The American Jewish Committee (AJC) has pledged $25,000 to support the reconstruction of Holy Family Church in Gaza, which was damaged in an Israeli strike on July 17, 2025. The strike resulted in three fatalities and 15 injuries, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. The church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, has been providing shelter to over 600 people, including Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims, since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023.
AJC CEO Ted Deutch expressed solidarity with the Catholic community, saying, “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.” The organization will distribute the funds through the Archdiocese of New York, with the help of Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC’s director of interreligious affairs, emphasized the importance of interfaith cooperation, stating, “Together, as Christians and Jews, we can affirm the shared humanity of all”.
The Israeli military acknowledged that the church was “mistakenly” hit during a strike, and an investigation revealed that stray ammunition caused the damage. The incident has sparked concern among the international community, highlighting the need for protection of civilians and holy sites during conflicts. The AJC’s donation is seen as a gesture of goodwill and a commitment to supporting the local community.