AIS Foundation warns of declining Christian presence in Holy Land

Regina Lynch, executive president of the Aid to the Church in Need (AIS) Foundation, has issued an appeal for global solidarity following a visit to the Holy Land. The foundation warns that the collapse of pilgrimage tourism is devastating local Christian families who rely on visitors for their livelihoods, including tour guides, merchants, and artisans.

Lynch reported finding families in desperate financial situations, noting that some have sold all their possessions without being able to sustain themselves. The situation is further complicated by movement restrictions and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

In a separate initiative, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network has partnered with the AIS Foundation and the “Passo-a-Rezar” project to launch a series of seven meditations. This program aims to raise awareness regarding religious freedom and combat indifference toward persecuted Christians globally, coinciding with the AIS Foundation’s Red Week from November 15 to 22.