Wildfires in Israel Impact Monasteries and Catholic Communities
As wildfires continue to ravage Israel, particularly the catastrophic blaze encircling Jerusalem this week, monasteries and Catholic communities have not been spared from the devastation.
By Karol Darmoros
The Trappist monks of Latrun and the Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus-Nicopolis are among the hardest hit by the fires that have been burning dangerously close to Jerusalem for the past 30 hours. While the sacred buildings miraculously remained intact, several residents, both religious and lay, lost their homes. The monastic farmlands were completely destroyed.
A Sudden Blaze
On the morning of April 30, multiple fire outbreaks were reported on the hills of Neve Shalom, directly across from the Trappist monastery in Latrun. High temperatures and strong winds fueled the flames, causing them to spread rapidly. Authorities ordered the evacuation of residents and religious communities. The Trappist brothers sought refuge with the Benedictines and the Sisters of St. Joseph in Abu Ghosh.
The Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus-Nicopolis endured severe damage. Several members of the community returned in the evening to assist emergency crews after the firefighters partially contained the blaze, working tirelessly alongside them until 4:00 a.m.
Heavy Losses
“We lost all of our utility buildings, the residence of our main superior, and the pavilion of an Orthodox couple who have worked with us in ecumenical ministry for years. Their home burned down in half an hour. Thankfully, the icon workshop was spared,” Sister Eliana Kuryło shared with Vatican Radio–Vatican News.
Despite the monastery’s terrace being reached by the fire, it was saved just in time. Sister Eliana expressed gratitude to the firefighter who prevented further damage. However, the danger still looms, with emergency services working tirelessly to contain the flare-ups nearby.
Ashes, Prayers, and Hope
Today, a Thanksgiving Mass was held at the church in Latrun to express gratitude for the preservation of the monastery and the shrine in Nicopolis. Although much of the agricultural land was lost, the Trappist brothers are prepared to rebuild, with the support of friends.
Bishop William Shomali, Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem, mentioned, “The fire consumed about 24 hectares of land, including two Catholic monasteries: the Trappist monastery in Latrun and the Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus-Nicopolis.” He emphasized the quick response of firefighters and the ongoing concern due to the potential reignition from hot weather and strong winds.
Bishop Shomali, along with Bishops Marcuzzo and Ilario, visited the affected area to assess the damages. “We thank the Lord that these two communities are now safe. We came here to listen to their needs. There is damage, but thanks be to God, no lives were lost,” he stated.
Gratitude and a Call for Support
Despite the devastation, the sisters of Emmaus-Nicopolis are thankful for the solidarity they have received. “A rabbi from the Reform kibbutz Gezer, about seven kilometers away, offered us shelter. That’s where we spent the night,” Sister Eliana recalled.
She now appeals for prayers and support to rebuild the monastery grounds. “If anyone would like to support us financially, information is available on the Emmaus-Nicopolis website. We have no electricity—it’s all been burned. Water has only just returned,” she added.
Emmaus-Nicopolis, entrusted to the Community of the Beatitudes since 1993, is a sacred site where the charismatic community, founded in France in 1973, thrives. Comprising laypeople, priests, families, and religious brothers and sisters, the community is rooted in the Catholic faith.
