Members of a North Dakota church tour group visiting Israel are scheduled to head back to the U-S in the next several days.
The group of about 80 people, led by Father Phil Ackerman of West Fargo’s Holy Cross Catholic Church, was in Israel when Hamas-led terrorists attacked the country on Saturday.
North Dakota U-S Senator John Hoeven says arrangements have been made for their safe return.
“The good news is, we have all of our North Dakotans booked on flights out of the Middle East,” Hoeven said. “Some have already left, others will be leaving over the next several days.”
He added: “We won’t stop working on this until we have everyone here home safe.”
Hoeven has been working with the State Department and coordinating with the group’s leaders. Hoeven received confirmation from the Group’s tour director.
Ackerman is a former Grand Forks priest who earlier said that the group made its way to Jordan.
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(Sen. Hoeven release:)
Senator John Hoeven today spoke with Jane Alatrash, the tour director for the Holy Cross church group visiting Israel, who confirmed that the entire tour group are booked on flights home and scheduled to depart over the next several days. Hoeven has been working with the Department of State and coordinating with the group’s leaders, including Father Phil Ackerman, to ensure the North Dakotans are brought home safely following the attack by Hamas-led terrorists on Israel.
“We’ve been in contact with Jane Alatrash, the tour director for the Holy Cross church group, and have confirmed that all members of the group are booked on flights back to North Dakota. We’ve been working with the State Department, Father Ackerman and others to coordinate their safe return as quickly as possible. This is a welcome piece of good news as we continue to see the results of Hamas’ terrible attack against Israel. We continue to pray for the victims, offer our unequivocal support to Israel and work to contain Iran’s efforts to spread violence and hate.”