Gaza: In a deeply symbolic act of interfaith solidarity, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) has pledged $25,000 to assist in the restoration of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which suffered extensive damage during an Israeli military strike on July 17. The initiative represents a profound gesture of reconciliation and healing in a region torn by conflict and religious division.
The Holy Family Church, Gaza's only Catholic sanctuary, was hit amid escalating military operations in the region, resulting in the tragic deaths of three civilians and injuries to two others including the church’s vicar, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli. For many weeks, the church had served as a sanctuary not only for Christians but also for hundreds of Muslim families displaced by the ongoing violence, embodying a rare space of intercommunal protection.
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the organization’s commitment to standing with affected Christian communities. “We are deeply saddened by the attacks on the Holy Family Church in Gaza and stand in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters,” Deutch said in a public statement. “We pray for the full recovery of the injured and for the safety of all people affected by the war.”
The donation will be channeled through the Archdiocese of New York, under the guidance of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who praised the AJC’s timely intervention. “We are profoundly grateful for the American Jewish Committee’s comforting help,” Cardinal Dolan remarked. “In this moment of pain and destruction, we are reminded that faith, compassion, and humanity transcend all divisions. This is what it means to bring light into the darkness of war.”
The missile strike on the Holy Family Church triggered global outcry, including strong protests from Christian organizations worldwide. The church had been one of the few standing Christian institutions in the besieged territory, playing a vital role in offering spiritual and physical refuge during times of bombardment. In response to the backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally contacted Pope Leo to express regret over the attack, acknowledging the sensitivity and gravity of the incident.
This contribution by the American Jewish Committee is not merely financial; it is emblematic of a broader call for reconciliation. It reflects a commitment to bridge-building at a time when religious and ethnic tensions have been reignited across the Middle East. By supporting the Catholic Church in Gaza, the AJC underscores the principle that compassion is not confined by faith or nationality.
As Gaza’s Christians and Muslims continue to endure unimaginable hardship, this rare moment of interreligious unity offers a glimpse of hope where healing begins not through politics, but through acts of human decency.