1) Thank you for this interview. We do not hear enough from Catholics in the Holy Land and the life of the Church there. I hope there will be more interviews like this.
2) What Israel is doing in Gaza is not revenge. Calling it so is incorrect.
Netanyahu has used the word “revenge” many times since October 7 to describe Israeli action in Israel (most recently last month). The term certainly seems uncomfortable to American ears - we prefer to bandy just war terminology to justify military action. But “revenge” is how Israeli military action is described by the people ordering it. Make of that what you will.
From what I have seen, the notion of revenge boils down to Hamas does x (like sending a Gazan woman's body in place of Shiri Bibas) and Netanyahu, et al. respond: "They'll pay for this." That's pretty typical of speech responding to atrocities committed against one's people by the people who already invaded your country and killed your citizens (and others). That does not make it a revenge driven war or a war properly characterized as revenge. There are still 59 hostages being held now for 531 days. Hamas has made it quite clear that they will never turn from their goal of Israel's annihilation and, therefore, no true peace can be had with them. It is getting those hostages and preserving the safety of Israelis (not just Jews, all Israelis) that motivates this war. That's not revenge.
Gazans put Hamas in power as the governing body in Gaza. Gazans were celebrating the massacre of Jews by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Gazans went into Israel following Hamas and participated in the atrocities. Gazans celebrated as the coffins of the Bibas children and a Gazan woman being passed off as Shiri Bibas were being transferred. Gazans have done absolutely nothing for the hostages, and in fact have participated in keeping hostages. Gazans support the killing of Jews and the annihilation of the state of Israel. The distinction between Hamas and Gazans is not as hard as many people think.
I didn't say that. Nor did I say that Gazan civilians should be treated by the IDF like Hamas (which the IDF does not do). I was simply pointing out that a hard distinction between Hamas and Gazans is not accurate, and that Gazans are not necessarily all that innocent. I am speaking in general, responding to a general comment. I have not spoken of individual cases, nor applied those to the whole.
So is this actually a safe time to visit the Holy Land? Are tours operating? Are there hotels to stay in? Are holy places open? Any one thinking of going? Might be advantageous to go when not as many other tourist.
Pillar pilgrimage to Jerusalem? If so, I'll start saving up.
We could make that happen… right, JD?
Let's do Holy Week 2026...
I like Ruby. I really enjoyed reading this, and how down-to-earth she seems to be. An interesting glimpse into a unique perspective!
Two things:
1) Thank you for this interview. We do not hear enough from Catholics in the Holy Land and the life of the Church there. I hope there will be more interviews like this.
2) What Israel is doing in Gaza is not revenge. Calling it so is incorrect.
Netanyahu has used the word “revenge” many times since October 7 to describe Israeli action in Israel (most recently last month). The term certainly seems uncomfortable to American ears - we prefer to bandy just war terminology to justify military action. But “revenge” is how Israeli military action is described by the people ordering it. Make of that what you will.
From what I have seen, the notion of revenge boils down to Hamas does x (like sending a Gazan woman's body in place of Shiri Bibas) and Netanyahu, et al. respond: "They'll pay for this." That's pretty typical of speech responding to atrocities committed against one's people by the people who already invaded your country and killed your citizens (and others). That does not make it a revenge driven war or a war properly characterized as revenge. There are still 59 hostages being held now for 531 days. Hamas has made it quite clear that they will never turn from their goal of Israel's annihilation and, therefore, no true peace can be had with them. It is getting those hostages and preserving the safety of Israelis (not just Jews, all Israelis) that motivates this war. That's not revenge.
Unfortunately, with the government of Israel, the "they" in "They'll pay for this." switches from Hamas to innocent Christian and Muslim civilians.
Gazans put Hamas in power as the governing body in Gaza. Gazans were celebrating the massacre of Jews by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Gazans went into Israel following Hamas and participated in the atrocities. Gazans celebrated as the coffins of the Bibas children and a Gazan woman being passed off as Shiri Bibas were being transferred. Gazans have done absolutely nothing for the hostages, and in fact have participated in keeping hostages. Gazans support the killing of Jews and the annihilation of the state of Israel. The distinction between Hamas and Gazans is not as hard as many people think.
So when the IDF killed a young girl in Gaza who just made her First Communion, she simply got what she deserved?
I didn't say that. Nor did I say that Gazan civilians should be treated by the IDF like Hamas (which the IDF does not do). I was simply pointing out that a hard distinction between Hamas and Gazans is not accurate, and that Gazans are not necessarily all that innocent. I am speaking in general, responding to a general comment. I have not spoken of individual cases, nor applied those to the whole.
Is there a link where we can purchase her book?
I too, would be interested. Good opportunity for some of that sponsored content Pillar! Get a cut of the sales!
fascinating article; thanks very much for it.
So is this actually a safe time to visit the Holy Land? Are tours operating? Are there hotels to stay in? Are holy places open? Any one thinking of going? Might be advantageous to go when not as many other tourist.
All the holy places are open in Jerusalem and Galilee. I am going on a pilgrimage in May!
Wonderful to know. Thanks.
Linda, Hope your experience in the Holy Land which is
coming soon in May will be a great blessing. After you have returned and rested, please share your thoughts and recommendations.