Noahide leaders to gather in Jerusalem for first international congress

Nearly 100 Noahide leaders from 20 countries are set to meet in Jerusalem Nov. 2-6 for the first International Congress of Noahides. The event highlights a growing global movement that says it expands by answering questions, not by recruiting.

Why it matters: - The Congress gives the Noahide movement its most visible international gathering to date. - Organizers say the event reflects growing interest among non-Jews who follow the Seven Commandments, especially across North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. - The gathering also puts a Jerusalem-based religious network in direct contact with community leaders from six continents.

What happened: - The First International Congress of Noahides will meet in Jerusalem on Nov. 2-6, 2026, at the Seven Arches Hotel on the Mount of Olives. - Nearly 100 Noahide leaders from about 20 countries are expected to attend. - Brit Olam, the Noahide World Center, is convening the Congress under the presidency of Rabbi Oury Cherki. - Program and registration details are available at program and registration details.

The details: - Noahides are non-Jews who organize their lives around the Seven Commandments, which Jewish tradition describes as a universal covenant for all humanity. - Brit Olam says its work is not built around recruitment, campaigning or persuasion. - The organization says it responds to questions from individuals and communities in more than 20 languages. - Jerusalem offices receive weekly messages from people searching for nearby Noahide communities or asking how to live as Noahides. - The Congress has the blessings of Israel's chief rabbis and support from Israeli government ministers. - The program includes study sessions with leading rabbis, working groups on community building and the signing of a Founding Charter. - An official reception is scheduled at Beit HaNasi, the Residence of the President of Israel. - Emuna, described as lived trust and vision in the writings of the prophet Habakkuk, will be a central theme in the study program.

Between the lines: - Brit Olam is presenting the movement as organic growth, not proselytizing. - That framing sets Noahide expansion apart from missionary models and may make the group more acceptable in Jewish and interfaith settings. - The Jerusalem venue and official Israeli recognition also signal that the movement is seeking legitimacy within Israel, not only among diaspora communities. - Rabbi Yehuda HaKohen said the weekly messages show that people are finding Brit Olam on their own, not being targeted. - Rabbi Oury Cherki said the movement is not trying to create a uniform world religion and is instead opening a path for people already seeking it.

What's next: - Delegates will gather in Jerusalem in November for study, community-building discussions and charter signing. - The Congress is likely to become a reference point for how Noahide communities organize across borders. - Brit Olam says it will continue to answer inquiries from around the world in multiple languages.

The bottom line: - The Noahide movement is using Jerusalem to formalize a global network built on self-selection, religious study and community formation rather than outreach campaigns.