US Jewish group gives $25K to help Gaza church rebuild

The July 17 missile attack left three dead and 15 wounded, in addition to structural damage to the only Catholic church in the area.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has announced that it will donate US$25,000 toward the reconstruction of the church.

“We are deeply saddened by the deaths, injuries, and structural damage at the Holy Family Church in Gaza and stand in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters,” group chief executive Ted Deutch said.

“We pray for the full recovery of the injured and the safety of all peoples affected by the devastation of war.”

The global Jewish advocacy group, which is headquartered in New York City, said that the funds would be distributed to the Gaza parish through the Archdiocese of New York with the help of Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

“We appreciate AJC’s expression of consolation and support and are thankful for the opportunity to do good as Jews and Catholics together in this way, to bring some light to the darkness of war,” Cardinal Dolan said.

The organisation expressed gratitude to Cardinal Dolan and the New York Archdiocese as well as the Catholic Near East Welfare Association for its help “in enabling AJC to do what is right and consistent with Jewish values”.

The group recalled that the archdiocese was part of an interreligious coalition that donated funds to help rebuild homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. 

“In the wake of this tragedy, we want to be there for Catholic partners who have been there for the Jewish people in our times of need. Together, as Christians and Jews, we can affirm the shared humanity of all,” said Rabbi Noam Marans, the committee’s director of interreligious affairs.

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American Jewish Committee donates $25,000 to repair Holy Family Church in Gaza | Catholic News Agency (By Madalaine Elhabbal/CNA)