The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has announced a $25,000 donation to the Archdiocese of New York to assist with repairs to Gaza’s Holy Family Church, which suffered damage during
an Israeli airstrike last month.
This donation stands out as a rare instance of a mainstream American Jewish organization providing direct support to Palestinians in Gaza, especially during a time of war between Israel and Hamas. The contribution also addresses damage resulting from Israeli military actions—an issue that major Jewish groups have typically avoided confronting publicly.
The July 17 strike on Holy Family Church drew international condemnation. Critics accused Israel of targeting Gaza’s Christian minority and of destroying the territory’s only Catholic church. Pope Francis expressed sorrow over the attack, which resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries.
Subsequent reports clarified that while the church sustained damage, it was not demolished. The Israeli military stated that the harm was unintentional, caused by stray munitions during a nearby operation, and emphasized that the church itself was not a target.
In announcing the donation, the AJC referenced Israel’s explanation and framed the gift as an effort to reinforce longstanding Jewish-Catholic relations, even amid the strains of war.
“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,” said Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC’s Director of Interreligious Affairs. “Together, as Christians and Jews, we can affirm the shared humanity of all.” Photo by Dan Palraz, Wikimedia commons.
