EOHSJ intensifies efforts amid Holy Land conflict

Amid the devastating violence in Israel and Gaza following Hamas’ deadly surprise attack on Oct. 7, with thousands of casualties on both sides, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has vowed to intensify its already considerable efforts in the Holy Land.

The latest round of fighting has forced the EOHSJ, a constant presence in the Holy Land for almost 1,000 years, to shift gears. Primarily focused on education, Dr. Colin Saldanha said it is now focusing its attention on the dire situation at hand.

“There has been a significant dampening on our work because this was an unforeseen situation. So, the money that was allocated for reconstruction, development, new programs, salaries, all of that money is now being diverted to emergency centres,“ said Saldanha, of the EOHSJ Lieutenancy – Toronto.

Under the instruction of the Latin Patriarch, over a single weekend the order recently allocated $10,000 to the Holy Family Parish in Gaza. This was to provide food and water for over 500 Christians who were taking shelter in the parish.

“There’s going to be tremendous financial strain. I’m sure they will be asking for an emergency relief. And hopefully, the Knights and Dames will come up with that kind of money to provide relief at this point in time.”

While the order has yet to initiate new projects amid the crisis, it has been painstakingly arranging emergency funds to accommodate the fleeing refugees.

The EOHSJ was formed in 1099 under the “advocate of the Holy Sepulchre,” Godfrey of Bouillon.

“The Equestrian Order is a Catholic order of Knighthood under the protection of the Holy See. The Pope is the sovereign of the order,” said Saldanha.

“It is essentially to create a presence of Christian support for the Christian institutions and the diminishing Christian population in the Holy Land.”

Christians currently account for around four per cent of the population in the Holy Land, which includes Israel, Palestine and Jordan.

The order has primarily focused on providing education in the Holy Land and has assisted in the building of 45 schools in the last century. The Knights and Dames have further extended their support to the construction and maintenance of nursing homes, charitable centres, daycare centres and seniors’ homes in these countries.

Despite its motto of supporting Christian institutions, the order strongly believes in serving people regardless of their religious beliefs.

“In Bethlehem University, which we support, only 25 per cent of students are Christian, 75 per cent are non-Christians. And what that tells us is that by educating them, that’s going to create more harmony,” said Saldanha.

“We are poised to preparing the future generations, in terms of educating them. Creating a sense of harmony, creating a sense of understanding. And hopefully that will bear fruit.”

Saldanha affirmed that the order’s efforts have received tremendous support from Catholics in Toronto.

“I was at an event yesterday and there were people, Catholics, who heard about this. They knew about my involvement and they wanted, they asked me how can we help,“ he said. “I was kind of overwhelmed that although they may not be members, or they may not be knighted, as Knights and Dames, they are the Catholics in our archdiocese who are looking for opportunities to help.”

The EOSHJ is currently developing a program called “Friends of The Order.” This would allow Catholics in Toronto to help in supporting the order’s efforts.

The Toronto Lieutenancy is currently set to have its annual investiture ceremony on Oct. 28 and 29. This event will also see Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo officially take office as the order’s Grand Prior.

As the dynamics in the Holy Land continue to remain tense, Saldanha believes in following the Holy Father’s advice of prayer, fasting and adoration for peace.

“And we believe that our Blessed Mother will intervene for us in the in this quest for peace.”