Pro-Palestinian rallies like this one at Toronto’s Nathan Philips Square have been cauldrons of anti-Semitism since Hamas started the war in Gaza with its attack on Israel Oct. 7, 2023.
Fr. Deacon Andrew Bennett has a simple message for Canadian Jews: “We will not abandon you.” On Sept. 23, Canada’s former ambassador for religious freedom launched the Canadian Christian Declaration on Antisemitism, a document that denounces the rising tide of antisemitism in Canada and states an unequivocal solidarity with the Jewish community. “We declare to you,...
A Vancouver refugee family from Gaza is working to bring family members to Canada. Amal Khames is a Muslim who worked in Gaza with the Missionaries of Charity. The sisters in Vancouver are trying to connect the family to local resources. (Photos submitted)
By James Risdon Amal Khames illustrates the complex religious and cultural reality of the war-torn Holy Land. A Muslim woman, she worked with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in the Gaza Strip. Now, she is trying to rebuild her life in Port Coquitlam while helping her sisters, who remain stranded in Egypt after fleeing the...
Steve Weatherbe holds a Christians for Israel sign in Victoria with other supporters. The group gathers to protest pro-Palestinian rallies in Victoria. (Contributed photos)
Sometimes, a free afternoon is all you need to start a counter-protest. Catholic pro-life organizer and retired journalist Steven Weatherbe was visiting Vancouver with his wife, who was attending a conference. He was at a loss for what to do with his afternoon, and then he saw a pro-Palestinian rally forming at the Vancouver Art...
Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square on Oct. 18. At the end of his general audience, the Pope said Oct. 27 will be a day of penance for the cause of peace in the world. (Vatican Media)
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Holy Land, Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting on Friday, Oct. 27. At the end of his general audience on Oct. 18, Pope Francis said the 27th will be “a day of penance to which I invite sisters and brothers of the various...
A crowd gathers at the Vancouver Art Gallery for Sunday’s Free the Hostages rally. Archbishop Miller sent a message of prayer and support. (Archdiocese of Vancouver photo)
A crowd gathers at the Vancouver Art Gallery for Sunday’s Free the Hostages rally. Archbishop Miller sent a message of prayer and support. (Archdiocese of Vancouver photo)
A pilgrim prays on the steps outside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem on Oct. 10. A group of St. Nicholas pilgrims from Langley who were about to leave for Israel had to make a last-minute decision whether to continue with a truncated trip or stay home. (Debbie Hill/OSV News/BC Catholic)
As anxiety and frustration grow among Canadians trying to get out of war-mobilized Israel, Maria Moreno is grateful she isn’t one of them.
Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller at the Synod of Bishops in Rome, where he issued a statement condemning last week’s attacks on Israel. On Thursday the Canadian bishops issued a statement calling for a de-escalation of violence and urging leaders to seek lasting peace (CNS Photo/Vatican Media via The B.C. Catholic)
Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller and the Canadian bishops both released statements concerning the recent violence in Israel, with Archbishop Miller “unequivocally” condemning Saturday’s attack by Hamas and the bishops calling for prayers for peace and a de-escalation of violence. In a message to Vancouver’s Jewish community on Monday, Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller “unequivocally...
Speaking after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis said he is following “with apprehension and sorrow,” the latest news from Israe. Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller sent a message of prayer and support to Vancouver’s Jewish community. He is attending the Synod of Bishops in Rome. (Vatican News photo via The B.C. Catholic)
In a message to Vancouver’s Jewish community, Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller “unequivocally condemned” Saturday’s attack on Israel, calling it an offence against moral and international law. Commenting from Rome where he is attending the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, the Archbishop said Monday the news about “the Hamas incursion into Israel is devastating.” The...
