American Jewish Committee Donates $25,000 to Rebuild Gaza’s Holy Family Church After Israeli Shelling

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

Gaza City — The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has donated $25,000 to assist in the restoration of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which suffered damage from an Israeli tank shell during military operations last month.

The financial aid, sent through the Archdiocese of New York, is one of the rare instances where a major U.S.-based Jewish organization has contributed directly to rebuilding efforts inside Gaza. The donation comes at a time when tensions and humanitarian concerns remain high in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The Holy Family Church, Gaza’s only Catholic place of worship, was damaged on July 17 during an Israeli military operation in the Zeitoun neighborhood. Although Israel later stated the church was not a deliberate target and the shelling was the result of a misfired munition, the incident drew swift condemnation from international religious and human rights groups.

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported that three people were killed and several others wounded, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest. Pope Francis and global Catholic leaders expressed sorrow over the casualties and damage to the religious site.

In a press release, AJC’s Director of Interreligious Affairs, Rabbi Noam Marans, emphasized the importance of standing together during crises

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently released findings from an internal probe confirming the church was “unintentionally hit” and reiterating that religious sites are not intentionally targeted. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a formal expression of deep sorrow, adding that the country remains committed to safeguarding places of worship in all its military operations.

The donation has been hailed by religious leaders and humanitarian observers as a meaningful step in promoting healing and cooperation between faith communities. The AJC’s action is also seen as a testament to its long-standing efforts to foster Jewish-Catholic dialogue, even amid political conflict.

“This contribution goes beyond aid—it’s a symbol of our shared values and a commitment to peace and mutual respect,” said a senior AJC representative.

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