At 6:30 a.m. on October 7, 2023, explosions shattered the quiet of Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, beginning hours of fire, killings, and kidnappings that left Israel’s hardest-hit community in ruins.

Ditsa Or, the mother of Avinatan Or, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, delivered a speech at the seventh Christian Media Summit in Jerusalem. Addressing an audience of Christian journalists and media professionals, she shared her personal story of loss, resilience, and unwavering faith in God.

Metula remains a half-empty border town in northern Israel two years after October 7, 2023, but 31-year-old Ortal Israel is among the few who have returned, choosing home, community, and resilience over fear.

The Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains "extremely fragile" despite a declared ceasefire, as the ecumenical organization rushes to provide winter aid and medical care after losing four staff members and multiple facilities to the conflict.

During a panel moderated at the seventh Christian Media Summit, veteran journalists discussed the biblical definition of truth and the unique role of Christian media in combating the "avalanche of lies" following the October 7 attacks.

Featuring Israel’s political, civic, cultural, and religious landscape, the seventh Christian Media Summit was held in Jerusalem from November 2 to 6, 2025, for the first time in person since the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel , on October 7, 2023.

Natalie Anton Nassar, a member of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, shares with China Christian Daily insights into the challenges faced by Bethlehem. She also reflects on her experience in the GETI program and discusses how it fosters hope, unity, and engagement with both local and global ecumenical themes.

In celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, the Great Isaiah Scroll will be displayed in its entirety – a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to view the most complete manuscript of the Bible ever found.

Professor Michel Abs, secretary general of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), shared with China Christian Daily his insights into the work and future vision of the MECC and the situation of the churches in the Middle East. He also reflected on the significance of this conference for the churches in the region and his views on Christian unity.

"Tourism is essentially not a functioning industry anymore," says Israeli tour guide Uri Goldflam, standing outside the Upper Room — the traditional site of Jesus' Last Supper. Once bustling with visitors, the sacred space is now silent.