In response to the growing criticism directed at Israel in North America and Europe, more than 550 prominent Christian leaders gathered in Jerusalem to express their solidarity. Among the key figures was Bishop Dr. David A. Sobrepeña, a leading pastor from the Philippines who heads a significant evangelical community known as Word of Hope Christian Ministries. This faith-based organization comprises 43 satellite churches and hosts approximately 70 services each Sunday across Manila. Bishop Sobrepeña articulated the deep significance of the event for Filipino Christians, stating that their journey to Jerusalem is not only about prayer but also about carrying the stories of Israel back to their communities.
The Eagles’ Wings Delegation in Jerusalem
The recent gathering was part of a 10-day Eagles’ Wings delegation, organized in collaboration with Bishop Sterns and Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants hailed from 51 countries and coincided with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, marking the third anniversary of the October 7th attack. This event sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the Israel discourse: the active engagement and mobilization of Christian communities, particularly in Asia and the Global South, in support of Israel. As Western perspectives often lean towards criticism, these congregations stand as a counter-narrative, showcasing global Christian solidarity with the Jewish state.
Rising Antisemitism in the West
The current climate surrounding Israel is marked by a troubling increase in antisemitism, often intertwined with anti-Israel sentiments. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), North America saw a staggering 6,274 antisemitic events in 2025 alone. On university campuses, the Hillel organization reported 2,334 incidents during the 2024-2025 academic year, highlighting a record high for antisemitic acts. In Western Europe, the Community Security Trust (CST) reported 3,700 antisemitic incidents in Britain, making it the second-highest annual total on record. In France, authorities described the number of antisemitic acts as “historically high,” with 1,320 reported incidents in 2025.
Strong Support from Asian Evangelicals
In stark contrast to the rising tensions in the West, several educated Asian evangelical communities actively support Israel, forming a crucial backbone for its advocacy in the region. South Korea boasts nearly 9 million evangelical and Pentecostal Christians, many of whom display the Israeli flag at rallies. Approximately 8% of Singapore’s population is involved in influential evangelical megachurches, fostering a robust network dedicated to pro-Israel initiatives. In the Philippines, home to an estimated 13 million evangelical believers, a Pew survey revealed that 67% of respondents expressed sympathy for Israel, illustrating a significant commitment to the Jewish state among Filipino Pentecostals.
The Role of Eagles’ Wings in Advocacy
For over three decades, Eagles’ Wings has worked to connect evangelical Christians worldwide with Israel, fostering understanding and solidarity. Founded by Bishop Robert Stearns—an outspoken supporter of Israel—the organization has facilitated the travel of over 25,000 Christians to the Holy Land while conducting educational tours for global pastoral leaders. One of the notable events during this year’s delegation was “Awake Jerusalem at the Tower of David,” held on October 3, which featured Christian leaders from 51 nations and was broadcast by Daystar Television Network.
The ongoing challenges Israel faces extend beyond mere diplomacy; as international relations become increasingly complex, building alliances with Asian and Global South nations may hold critical strategic importance. The convergence of 550 Christian leaders from diverse backgrounds signals a transformative shift in the conversation surrounding Israel. These prominent religious groups have the potential to influence public opinion and discourse within their societies, thereby fostering non-traditional alliances and paving new pathways for diplomatic relations based on mutual cultural, religious, and interpersonal ties.