ND Sen. Hoeven speaks with church group caught in Israel; parishioners expected back to ND in coming days

FARGO (KFGO) – North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said Wednesday that he spoke with 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.

Hoeven said: “We’ve been in contact with (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.”

Holy Cross Catholic Church of West Fargo was the main sponsor of the trip to Israel. About 85 people were part of the tour from congregations in West Fargo, Fargo, Grand Forks, Dilworth and Hawley.

Story by Paul Jurgens / KFGO