Israel and Jordan Prepare to Celebrate the Bi-Millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ

(ZENIT News / Jerusalem, 08.10.2026).- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has established a task force to prepare for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, also reported on preparations for the celebrations.

On July 15, Gideon Sa’ar stated: «We believe that the year 2030 will be an opportunity for Christians from around the world to come to the Holy Land, connect with the roots of their faith, and experience the place where the history of Christianity began.» A post by the Ministry on X notes that the task force will help «deepen dialogue with Churches and Christian leaders worldwide and prepare for the arrival of millions of Christian pilgrims.»

The Israeli Ministry’s working group will be led by Ambassador George Deek, Israel’s special envoy to the Christian world. Although the baptismal sites on the Jordan River in Israel attract thousands of Christian pilgrims each year, this initiative represents a broader effort in anticipation of the upcoming celebration.

The countdown to 2030 begins.

Israel is launching preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River — a milestone of profound spiritual significance for more than two billion Christians worldwide.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar has… pic.twitter.com/ve5IpE9c97

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 15, 2026

Gideon Sa’ar stated that «the year 2030 will be a unique milestone for the Christian world, and Israel is already initiating preparations.» An inter-ministerial process involving Government agencies will coordinate preparations to welcome the millions of Christian pilgrims expected to arrive in the Holy Land. He also affirmed that Israel would safeguard freedom of worship and access to holy sites for members of all denominations.

For its part, Jordan is also preparing for the celebrations, as noted by Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who described the anniversary as «a powerful sign of unity for the whole world.» He pointed out that it is not merely «a historic anniversary, but a call to spiritual renewal, to the repentance of hearts, and to the rediscovery of our baptismal identity.»

The Catholic Church views the anniversary as a testament to reconciliation, cooperation, and fraternal love in an era marked by division and suffering.