Local Church Tour Group Flees Israel and Is Now in Jordan

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota U.S. Senator John Hoeven says a group of around 80 local priests and parishioners on tour in Israel when the war started this week have now made their way to Jordan.

He continues to condemn the horrific attack by Hamas against Israel.

Hoeven has been in contact with Father Phil Ackerman, head pastor at Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo, who is helping lead the trip.

Hoeven and Sen. Kevin Cramer say the State Department committed that the ambassador’s office will directly contact the group and assist them in securing flights out of the region.

“The sooner, the better,” Hoeven told KVRR Local News.

“I mean, we’re trying to get them on flights right now…and as soon as we can. And again, I don’t want to go into specifics on that. Originally, they were to fly out of there…out of Ben Gurion on Thursday, but that’s not going to happen, obviously.”

A picture of students praying for the group at Trinity Elementary in West Fargo was sent to Father Ackerman.

He responded that he got it just as they were crossing into Jordan.

Shortly after, that border was closed.

Hoeven says he is “praying for all of the victims.”