4,000 churches and others join 'Flags of Fellowship' event to combat anti-Semitism

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, or IFCJ, announced Friday that participation in its annual remembrance of the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks against Israel has more than doubled since last year. The Flags of Fellowship event, or FOF, was created as an effort to combat anti-Semitism, according to the IFCJ. The event involves the planting of Israeli flags to remember victims of the attacks.

This year, more than 4,000 churches, synagogues, universities, and organizations worldwide are marking the third anniversary of the attacks, the organization said. In total, more than 5.2 million flags will be planted globally as part of the third annual campaign. The movement began in 2024 with more than 220 participating organizations, and grew to more than 1,300 participants last year.

What are the FOF events? From Oct. 2-11 and throughout the month of October, these organizations will display fields of 1,200 mini Israeli flags. They will hold special FOF events, worship services, and community gatherings to visually and vocally demonstrate their support for Israel during a time of unprecedented anti-Semitism worldwide, according to the IFCJ.

Ten evangelical churches across America will serve as flagship churches for this year’s FOF events. They will host guest speakers including local dignitaries and Oct. 7 survivors at their events. Using this hub model, the IFCJ has expanded internationally with more than 1,700 international churches and organizations participating from 12 countries.

What is the purpose of the events? IFCJ President and Global CEO Yael Eckstein denied that the flags represented a political statement, characterizing it instead as a spiritual declaration of friendship and solidarity with the Jewish people.

Since October 7, 2023, the IFCJ has committed $432 million in aid to Israel to meet emergency needs to vulnerable populations affected by the war and ongoing conflict, according to its website.