Over 4,375 churches, synagogues, and organizations in 13 countries worldwide to plant more than 5.2 million flags & stand in prayer, remembrance and solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people throughout October

CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) announced today that participation in its annual October 7 remembrance movement, Flags of Fellowship (FOF), has more than doubled since 2025, with more than 4,375 churches, synagogues, universities, and organizations worldwide set to mark the third anniversary of the attacks. In total, more than 5.2 million flags will be planted globally as part of the third annual campaign.

From October 2-11 and throughout the month of October, participating organizations will display fields of 1,200 mini Israeli flags and hold special FOF events, worship services, and community gatherings to visually and vocally demonstrate their support for Israel during this time of unprecedented anti-Semitism worldwide.

10 leading evangelical churches across Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Virginia will serve as flagship churches for this year’s FOF events, with some locations hosting special guest speakers including local dignitaries and October 7 survivors at their events.

Flags of Fellowship has also expanded significantly beyond the U.S. and Canada this year, with more than 1,775 international churches and organizations participating from 11 countries, including Australia, England, Kenya, South Africa, India, the UAE, and more.

“While much attention has been given since October 7 to stories of division and hatred, a different story—one of friendship between Christians and Jews—is being written in churches and homes across America and the world through Flags of Fellowship,” said Yael Eckstein, President and Global CEO of The Fellowship.

The movement began in 2024 with more than 220 participating organizations, and grew to more than 1,300 participants last year.

“When a church plants an Israeli flag, it is not making a political statement, it is making a spiritual one—a declaration of friendship, remembrance, and faithfulness to those who are hurting,” Eckstein added. “That is what I hope people see when they look at Flags of Fellowship—not simply flags, but friendship. Not simply remembrance, but solidarity. Because we know that together, we can transform mourning into meaning, and loss into lasting light.”

A key driver of the campaign’s international growth is its new hub model, through which leading churches serve as regional distribution centers and equip churches in their networks with flags and campaign materials. Hubs in Colombia, Mexico, and Guatemala alone represent approximately 1,050 participating churches.

In Colombia, approximately 1,000 churches across eight major cities are expected to display more than 1.2 million Israeli flags in October as part of Flags of Fellowship.

“Colombia is a nation of faith, and our churches have a deep desire to support Israel and the Jewish people,” said César Fernández, a Fellowship Ambassador Pastor. “We believe that the Colombian Church has a unique voice and a significant role to play in strengthening this bridge of friendship between Christians and Jews, and we’re proud and excited to see Colombia take its place in this global movement of Flags of Fellowship.”

Since October 7, 2023, The Fellowship has committed $432 million in aid to Israel to meet emergency needs while continuing its core humanitarian programs, including emergency food and water, equipment for first responders and security personnel, support for olim making aliyah, and aid to vulnerable populations affected by the war and ongoing conflict.

For more information, or to learn how to participate in Flags of Fellowship in 2027, visit www.ifcj.org/FOF.

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
For more than 40 years, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has been the leading nonprofit building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. In 2025, The Fellowship helped more than 2 million people living in poverty, helped thousands make aliyah back to their homeland, Israel, and helped strengthen Israel’s security infrastructure. To learn more about The Fellowship’s work, visit www.ifcj.org.

About Yael Eckstein
Yael Eckstein is President and Global CEO of The Fellowship, one of the world’s largest religious charitable organizations, and is a respected Jewish leader, speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning podcast host and humanitarian. A 2025 ‘Pillars of Jerusalem’ award recipient for her exceptional contributions to Israel’s public diplomacy, and The Jerusalem Post’s 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, Yael is a Chicago-area native based in Israel with her husband and their four children.

Media Contact: press@ifcj.org

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SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews