NEW YORK CITY — Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a significant gesture of support has emerged. Last month, the only Catholic church in Gaza, the Holy Family Church, was damaged by Israeli fire during the Israel-Hamas war. The incident resulted in three fatalities and injuries to the parish priest. The church has served as a refuge for many during the conflict, drawing attention from Catholic leaders worldwide.

The late Pope Francis was known to check in on the church's pastor every evening. Following the bombing, the Israel Defense Forces stated that the attack was a mistake. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to Pope Leo XIV to explain the situation. Additionally, Israeli diplomats contacted local Catholic leaders globally to express their regrets and apologies for the incident.

However, the bombing has intensified the existing international skepticism regarding Israeli policies in Gaza. In response, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) announced a donation of $25,000 to aid in the church's repairs. The funds will be sent through the Archdiocese of New York. This contribution is seen as a small but meaningful act of humanity amid the turmoil.

Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States, recently criticized the current Israeli government's approach in a scathing essay on antisemitism. He noted that the late Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, exploited long-standing prejudices against Jews to benefit Hamas, even amid military losses. Oren stated, "In betting on Jew-hatred, Sinwar hit the jackpot," highlighting the rise of antisemitism globally, including in Canada.

Oren also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that Israel's inconsistent policies regarding aid have worsened the situation. He remarked, "Undoubtedly, there are many hungry people in Gaza and numbers of them may have starved during this war." He criticized Israel's failure to effectively communicate its policies, which he described as "monumental."

The sentiments expressed by Oren reflect a growing concern among many Israelis and their allies regarding the Netanyahu government's policies. There is a notable distinction made between supporting Israel's right to exist and the specific actions of its current government. Many believe that the current administration has significantly harmed Israel's international standing.

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Netanyahu's first election as prime minister, a tenure characterized by opposition to a Palestinian state and the Oslo Accords. His resignation as finance minister 20 years ago was also tied to his objections to the Gaza withdrawal policy. As Netanyahu continues to lead, the implications of his policies remain a topic of intense debate.