JERUSALEM - Leading the second annual procession from Jerusalem’s Gilo neighborhood to Bethlehem will be a contingent of close to 3,000 Korean Christians who are in Israel to express solidarity with Israelis and Palestinians.

“It is an expression of our desire to see peace and harmony in the Land of Israel,” said Joshua Kim, one of the event’s organizers.

The Koreans will be joined by Israel’s Minister of Tourism Avraham Hirchson, other Israeli dignitaries, and local residents. Palestinian officials are expected to welcome the marchers in Bethlehem.

“The Peace March is a sign of hope for all people in the region and is an example of what is possible when we all work together,” said Minister Hirchson.

The march comes as anticipation and anxiety in the region run high, with Israel’s planned pullout of Jewish settlements from the Gaza Strip slated to begin on August 15.

Some 2,300 Christian Koreans participated in the march last year, which went through the Gilo suburb of Jerusalem and crossed over to the Palestinian side of Bethlehem. Following a similar route, this year’s march culminates Korean Cultural Week, which is taking place in Jerusalem August 7-10. Korean arts, music, martial arts, traditional face painting and tea ceremonies are being showcased at sites across the capital.

Though it continues to be steeped in controversy, the holy city for several religions is also a major tourist attraction. Most of the nearly two million visitors that Israel is anticipating this year are expected to visit Jerusalem.