The American Jewish Committee (AJC) donated $25,000 to rehabilitate the Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza. The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, was damaged by a misfired tank shell, resulting in casualties. The church has provided shelter and sustenance to both Christians and Muslims during the ongoing conflict. The AJC's donation reflects a commitment to compassion for all innocent lives affected by the war, extending beyond the Jewish community. The aid will be distributed through the Archdiocese of New York and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association.
4 months ago
The American Jewish Committee (AJC), a global advocacy organization, has announced a $25,000 donation to assist in the repairs of Holy Family Church in Gaza 1 2 3 4 5. This gesture, announced on August 1, 2025, aims to help rebuild the only Latin Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, which sustained structural damage from a bomb strike 3 4.
Holy Family Church was struck by a bomb on July 17, 2025, resulting in the deaths of three individuals—Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, and Najwa Abu Daoud—and injuring 15 others, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli 3 4 5. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the church was "accidentally hit" and not the intended target of the strike, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing regret to Pope Leo XIV after the incident 3 4 5.
The church had been serving as a sanctuary for over 600 displaced Christians and Muslims since the conflict began in October 2023 3 4 5. Father Romanelli described the incident as a "shocking experience" due to shrapnel scattering throughout the compound 5.
The AJC's donation, facilitated through the Archdiocese of New York and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association, underscores a commitment to interfaith cooperation and humanitarian relief 3 4 5. AJC CEO Ted Deutch conveyed deep sadness over the casualties and damage, expressing solidarity with Catholic communities 3 5. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, gratefully acknowledged the donation, emphasizing the importance of Jews and Catholics working together to bring "light to the darkness of war" 3 5.
Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC's director of interreligious affairs, stated that the donation is a tangible way to help and a moral declaration affirming shared humanity, especially for innocents caught in conflict 3 4 5. This act reciprocates previous interfaith efforts, such as the Archdiocese of New York's participation in rebuilding a kibbutz home damaged during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel 3 4 5. The initiative highlights a shared concern for all lives affected by the conflict, transcending political and religious divides 4.
Church's role in interfaith solidarity
The Catholic Church is committed to interfaith solidarity, recognizing the shared human search for meaning and the common origin and destiny of humanity . This commitment is rooted in the belief that God's providence extends to all people, and it is expressed through dialogue, collaboration, and mutual respect with followers of other religions .
The Second Vatican Council's Declaration Nostra Aetate is considered the "Magna Carta of interreligious dialogue for our times" . It outlines the Church's approach to non-Christian religions, emphasizing several key points:
Interreligious dialogue is an essential dimension of the Church's evangelizing mission and an expression of its mission ad gentes . While engaging in dialogue, the Church remains faithful to its core beliefs, particularly the truth that salvation originates in Jesus Christ, the "One Saviour," and that the Holy Spirit is at work as a source of peace and love .
It is important to note that interreligious dialogue is not a substitute for the proclamation of the faith . The Church firmly believes that the fullness of salvation comes from Christ alone, and the Church community is the ordinary means of salvation . However, this truth does not diminish the sincere respect the Church has for other religions, nor does it lead to indifferentism or religious relativism, which suggests that "one religion is as good as another" .
The Church encourages dialogue and collaboration with followers of other religions, carried out with prudence, charity, and in witness to the Christian faith . This involves:
Popes have consistently affirmed the importance of interfaith dialogue. Pope John Paul II emphasized that the conviction that God desires all people to be saved is the basis for Christian dialogue with other religious beliefs . He also encouraged frank and helpful discussions to cultivate a mutual search for truth, harmony, and peace . Pope Francis reiterated that the message of Nostra Aetate remains timely, highlighting the Church's benevolent and attentive gaze on religions and its appreciation for their spiritual and moral commitment .