Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

JERUSALEM — The Holy Land's sacred sites, usually bustling with tourists, now stand empty due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Airlines have largely canceled flights to the region, leaving Jerusalem's Old City streets deserted and merchant stalls closed.

Despite the turmoil, two Catholic peace activists from the United States saw this as an opportune moment for their pilgrimage. Invited by Palestinian Christian groups, they joined ten other U.S. Christians and traveled overland from Jordan to Palestine and Israel.

"Church leaders here asked people from the United States to come and stand in solidarity with their brothers and sisters," said Kelly Johnson, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, Ohio. "That concept of solidarity is central to my faith."

Johnson emphasized that her presence was not as an uninvolved outsider but as a citizen of a nation funding the conflict. As per the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000 people.

Israel has long been a significant recipient of U.S. foreign aid, including military support. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Israel has received approximately $310 billion (adjusted for inflation) since its founding in 1948.

Scott Wright, a 74-year-old Pax Christi member from Washington who has worked extensively with refugees in Central America, expressed his desire to visit during these challenging times. He noted that Israeli families are also suffering.

On August 29, relatives of hostages taken to Gaza gathered near Nirim's security zone fence. Rachel Goldberg-Polin addressed her son Hersh through a microphone: "Hersh! It's Mom... I pray to God he brings you back."

The Catholic group included prayers for hostage families during their mission in Israel and Palestine. "We've tried to listen here to the living stones," said Wright.

Johnson pointed out that while global attention is focused on Gaza, similar issues are occurring slowly throughout the West Bank. Israeli forces conducted raids on August 28 and 29 in the occupied West Bank, resulting in twelve deaths.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to Israeli operations, describing them as exacerbating an already volatile situation.

In September, Israel agreed to several pauses in fighting in Gaza for polio vaccinations among young children. These pauses will occur over three phases starting September 1.

The U.S. Catholic delegation's itinerary included meetings with church leaders, clerics, nonviolent activists, Palestinian farmers and urban residents affected by army-backed settlers' land appropriations and home demolitions in East Jerusalem. In Rahat, Israel, they assisted local residents in packing food boxes for distribution inside Gaza.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa noted that rising tensions have disrupted interreligious dialogue: "Right now Christians, Jews and Muslims cannot meet with one another publicly."

Despite this challenge, Wright remains hopeful about interfaith cooperation after witnessing joint efforts by former Israeli soldiers protecting Palestinian families facing settler violence at Al Makhrour Valley near Bethlehem.

On August 19th, the delegation prayed for peace alongside Israeli rabbis at Maon Synagogue near Nirim amidst nearby airstrikes on Khan Younis.

During an air raid siren interruption while offering a prayer at Maon Synagogue near Nirim on August 19th amidst nearby airstrikes on Khan Younis., Johnson continued praying despite taking cover following Jewish participants' orders..

Rabbi Avi Dabush coordinated this interfaith service at Maon Synagogue near Nirim.. He emphasized how important it was for Israelis struggling towards peace amid widespread anger..

"Our most important struggle right now is over our values," Rabbi Dabush told Christian delegation members.. "We need your support as we strive towards justice,equality,and human rights."

Dabush stressed building another future where both nations can coexist peacefully from river-to-sea because ultimately,it’s crucial finding way forward together especially considering children’s future..