Over 6,000 Christians from more than 90 nations are in Jerusalem for Sukkot.
The pilgrims are taking part this week in the 28th annual Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
The Sukkot gathering is the largest annual tourism event in Israel this year and is expected to infuse some $15 million to $18 million into the local economy, accounting for more than 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, particularly during the hugely popular Jerusalem March,” said the Rev. Malcolm Hedding, the ICEJ executive director.
The Chief Rabbinate has ruled that Jews should not participate in the annual Jerusalem March or any feast events at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem out of concerns that some Christians involved may engage in proselytizing.
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