diplomatic challenges faced by Israel. It also highlighted the power of collective prayer and international alliances in addressing terrorism and advocating for peace.
Mazarsky opened with a poignant reflection on the human toll of the conflict. “The ground is shaking. We don’t know if it is a bomb on us, in our yard, or in our community. We are always in fear,” she said, stressing the urgency for international intervention against Hezbollah, which she described as a threat to both Israelis and Lebanese citizens.
Veksler underscored the historic and spiritual significance of the event. “Prayer for the peace of Jerusalem is something bigger than just a slogan. … Every time that the Jewish and Christian communities come together and pray, something very miraculous takes place.” He also noted growing alliances, including a statement by Argentina’s President Javier Milei in support of Israel over Iran.
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Albert Veksler speaks at the Knesset prayer gathering, Nov. 26, 2024. (Giorgia Valente/The Media Line)
Delegates from European countries, including Italy, Estonia, and France, shared their perspectives.
Pastor Fabio Paolucci from Italy expressed heartfelt compassion for the Israeli people. “It’s really important to me to be in this event just to be a comforter and to embrace my brothers, my sisters of this nation that is suffering,” he told The Media Line. His words echoed the sentiment of unity and support shared by many international attendees.
The event also touched on the recent cease-fire in the region, which attendees described as a step toward peace.
Italian journalist Alessandro Iovino emphasized the need for diplomacy and hope. “Peace must be pursued without harm; diplomatic effort must be made,” he said to The Media Line.
One core topic was Norway’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its perceived shift away from being supportive of Jewish communities. This sparked a broader debate on rising antisemitism in Europe and how attendees aim to combat the phenomenon.
Ants Seiler, a delegate from Estonia, reflected on this challenge, recalling the atrocities of the Holocaust and the Klooga concentration camp. “We all remember Klooga and are very sorry about what happened there. … We ask forgiveness for something like that, and history should not repeat itself. Overall, my Jewish friends do not feel threatened in Estonia, but we never know whether this may change or not,” he told The Media Line.
Daniel Lucero, a delegate from France, expressed concern about increasing antisemitism in his country. “France has become an unsafe place for Jews, and this has been heartbreaking to see,” he said. “We can only advocate to fight this. These are French citizens escaping France due to antisemitism. I am here for this reason, to speak about this issue.”
