NEW YORK — American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, on July 31 announced a $25,000 donation for the rehabilitation of the Holy Family Church and community in Gaza.
The donation will be given to the Archdiocese of New York to facilitate the distribution of the dedicated funds.
“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,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. “We pray for the full recovery of the injured and the safety of all peoples affected by the devastation of war.”
The sole Catholic church in Gaza incurred structural damage, and its small, vibrant Christian community suffered three deaths and multiple injuries on July 17, 2025. An Israel Defense Forces inquiry revealed that “the church was accidentally hit due to an unintentional deviation of munitions.” The Prime Minister’s Office stated that “Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. Israel … remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”
“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 AJC Director of Interreligious Affairs Rabbi Noam Marans.
AJC is grateful to our dear friend Archbishop of New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archdiocese of New York, and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association for their assistance in enabling AJC to do what is right and consistent with Jewish values. The Archdiocese of New York was previously part of an interreligious coalition that provided funds to help rebuild a home damaged on October 7, 2023, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
“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,” said Cardinal Dolan.