Noahides from six continents gather in Jerusalem for historic first international congress

Delegates from Noahide communities across six continents gathered in Jerusalem for the First International Congress of Noahides, organized by the Noahide World Center under Rabbi Oury Cherki. The five-day founding assembly at the Seven Arches Hotel aims to establish global governing bodies, including an international Beit Din, and includes a reception at the President's Residence.

Delegates and community leaders representing Noahide communities across six continents gathered in Jerusalem on Monday for the opening of the First International Congress of Noahides. Organized by the Jerusalem-based Noahide World Center (Brit Olam) under the leadership of President Rabbi Oury Cherki, the five-day gathering convenes at the Seven Arches Hotel on the Mount of Olives. Noahides are non-Jews who accept and observe the Seven Laws of Noah: universal moral imperatives derived from the Torah that prohibit idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, sexual immorality, and cruelty to animals, while mandating the establishment of a legal system of justice. The event marks the first time scattered communities from more than 70 countries have come together to establish permanent organizational structures and global governing bodies. Structured as a founding assembly, participants are working on establishing the first international Beit Din, a rabbinical court of guidance, and drafting foundational texts including the Brit Shalom legal codex and the Brit Olam siddur. The schedule includes workshops on educational syllabus, continental regional councils, and a financial funding model. Rabbi Tovia Singer opened the congress, and Rabbi Manis Friedman also addressed the assembly. The gathering is set to include the signing of the founding document and a formal reception at Beit HaNasi, the official residence of the President of Israel. The event has drawn sharp criticism online from some conservative evangelical and independent Christian commentators who argue the movement parallels apocalyptic prophecies concerning a single, enforced world religion.