# A faith that unites: Youth festival in Holy Land

> Over 300 Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking Catholics gather for hope and unity festival in Holy Land.
- Title: A faith that unites: Youth festival in Holy Land · Vaticannews
- Summary: Over 300 Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking Catholics gather for hope and unity festival in Holy Land. More than 300 young Catholics from Hebrew- and…
- Keywords: holy land, young people, israel, faith, war, prayer, religion, world, unites, Youth, festival, Holy
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-11/faith-that-unites-the-holy-lands-hosts-a-youth-festival-catholic.html
- Published: 2026-11-02T14:10:17.651+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: holy land, young people, israel, faith, war, prayer, religion, world
## Youth festival gathering
More than 300 young Catholics, both Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking, gathered over the weekend to celebrate hope and unity at an event organized by the St James Vicariate.
## Deep wounds in Holy Land
Father Piotr Żelazko, Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew-speaking Catholics in Israel, emphasizes the wounds and conflicts affecting young people's lives and hearts.
## Wounds of war and fear
Father Żelazko states young people carry wounds from wars, suffering, and individual experiences, with society failing to help them overcome fear.
## True faith means unity
Father Żelazko quotes Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: 'Remember that if you continue doing these beautiful things, there will be people who do not accept them and will not support what you are doing.'

> Remember that if you continue doing these beautiful things, there will be people who do not accept them and will not support what you are doing.
## Praying in Arabic and Hebrew
The festival is the only day Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking Catholics pray together, with the vicar calling it the only place in the world where they pray in both languages.
## Festival as hope for unity
Father Żelazko hopes the festival continues yearly and becomes an international event welcoming young people from other countries.
## Key takeaway

More than 300 young Catholics from Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking communities in the Holy Land gathered for a festival celebrating hope and unity despite conflict.