Hosted by Israel’s Government Press Office along with the Foreign Ministry and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), the gathering drew more than 150 Christian communicators representing over 40 nations. The goal, according to organizers, was straightforward yet ambitious: give faith-driven journalists the tools to separate fact from fiction, strengthen solidarity with the Jewish people, and push back against a worrying rise in antisemitism and media manipulation.

The program blended spiritual purpose with journalistic mission. Delegates traveled to the Western Negev, Judea and Samaria, and sacred sites across Jerusalem — not simply for tours, but to witness the realities that too often get reduced to headlines, hashtags, or political talking points.

Though rooted in faith, the summit leaned heavily into the responsibilities of the modern information age: report ethically, communicate clearly, and refuse to let propaganda or prejudice dictate the narrative. Speaker after speaker returned to the same theme — moral clarity is not just compatible with journalism; it is essential to it.

One of the most powerful moments came from IFCJ President and CEO Yael Eckstein. Reflecting on her daughter’s recent enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces, she described it as her family’s “Hineni moment,” invoking the biblical phrase meaning “Here I am.” Her challenge to the gathered media leaders was unmistakable: step forward when it matters, speak truth when it costs something, and choose courage over convenience.

Israeli officials echoed the urgency of that call. Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli stressed that the fight against extremism is a shared battle, one that transcends borders and demands joint moral defense. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel praised the journalists in attendance for their role in keeping facts alive in the face of relentless hostility.

Conversations throughout the summit highlighted a growing movement among Christian communicators: don’t rely on secondhand summaries — go, witness, and report with integrity. That approach is reclaiming ground in a media environment where viral content often outpaces verification.

The annual Pillars of Jerusalem Award spotlighted individuals and organizations who have stood firm in defending truth against disinformation campaigns. For many, combating digital falsehoods is more than a career — it’s a calling grounded in biblical conviction.

What unfolded in Jerusalem was not a rally to push one narrative over another. It was a reminder that honest storytelling can still be an act of faith — and a force for good. At its heart, the summit issued a challenge to anyone with a platform: wield influence responsibly, resist lazy narratives, and remain anchored in truth even when the world grows cynical.

As one participant put it, truth may be battered, but it is far from defeated. And in Jerusalem this year, its defenders stood shoulder to shoulder — armed with cameras, not weapons; committed to facts, not agendas.

At a time when misinformation becomes a weapon, the summit’s message remains simple and steady: when faith and facts move together, truth still has a fighting chance.