An ancient Catholic order with a global reach is spearheading a significant campaign aimed at revitalizing schools across the Holy Land.
This initiative, the group believes, plays a pivotal role in fostering peace in the region, through both education and collaboration.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre’s Effort
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (EOHSJ), a Catholic order of chivalry founded to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land, is setting its sights on renovating dozens of schools.
The organization has committed to raising $12 million to support 44 K-12 schools across Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus, which serve nearly 19,000 students in total.
The “Ensuring the Future Campaign” will focus on modernizing school facilities, dedicating $8 million to renovations and classroom upgrades.
The remaining $4 million will be used to support teachers’ salaries, ensuring that these schools maintain their high standards of education.
Promoting Interfaith Dialogue Through Education
Tom Pogge, EOHSJ vice governor for North America, shared in an interview that the schools are essential in maintaining a Christian presence in the region while also promoting interfaith dialogue.
These schools, while catering to many Christian students, are also popular with Muslim families who choose to pay full tuition for the quality of education they provide.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, has expressed that the Christian presence in the Holy Land is key to achieving peace.
He believes that schools like these create opportunities for children from different faiths to grow up together, forming bonds that lay the groundwork for peaceful coexistence in the future.
Empowering Future Generations for a Better Tomorrow
Pogge further emphasized the importance of offering children in the Holy Land the same high-quality education that children in the United States receive.
He explained, “We want to give those children the opportunity to have a really good education and something for the future.”
Through this campaign, the EOHSJ is actively supporting the mission of maintaining the Christian presence in the Holy Land, helping secure a hopeful future for children and fostering a foundation for peace.