JERUSALEM (AFP) — Thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the globe took to the streets of Jerusalem on Wednesday, singing hymns and swaying in the autumn sunlight in a colourful parade of support for Israel.
The Papua New Guinea delegation shimmied down the parade route in traditional grass skirts and body paint, the Singapore delegation delicately waved colourful banners, and the Malaysians rolled a giant pomegranate statue through the heart of the Holy City.
About 3,000 people took part in the festive march, in a sea of flags from Israel and around the world that passed through streets lined with spectators and security guards.
Many said the annual pilgrimage, organised by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), represented a fulfilment of a Biblical prophesy that all nations would gather in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles.
This year's gathering attracted attention to Iran, which Israel considers a potential threat to its existence because of Tehran's accelerating nuclear enrichment programme and the hardline rhetoric of its leaders.
"We understand the threat that is out there, and we say we are with Israel," said Mike Kerry, a pastor from Manchester, England, clad in a jumpsuit made of Union Jacks with an Israeli flag dangling from his cap.
"I believe (Iranian President Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad is as much of a threat as Adolf Hitler," said Kerry, who came on a pilgrimage marking the eight-day Biblical celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, known to Jews as Sukkot.
Most of those gathered were Evangelical Christians whose bond with Israel is rooted in their shared biblical covenant between God and Abraham, said David Parsons, a spokesman for the ICEJ.
"Because of the unique and tragic history of Christian anti-Semitism, particularly in Europe ... Christians have a profound sense of a moral duty to speak out whenever the Jewish people are threatened," said Parsons.
Tehran insists its nuclear programme in entirely peaceful, but senior Iranian leaders, including Ahmadinejad, have repeatedly predicted the demise of the Jewish state.
On Thursday, the ICEJ plans to announce a new Christian-Jewish coalition to pursue charges against Ahmadinejad at The Hague for incitement to genocide.
Australia, however, said on Wednesday that on the basis of legal advice it has dropped moves to take Ahmadinejad to the International Court of Justice over his comments.
Most of those gathered for the Jerusalem parade felt that the same prophecy that had led them to the city also foretold Israel's survival.
"She is not in danger because the God of Israel is stronger than her enemies," said Mosy Madugba, who had come from Port Harcourt, Nigeria. "But we know she appreciates the love and encouragement from other nations."
Israelis lining the street swayed and clapped to the music, many of them surprised to see so many visitors from so many different countries.
"Did you see the number of Brazilians here? That whole country must be empty," said Richard Hirschhorn as he watched from the sidewalk.
But the 76-year-old retiree downplayed the political implications. "I don't think this has anything to do with safety and security. There are other things more important than that, like living life and enjoying people."
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