(Fiona M. Donnelly / Shutterstock.com)
A unique delegation of about 60 Indigenous leaders from across the globe gathered at Jerusalem’s Western Wall Plaza on Monday to show their unwavering support for Israel. The Times of Israel reported that the group, many dressed in vibrant traditional attire from various Indigenous cultures, marched from Jaffa Gate to the Western Wall, weaving through the Old City's narrow alleys. Beaded headbands, feathered headdresses, embroidered shawls, and woven textiles added striking color against Jerusalem’s gray limestone.
Show of unity and solidarity
In a powerful show of unity, the delegation not only expressed their support for Israel but also conveyed a significant message: Jews are the Indigenous people of the Land of Israel. “We wanted to show our support for the Jews as Indigenous people of this land,” Sheree Trotter, co-director of the Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem (IEJ) explained to the Times of Israel. Trotter, a Maori scholar and activist, emphasized the importance of correcting the prevalent narrative that paints Jews as foreign colonizers, especially in the Western world. “There is a false narrative that has taken hold, including in my own country of New Zealand,” she said.
Deeply rooted in faith
The march, organized by the IEJ, was a visual and symbolic expression of solidarity, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict. While many waved Israeli flags, others displayed symbols of their own Indigenous heritage. “The majority of participants are Christian, and that commitment to this place is deeply rooted in their faith,” Trotter explained.
As the delegation arrived at the Western Wall, many worshipers and IDF soldiers joined in the celebration, some taking photos with the visitors and others singing Jewish songs like “Hava Nagila” and “Jerusalem of Gold.” For many participants, this was more than just a physical journey—it was a deep public expression of their kinship with the Jewish people and their Zionism, despite the risk of backlash in their own communities.
Among the leaders, Harvey Yesno, Grand Chief of the Ojibwe tribe from Canada, shared his desire to establish permanent representation for Indigenous people in Jerusalem. “We have the same fight in our lands,” he said, noting the parallels between the efforts to delegitimize Israel and the struggles faced by his people. “Israel is Indigenous to this land. History proves it.”
Semesi Naciqa, a tribal leader from Fiji, echoed this sentiment. “We believe that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has given this eternal land to Israel. The Israeli people have a right to be here, and they are Indigenous, just like us,” he affirmed.
Academic symposium to counter false narratives
In addition to the march, the IEJ held an academic symposium at the Bible Lands Museum the following day, where scholars presented research to counter the false narratives surrounding Israel. Trotter, who has a PhD in the history of Zionism in New Zealand, explained that the goal was to use academic tools to challenge the delegitimization of Israel. "We want to build a body of material that speaks back to those false narratives," she said.
Through their solidarity, these Indigenous leaders not only affirmed their support for Israel but also highlighted the importance of reclaiming historical truths, advocating for Indigenous peoples, and fostering a more balanced narrative in global discourse.
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