With Anti-Semitism Rising, Hundreds of Christians March in Support of Israel

On Sunday, June 1, nearly 400 Christians led by Eagles’ Wings gathered from across the East Coast to march alongside over 35,000 participants in the 50th annual Celebrate Israel Parade in New York City. This is the third year in its history that Christians were invited to march alongside their Jewish brothers and sisters in unity and celebration.

Representing the sole Christian group that has participated in one of New York’s largest parades, Eagles’ Wings mobilized Christians from dozens of churches all over the tri-state area, as far away as Buffalo, New York.

Eagles’ Wings Executive Director Robert Stearns led the way and later spoke on the significance of Christians marching in the parade’s 50th year.

“We were blessed as Americans to be able to participate in this historic event and demonstrate our support for the state of Israel and the values our two nations share,” he said.

Singing, dancing and waving hundreds of blue and white flags, this energetic group demonstrated their support and love for the people of Israel. The Eagles’ Wings group of marchers handed out flags and touched the hearts of many of the hundreds of thousands of parade spectators.

Michael Miller, executive director of the parade sponsor, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), commented: “The partnership that we have with Eagles’ Wings is very important to us. The brotherhood we share is so significant and meaningful to us. Watching your group march up 5th Avenue is incredibly heartwarming!”

When asked why Christians ought to stand with Israel, Stearns replied, “With the rise of extremism of many forms, and specifically anti-Semitism rising around the world, it is becoming more and more necessary for those who value basic human rights stand alongside the democratic State of Israel, a place of tolerance and religious freedom.”