Cardinal Dolan had planned the trip to Jerusalem before October 7 last year, the date of the violent Hamas attack on Israel. However, he had take shelter during the latest air strikes carried out by Iran against Israel.
Newsroom (May 1, 2024, 17:07, Gaudium Press) – Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, embarked on a journey to Jerusalem with intentions far removed from the conflicts that would soon unfold. Scheduled well before the violent Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 of the previous year—an incident that escalated tensions significantly—Cardinal Dolan aimed to engage in peaceful and humanitarian efforts.
During his stay from April 12 to April 18, Cardinal Dolan was set to meet with local religious leaders and visit humanitarian organizations. One such visit included a center run by religious sisters who care for abandoned children. “Each new baby arriving here feels like Christmas—another of God’s children joins us,” the Cardinal remarked in a video, emphasizing the joy each new life brings.
Unexpectedly, Cardinal Dolan’s visit coincided with a new crisis: air strikes by Iran on Israel. During this tumultuous period, Cardinal Dolan found refuge at the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem, a sanctuary for pilgrims in the Holy Land. The situation escalated quickly on the night of April 13th, with air raid sirens forcing the Cardinal and others to seek shelter.
By Sunday morning, calm had been restored in Bethlehem, where Cardinal Dolan shared an update via X (formerly Twitter): “We feel safe and secure now,” he assured, reflecting on the previous night’s harrowing experiences at the Notre Dame Center. He expressed gratitude for the widespread concern shown for their safety.
Despite the intense situation, with the Israel Defense Forces intercepting 99% of the attack, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, the global community remained on edge. While the U.S. has urged Israel to refrain from retaliation, the fear of further escalation into a broader conflict persists, with civilian sentiments indicating possible retaliatory actions.
With information from Aciprensa
Compiled by Teresa Joseph