By Christians and Jews United for Israel
As the sun sets this evening, Jewish families across the world will gather beneath the leafy roofs of their sukkahs — temporary shelters that recall the faithfulness of God during Israel’s 40-year journey through the wilderness. Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is one of the most joyous festivals in the Hebrew calendar — a celebration of harvest, of divine provision, and of the covenant that binds God and His people.
But Sukkot is also a reminder that joy and remembrance often walk hand in hand.
For Christians, the Feast of Tabernacles holds profound prophetic meaning. The prophet Zechariah foretold that “all nations… shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths” (Zechariah 14:16). In that vision, Sukkot becomes a festival not just for Israel, but for all peoples — a time when the nations join together in worship of the one true God. It is in that spirit of unity and reverence that we, Christians and Jews United for Israel, extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyous Sukkot — Chag Sukkot Sameach!
This year, however, as we wave the lulav and etrog and dwell in the sukkah, we cannot ignore the shadow that still lingers from two years ago.
On October 7, 2023 — the very day that should have been filled with dancing, prayer, and singing for Simchat Torah — Hamas terrorists launched a barbaric attack on the people of Israel. In a day of unspeakable cruelty, 1,200 innocent lives were taken, thousands wounded, and more than 250 hostages abducted into Gaza. It was, by design, an assault not only on Israel’s people but on the very joy and holiness of one of Judaism’s most sacred festivals.
And yet, Israel endures.
Two years later, the Israeli Defense Forces have made significant strides in dismantling Hamas’ terror infrastructure and ensuring that such an atrocity can never happen again. But even as Israel celebrates this season of divine protection, our hearts remain heavy for the 48 hostages still held in Gaza — men, women, and children whose fate remains uncertain. Around 20 of them are believed to still be alive. Their families, and the nation of Israel, continue to wait, to pray, and to hope.
So this Sukkot, as we remember God’s faithfulness to His people in the wilderness, let us also remember His faithfulness to Israel today. Let every sukkah built and every prayer spoken be a declaration that darkness will not overcome light, that hate will not erase hope, and that terror will never extinguish joy.
May the same God who sustained the Israelites under the fragile roof of the sukkah sustain the people of Israel under the canopy of His protection today. And may He bring home every hostage — alive and safe — from Gaza.
From all of us at Christians and Jews United for Israel:
May your Sukkot overflow with joy, gratitude, and unshakable faith.
Chag Sameach!