(IsraelNN.com) Tens of thousands of Christians, along with Jews, marched in the annual Sukkot parade in Jerusalem Tuesday, despite the threat of Arab riots, protected by thousands of policemen. No incidents were reported, although Arabs rioted in eastern Jerusalem.

Christians interviewed by Israel National News TV repeatedly said how much they “love” Israel. “Praise the L-rd and thank the Israeli people for all they do; we love them," said one man with a distinct drawl.

“We want you to know we are standing with you; we bless you and love you,” said another. One marcher from Europe commented, “I come from Austria and we want to show our solidarity for Israel.”

Several Englishwomen draped an American flag over their entire bodies during the march from the area of the Knesset to the Old City, which the Palestinian Authority is demanding as the capital of a new Arab country within Israel’s current borders.

One delegation beat drums for Israel while Asians sang the Hebrew song Shalom Aleichem. Other Christians wore T-shirts stating, “Prepare the Way for the King of Glory,” a proclamation that is typical of those that worry rabbis.

Christian fundamentalists’ support of a Jewish presence in all of Judea and Samaria often is met with skepticism by Jewish activists and rabbis, who fear that their real aim is to convert Jews.

The annual Sukkot march is organized by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem and marks the Biblical passages read in synagogues on Sukkot, which state that all nations will gather in Jerusalem.

The ICEJ promotional material sent to prospective participants in the 2009 event says, "We believe that celebrating the Feast each year honors the Lord in anticipation of the fulfillment of the words spoken by Zechariah (14:16) when 'the nations... shall come up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to  

                                                                               keep the Feast of Tabernacles'."

Despite the Chief Rabbinate's opposition, Chief Rabbi of Efrat Shlomo Riskin, a former American, participated in events sponsored by the Christians.

Pictures: Flash 90