For many years, ICEJ-Norway has been co-sponsoring the Oslo Symposium, a bi-annual gathering of government, media and community leaders to discuss and debate the nation’s policies, including towards Israel and the Middle East. Our team just co-organised Oslo Symposium 2025 and hosted a special session “Israel, Antisemitism and Democracy”, and we are proud to declare this year’s event the most successful and impactful in the gathering’s history.
Since 2011, the Oslo Symposium has been convened ahead of national election years, held every other year, to bring together voices who champion faith, family values, and freedom. In 2025, this platform was more important than ever, as the relationship between Norway and Israel has reached a critical low point. Israel recently recalled its ambassador from Norway, emphasizing that it was a reaction to Norway’s official policies – not the Norwegian people.
This year’s symposium was a bold and necessary response. With unwavering clarity, speakers addressed the growing tide of antisemitism and misrepresentation of Israel in public discourse. The facts were laid out: Hamas started the war on October 7, 2023. It seeks the destruction of Israel. The war could end instantly if Hamas released the hostages and disarmed. Instead, it has promised to repeat October 7 until Israel is erased.
Against this dark backdrop, the Oslo Symposium 2025 became a powerful declaration of solidarity with the Jewish state and people. One significant development was the relaunch of the Israel Allies Foundation Stortinget, a parliamentary friendship group that will cooperate directly with the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus in Jerusalem. Led in Norway by MP Himanshu Gulati, this group connects Norway to a global network of over 50 such government alliances. From Israel, Knesset Member Shelly Tal Meron and Josh Reinstein, director of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus and president of the Israel Allies Foundation participated.
Throughout the event, hundreds joined in worship, prayer, and conviction, voicing their support for Israel and their stand against antisemitism. For the first time in years, Oslo received positive attention in Israeli media.
Parliamentary elections will be held in September, and we are praying for a change of course. Thus, at Purim the ICEJ-Norway office launched a 100-day prayer campaign ahead of this election.
Taiwan branch opening gates to Asia
Dr. Mojmir Kallus, ICEJ Vice President for International Affairs, recently travelled to Taiwan to visit one of the strongest ICEJ branch offices and a true leader in Asia. During his visit, Mojmir preached in the large Bread of Life Church in Kaohsiung, met pastors from various denominations in Taipei, Taoyuan, Tainan and Kaohsiung, toured the towering 101 skyscraper in Taipei, and visited a successful church which meets in the landmark building.
Taiwan has long been among the top ten financially contributing branches for the ICEJ globally. Donating towards Aliyah is especially popular among Asian believers. ICEJ-Taiwan national director Joseph Chao is a member of the ICEJ’s international Board of Trustees, runs the ICEJ office in his country, and together with his wife Debora also pastors a church in Beijing.
During Mojmir’s visit, strategic discussions were held on how to better promote the ICEJ’s work throughout East Asia, a region with much potential for our ministry. Plans are underway for a special Envision Asia conference in late March 2026 that will serve the whole East Asian and Pacific Rim region, location to be announced soon.
German branch publishes booklet to fight Antisemitism
By Karen Lorenz
ICEJ-Germany recently published a booklet to combat Antisemitism, provocatively titled “Nothing against Jews, but”, which is being widely distributed and has become a bestseller. An initial print run of 250,000 copies will soon run out as demand has grown for the booklet, which provides background information and tips for acting against hatred of Jews. It is being distributed to home groups, schools, churches, rallies and other community gatherings.
Eighty years after the Holocaust, antisemitism is once again parading in the streets and universities of Germany. The booklet thus deals not only with the historical hatred of Jews, but above all with current antisemitism, which is often disguised as criticism of Israel. It also sheds light on Replacement and Disinheritance theology still found in many Christian circles today.
Last year, the German branch also published a booklet on “Israel in Fact Check” which explained false narratives and slogans against Israel. It was printed over half a million times and is now available in English free of charge from ICEJ-Germany. For either booklet, simply contact the German branch at [email protected]
Regional conference in the Balkans
In March, a regional conference for Southeastern Europe was held in Sofia, Bulgaria. Participants from the host country, Czech Republic, Slovakia, North Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina were present and shared their experience in implementing the ICEJ’s vision in their countries. Most participants are rather new additions to our global network, with Bosnia-Herzegovina being the latest one, where Branko Erceg was confirmed as the national representative. The Balkan conference coincided with the anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews in 1943, a source of pride for Bulgarians. Bulgaria had been an ally of the Nazis in WWII but when secret plans for the deportation of Jews were leaked, the country stood up against them in a remarkable show of unity. The King, the Orthodox archbishop, intellectuals from all walks of life as well as simple people all opposed the deportations and thus saved over 48,000 Bulgarian Jews. The unique act of bravery has positively influenced attitudes to Jews and Israel until this day.
ICEJ-Costa Rica unites with ministries to support Israel
ICEJ-Costa Rica, led by Mauricio Bolaños Barrantes, recently joined with other Christian pro-Israel ministries to form a national umbrella dedicated to supporting Israel in more consistent and organised ways, including by prayer, rallies and education. The group also met with Israeli Consul Amir Rockman to schedule joint activities, combat antisemitism, advocate for the release of the hostages in Gaza, and mobilise more people to stand with Israel in the media, social networks and other channels.
Main photo: ICEJ-France national directors Robert and Kathryn Baxter recently visited Jerusalem headquarters with a French tour group.
