Thousands of people lined Manhattan’s world-famous Fifth Avenue to cheer on the marchers for the Celebrate Israel Parade, one of the largest parades of its kind in the world. History was made this year, as for the first time in its 48-year history a Christian group - Eagles' Wings - was invited to march in the parade.
Some of the Jewish participants were brought to tears and cheers when they realized that Christians were marching with them in faith and celebration. I was blessed to lead this group of Christians in the parade, standing with our Jewish brothers and sisters, and let them know they will never be alone. I know this was the expression of many other Christians who marched in the parade.
Anthony DeGuerre, a participant in the parade, gave an apt response when asked by a local Jewish TV station why he was participating. He answered, “The Jewish faith is the foundation of my Christian faith. I stand with Israel because of God’s enduring covenants with the people and the land.”
The theme of the Christian float in the parade was “Israel: God’s ‘Grape’ Promise Fulfilled!”, taken from Amos 9:14, “I will bring back the captives of My people Israel . . . they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them.” Christians carried large fruit cutouts, fruit balloons, and balloons arranged into large grape clusters carried on poles between two people. Take a look as we made history. . .
Click below to watch a brief highlight video from the parade!