More than 1,000 Christian leaders and influencers from 117 countries are expected in Israel this week for the second Friends of Zion Ambassador Summit, with Miss Universe Israel 2025 Melanie Shiraz joining a program marking the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, organizers said.
The summit, organized by Friends of Zion in cooperation with Israel’s Foreign Ministry, is scheduled to open formally on Tuesday, October 6, on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar taking part.
Participants will meet released hostages, bereaved families and survivors of the Nova music festival massacre during a week of events intended to strengthen ties between Israel and Christian communities abroad.
Shiraz, who began advocating for Israel while studying at the University of California, Berkeley, described personal encounters with Israelis as central to that effort.
“When people meet Israelis, hear our stories and experience this country for themselves, Israel stops being an abstract headline and becomes something deeply personal,” she said in remarks released ahead of the summit.
Melanie Shiraz, Miss Israel. (credit: Courtesy)Christians coming to listen, to witness, and to experience Israel
“They are coming to listen, to witness, to meet Israelis and to experience this country for themselves.”
According to organizers, approximately 200 participants are Christians aged 18 to 29. Shiraz said their participation was particularly significant given the role of social media in shaping young people’s views of Israel.
“This is the generation forming its understanding of Israel right now, often through social media, where the loudest or most viral narrative can easily become the dominant one,” she said.
“Giving young people the opportunity to come here, meet Israelis, experience the country for themselves and form their own opinions is incredibly powerful.”
Friends of Zion founder Mike Evans initiated the summit, which brought approximately 1,000 Christian leaders to Israel last year, according to the organization.
This year’s program includes English-speaking journalists and media personalities, alongside Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking influencer delegations. Announced participants include Australian broadcaster Erin Molan, actor Nate Buzolic, Oli London, Zack Sage Fox, Hooman Khalili, Erick Stakelbeck and Joel Pollak.
Evans said the meetings with Israelis affected by the attacks were intended to give participants accounts they could share with audiences in their home countries.
Main event scheduled in Jerusalem with approx. 2,000 attendees
“They will meet released hostages, bereaved families, Nova survivors and wounded Israelis,” he said. “They will visit the places where history was made and hear directly from the people who experienced it.”
The main anniversary event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, in Jerusalem, where organizers expect approximately 2,000 people to attend a solidarity gathering hosted by Molan and Buzolic.
Released hostages Agam Berger, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Bar Kupershtein and Evyatar David are among those scheduled to participate, alongside bereaved families, wounded Israelis, diplomats and Jewish and Christian leaders.
Sylvan Adams, president of the World Jewish Congress’s Israel Region, is a partner in the event and is expected to attend. Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and president of Eagles’ Wings, is also scheduled to participate with a delegation of approximately 550 Christian leaders, organizers said.
Organizers said dozens of television networks and stations would broadcast the event, with a target audience of at least 100 million people worldwide.
On Thursday, October 8, summit participants are scheduled to visit the Nova festival site near Kibbutz Re’im in southern Israel. The program includes meetings with released hostages Romi Gonen, Elkana Bohbot and Noa Argamani, as well as members of the Nova community and bereaved families.
A prayer gathering at the ancient site of Shiloh in the West Bank is planned for Friday, October 9. The broader itinerary includes meetings with Israeli officials, diplomats, Holocaust survivors and families affected by the attacks.
Shiraz said the presence of Christian visitors during the anniversary week carried a particular message for Israelis.
“We are remembering the people we lost, the families whose lives were changed forever, and the courage and resilience we have witnessed since October 7,” she said. “To have 1,000 Christian leaders choose to come here, in person, during such a meaningful week sends a powerful message to Israelis: you are not alone.”