The ancient streets of Jerusalem are once again alive with the sound of celebration, as thousands of Christians from across the globe gather to mark the Jewish festival of Sukkot. This year’s festivities, however, come at a pivotal moment in the relationship between Israel and its Christian allies, as both sides reflect on the enduring bonds—and emerging challenges—that define their partnership in 2025.
On October 5, the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF) unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 list of the Top 50 Christian Allies of Israel, a roster that reads like a who’s who of faith leaders, media figures, and activists whose work has shaped global support for the Jewish state. Released each year in conjunction with Sukkot, the list highlights individuals and organizations “committed to standing with Israel during these critical times,” according to the IAF. The timing is no accident: Sukkot, which began this year on the evening of October 6, has become a magnet for Christian pilgrims, many of whom see their solidarity as a living expression of biblical prophecy.
Topping the IAF’s list for the second time is Pastor Paula White-Cain, a familiar figure to many as the White House Faith Office leader and spiritual adviser to former President Donald Trump. The IAF praised White-Cain as “a steadfast advocate for Israel,” noting her pivotal role in “strengthening the spiritual and diplomatic bond between the United States and Israel.” White-Cain has long championed what she calls the “biblical mandate” to bless and defend Israel, often delivering messages of prayer and encouragement at major faith gatherings worldwide.
But the 2025 list is also marked by loss. Ranked second is Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative activist, who was shot and killed in September during an event at Utah Valley University. Kirk’s posthumous recognition, the IAF said, honors “a vocal and passionate supporter of Israel” whose advocacy inspired a new generation of pro-Israel activists. As reported by Breitbart News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Kirk “a lion-hearted friend of Israel who fought for Judeo-Christian values.”
The list’s breadth speaks to the diversity of Israel’s Christian supporters. Among this year’s honorees: Rev. Johnnie Moore, director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation; world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, lauded for funding emergency aid after the October 7 attacks; Daystar Television founder Joni Lamb; Pastor Jentezen Franklin, recognized for leading humanitarian relief for Israeli communities; Fox News host Sean Hannity; Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy; CPAC Hungary Director Miklós Szánthó; actor and producer Kelsey Grammer; and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. Each, the IAF says, has played a crucial role in “mobilizing global support for Israel, especially in the face of rising antisemitism and international criticism.”
“This year’s list reflects the extraordinary commitment of Christian leaders who have stood with Israel, particularly during the challenges of the past two years,” IAF President Josh Reinstein told Breitbart News. “Their support is a testament to the enduring bond between the Christian and Jewish communities, rooted in shared Judeo-Christian values.”
Yet, as the celebrations in Jerusalem reach their peak, a note of caution is being sounded by some of Israel’s most dedicated Christian friends. Pastor Robert Stearns, founder of the Eagles’ Wings organization, has spent more than three decades bringing Christian leaders to Israel—over 35,000 in all, many of whom return with their own delegations, creating what he describes as “an exponential effect in global Christian support for Israel.” This year, Stearns led a delegation of 220 pro-Israel Christian leaders, including dozens of artists and influencers whose combined social media reach tops 300 million followers. Their visit culminated in a massive event at the City of David, broadcast to 175 countries in what organizers called one of the most significant displays of Christian solidarity with Israel to date, as reported by Israel Hayom.
Despite these impressive numbers, Stearns warns that the future of evangelical support for Israel is far from guaranteed. “I would tell the Israeli government that the evangelical friendship with Israel is not guaranteed,” Stearns told Israel Hayom. “It’s a blessing that must be renewed in every generation. We need resources and educational initiatives to keep this bond strong—without them, I’m deeply worried about what the future may hold for both our communities.”
Stearns’ message is clear: Israel must invest in building relationships and create programs that encourage and develop ties with the global Christian community. He called for the Foreign Ministry, embassies, and consulates to take a more active role in educating people about Christian Zionism and helping them understand it at the local level. “In the past, evangelical support was seen as something nice, ‘our friendly Christian allies.’ But now we need to work on the difficult issues, and we must stand united in how we address them,” Stearns said.
The concern is especially acute when it comes to younger generations. Stearns pointed to a growing trend among millennials and Generation Z, who increasingly view the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of “social justice” and the narrative of “the oppressed and the oppressors.” In this framework, he explained, “Israel can appear from afar as Goliath, while the Palestinians are seen as David.” What was once a consensus among evangelicals—strong, unwavering support for Israel—is no longer a given. “Things are changing,” Stearns said. “But we are here to ensure that Israel remains the center.”
He also described the current geopolitical landscape as a struggle between “a dangerous alliance between radical Marxism and extremist Islam” and what he called “a righteous alliance between the Jewish and Christian communities to uphold the values of Western civilization.” For Stearns, the stakes could hardly be higher. “Israel stands at the forefront of that struggle,” he insisted.
Importantly, Stearns emphasized that evangelicals are not in Israel to deceive or convert Jews. “We are here to stand with Israel and the Jewish people. It is a hand of friendship extended to you,” he said, hoping to dispel lingering suspicions that sometimes cloud the relationship.
The IAF, for its part, continues to expand its reach, now coordinating 62 caucuses representing more than 1,600 legislators worldwide, all dedicated to strengthening Israel’s global alliances through faith-based diplomacy. While the Top 50 list excludes currently serving politicians, the IAF announced that its 2025 Israel Allies Lifetime Achievement Award will go to President Donald J. Trump at a December gala in Washington, DC, citing his leadership in advancing Israel’s security and the Abraham Accords.
As Sukkot draws thousands to Jerusalem’s streets and Christian leaders renew their vows of solidarity, the relationship between Israel and its Christian allies stands at a crossroads—buoyed by decades of friendship, but facing new generational and geopolitical headwinds. Whether these bonds endure will depend, as Stearns and others warn, not just on shared faith and values, but on continued investment, dialogue, and a willingness to meet the challenges of a changing world together.
