In May 2009, Pope Benedict XVI made an historic visit to Israel. During the visit, he met with Israel’s political and religious leaders, visited the sites holy to Christianity, and led Mass for thousands of worshipers who had come to Israel from all over the world.

On May 12, at the height of the Pope’s very busy schedule, OneFamily had the unique opportunity to be present at an audience with the Pope at the offices of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger, OneFamily Chairman Marc Belzberg, and an official of Heichal Shlomo – the official seat of the Chief Rabbinate, with the list of all the children who have lost parents in terrorist attacks

The Pope was presented with a book listing the names of all the children who have become orphans due to terrorism in the last nine years – the 32 children under age 19 who have lost both parents, and the 931 who have lost either their father or their mother.

Pope Benedict XVI and Chief Rabbi Metzger with the list of orphans

The Pope was visibly moved to receive the book as deep understanding of the pain of so many children touched his heart.