Ackerman: “The support of them just really gave us the backing we need"

(Jordan) – Those traveling with Father Phil Ackerman and other priests in the Diocese of Fargo are thankful for the assistance received by North Dakota and federal officials in recent days. Ever since the devastating war broke out in Israel, a group of travelers from area parishes have been on pins-and-needles wondering when, or if, they would be home to see their loved ones.

On Tuesday, aide came from the offices of North Dakota Governor Burgum, Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, and Congressman Kelly Armstrong, Ackerman told WDAY Radio.

“The support of them just really was so great for us, and just gave us the backing we need,” Father Ackerman said. He said he visited with all three members of North Dakota’s Congressional delegation members.

Senator John Hoeven, Ackerman said, asked him, “What do you need? What do you need??” His response was that the group needed 52 airline tickets. Hoeven proceeded to contact the US State Department. Hoeven advised Ackerman that the US Embassy was “working to try to advise and encourage commercial airlines to put on extra flights to pick people up and bring them back.”

Ackerman said he was overwhelmed by the Congressional delegation’s support.

“I got a little emotional,” he said. “It was just awesome, you know, they were just kicking in there and just doing all of their things.”