U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan had to seek shelter during a missile attack on Israel while visiting Bethlehem. Dolan is in Israel to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA), of which he is the chair. Despite the attack, Dolan expressed gratitude for feeling safe and secure in Bethlehem. He led mass at the Our Lady of Peace chapel in the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center and met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other government officials in Ramallah. Dolan’s trip was planned before recent conflicts between Israel and Hamas, with the aim of promoting dialogue and peace in the region.
The trip also includes meetings with various religious and community leaders, as well as visits to Israeli and Palestinian human rights groups. Despite previous tensions between Iran and Israel, the attack on Saturday marked the first full-scale assault by Iran on Israel. In response, U.S. military forces destroyed 80 drones and six ballistic missiles during the attack. Pope Francis issued a statement calling for a halt to actions that could escalate violence in the Middle East. Dolan’s visit to Israel serves as a symbol of promoting dialogue and peace in the region, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open communication channels during times of conflict.
Cardinal Dolan’s visit to Israel comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. The attack on Saturday, which targeted Israel, was seen as a significant escalation in hostilities between the two countries. Dolan’s trip, planned before the recent conflicts, highlights the importance of promoting peace and dialogue in the region. During his visit, he led mass and met with Palestinian officials, emphasizing the importance of hope and unity in times of crisis. Despite the volatile situation, Dolan’s visit serves as a symbol of solidarity and reconciliation among different faith and community groups in the region.
As part of his visit, Dolan plans to meet with various religious leaders and human rights groups in both Israeli and Palestinian territories. The aim is to promote dialogue and peace in the region amidst escalating tensions. The attack on Israel came weeks after Iran blamed Israel for a deadly strike on its consulate in Syria, further deepening hostilities between the two countries. The U.S. military’s response to the attack highlights the volatile situation in the region and the potential for further escalation. Despite the challenges, Dolan remains committed to promoting dialogue and peace, emphasizing the importance of finding alternative ways to resolve conflicts and avoid further violence.
Overall, Cardinal Dolan’s visit to Israel and Palestinian territories comes at a critical time of escalating tensions in the region. Amidst ongoing conflicts and hostilities, his presence serves as a symbol of hope and unity, promoting dialogue and peace. Despite the challenges and risks involved in such a visit, Dolan remains steadfast in his commitment to fostering understanding and reconciliation. By meeting with various religious leaders and human rights groups, he seeks to emphasize the importance of open communication and cooperation in resolving conflicts and building a more peaceful future for all involved.
