Israel Begins Preparations for 2,000th Anniversary of Jesus’ Baptism

Key Facts

Published: July 20, 2026 Updated: July 19, 2026 Location: Jerusalem Source: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, statements from Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, remarks from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Jordanian government statements

• Israel has launched official preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism in 2030.
• Ambassador George Deek will lead outreach to churches and Christian leaders worldwide.
• Millions of Christian pilgrims are expected to visit baptism sites along the Jordan River.

Government expects millions of Christian pilgrims to visit the Holy Land in 2030

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – Israel has begun preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ, a major Christian milestone expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the Holy Land in 2030.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the creation of a dedicated working group led by Ambassador George Deek, Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World. The group will coordinate with churches, Christian communities, religious leaders and Israeli government agencies ahead of the anniversary.

Sa’ar described 2030 as a “unique milestone for the Christian world,” adding that strengthening Israel’s relationship with Christians and maintaining access to biblical holy sites are among the government’s highest priorities.

The initiative is expected to include preparations at Qasr el-Yahud, the traditional baptism site on the western bank of the Jordan River. The site opened to pilgrims in 2011 after extensive efforts to remove land mines left from the 1967 Six-Day War.

Jordan is also upgrading facilities at Al-Maghtas, or Bethany Beyond the Jordan, located directly across the river. King Abdullah II has pledged to oversee preparations while preserving the sacred character of the site.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, said the baptism of Christ remains far more than a historical event.

“The baptism of Christ is not merely a historical memory but an eternal event that continues to speak to every believer,” Pizzaballa said.

Israel said the new working group will maintain ongoing dialogue with Christian leaders and launch a government-wide process to prepare for the anticipated arrival of millions of believers.

“Israel will continue to safeguard freedom of worship and access to holy sites for members of all faiths,” Sa’ar said.

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