A US Jewish global advocacy group has given $25,000 towards repairs at Gaza's Holy Family Catholic church which was struck by an Israeli missile last month.
Three people were killed in the attack on the church, which shelters hundreds of displaced people in Gaza City. Several others were injured, including the priest Fr Gabriel Romanelli.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is giving the money to the Archdiocese of New York to pass on, in a rare donation to Gaza Palestinians from a mainstream US Jewish group.
The AJC said it had noted Israel's explanation that stray ammunition had hit the church and said it wants to demonstrate that the Jewish-Catholic alliance can withstand the war. Its Chief Executive Ted Deutch said: “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.
“We pray for the full recovery of the injured and the safety of all peoples affected by the devastation of war.”
AJC’s Director of Interreligious Affairs Rabbi Noam Marans said: “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.”
Responding to the donation, the Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said:
“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.”