Israel forms task force for 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' baptism in 2030
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced a task force, led by Ambassador George Deek, to organize the 2030 celebrations marking 2,000 years since the baptism of Jesus and to prepare for millions of Christian pilgrims
On August 10, 2026, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced the creation of a task force to organize celebrations in 2030 marking 2,000 years since the baptism of Jesus Christ. The group will be led by Ambassador George Deek, Israel's special envoy to the Christian world. The aim is to make it easier for millions of Christian pilgrims to reach the Holy Land, a place of great spiritual significance for more than 2 billion believers.
Sa'ar said 2030 will be a unique opportunity for Christians from around the world to visit the holy sites and connect with the roots of their faith. The Foreign Ministry said the task force will work to "deepen dialogue with churches and Christian leaders around the world" and prepare to receive pilgrims.
Sa'ar also said an interministerial process will coordinate the work of different government bodies, and that freedom of worship and access to the holy sites will be safeguarded for all the faithful, whatever their denomination.
The Catholic Church's view
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, whose patriarchate also covers Jordan, said the anniversary is not only a historic event but "a powerful sign of unity for the whole world." He said it is a "call to spiritual renewal, to repentance of hearts and to the rediscovery of our baptismal identity."
The Catholic Church has presented the anniversary as an opportunity to promote reconciliation, cooperation and fraternal love. The baptism sites on the Jordan River already draw thousands of Christian pilgrims each year.
