Tens of thousands of Israel supporters throng Jerusalem for Sukkot march

Participants from Israel and over 80 countries march through heart of capital, leading to road closures and traffic jams

Tens of thousands of people from Israel and around the world marched in Jerusalem on Tuesday to mark the Jewish festival of Sukkot.

The Jerusalem March, which each year is attended by thousands of pro-Israel supporters, passed through the heart of the capital, leading to road closures and snarling traffic.

The Jerusalem Municipality said more than 60,000 people, hailing from more than 80 countries, participated in the march this year.

Marchers, many of them from Christian groups, carried flags from Israel and their home countries, including China, South Korea, Germany, Italy and Angola. One group wore dresses made from Israeli flags and carried flower petal umbrellas.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said the march was “more exciting than ever,” as it came as Israel marks 50 years since the Old City and East Jerusalem were captured by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.

Thousands of Christian Evangelicals and Israelis march at a parade in Jerusalem, marking the Jewish festival of Sukkot, or the Feast of the Tabernacles, on October 10, 2017 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Pro-Israel supporters take part in the annual Jerusalem March during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot on October 10, 2017. (Jerusalem Municipality spokesperson)