Evangelical leaders and Israeli officials gathered in Jerusalem to mark Israel’s 78th Independence Day, with speakers emphasizing continued U.S. support for Israel and highlighting the political influence of evangelical Christians.
The event was hosted by Mike Evans, an American evangelical activist and founder of the Friends of Zion Heritage Center in Jerusalem. Attendees included Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana — the presiding officer of Israel’s parliament — as well as diplomats, Foreign Ministry representatives, business leaders and public figures, including Israeli Arab advocate Yoseph Haddad and actor Nate Buzolic. Former hostages and Holocaust survivors were also present.
The event was broadcast internationally and included messages from evangelical leaders worldwide who expressed support for Israel and called on President Donald Trump to maintain his backing of the country.
Evans said evangelical Christians play a key political role in the United States and continue to advocate for pro-Israel policies. “Evangelicals are the ones who elected President Trump, and we are the ones who stand with Israel,” he said. He added that the community would continue to press Trump to act on Israel’s behalf.
Evans also referred to media commentator Tucker Carlson, saying evangelicals were responsible for encouraging Trump’s support for Israel.
In parallel with the event, Evans launched a nationwide billboard campaign across Israel featuring Trump’s image alongside the slogan “The Deliverer.” The billboards have been placed in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and other major cities.
Evans said the campaign was intended to express appreciation for Trump’s support of Israel and to encourage continued backing. He described Trump as a strong supporter of Israel who has acted despite political pressure.
The campaign is part of a series of similar initiatives organized by Evans and the Friends of Zion movement in recent years. Previous efforts have included nationwide billboard campaigns with messages referencing U.S.-Israel relations and biblical themes, as well as events bringing evangelical leaders to Israel.
Organizers said Evans has led multiple international campaigns since 2024, including gatherings following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. Those events brought together evangelical leaders representing large global constituencies and were broadcast internationally.
Evans has also organized delegations of Christian leaders to Israel in coordination with Israeli officials. In December 2025, more than 1,000 Christian leaders and influencers visited Israel as part of a program developed with the Foreign Ministry, according to organizers.
In 2017, Evans presented Trump with the Friends of Zion Award during a ceremony at the White House. The award, established by former Israeli President Shimon Peres, has been given to dozens of international leaders.
Evans is an author and longtime evangelical activist known for his advocacy on Israel-related issues. He has written numerous books and leads organizations focused on mobilizing Christian support for Israel worldwide.