HOLY LAND WAR
In war alongside the most fragile
It's war in Israel and Palestine. The tragic attack perpetrated by Hamas from Gaza on Saturday, October 7, is an unprecedented event that has shocked everyone. The spiral of violence that has been unleashed has caused and continues to cause numerous victims, especially in Gaza, where there is an emergency!
In reaffirming our strong commitment to peace, we continue to offer all possible concrete help to the most vulnerable and needyvictims of this situation.
Support too!
Appeal for Peace from Jerusaelm
"Jesus as a real presence that touches, that changes our lives: for this we must pray. Prayer does not allow the heart to be polluted by hatred. Then, of course, we must work from the point of view of humanitarian support through the associations. Right now we are all a bit paralyzed, but there will come a time when there will be a need for this, we must be ready and prepared"
Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
The appeal of the director of Pro Terra Sancta, Tommaso Saltini
"Dear friends,
As head of Pro Terra Sancta, an organization engaged for many years in Israel and Palestine, I feel strongly challenged in the face of the events of these days. For years we have been engaged in various initiatives to support the Christian community of Gaza at the service of a population tried by decades of conflict, and the violence of these days frightens us, pains us, calls us into question.
Voices from the field : Carla Benelli and the persistent opportunity for dialogue
"I have to admit that I didn't expect this level of horror. Indeed, I've clearly witnessed hundreds of violent events: the first and second Intifada, bus bombings that I could hear because I've always lived in the Old City. However, truth be told, we had never seen an event like the Hamas attack on October 7th.
"To save cultural heritage of these territories, local communities must be involved, becoming the main protectors of their own heritage. This is part of our job and we continuously do it with schools, boys, children and teenagers".
Distribution of water, food and blankets
We are coordinating with local partners in Gaza for the distribution of basic necessities and medicines. The needs are enormous, as there is a lack of everything in the Strip.
Support for the most vulnerable groups
We want to increase the activities of assistance to families and the weakest through the structures already present and economic assistance to families in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Health and psychological care
We want to increase health care and financial aid for the purchase of medicines. In addition, there is a huge need for psychological assistance due to the situation.
HOLY LAND
Field Updates
News from our collaborators and volunteers:
Testimonials
Video testimonies from the Holy Land:
"The war causes a sense of fear among the population, especially among children, who are under strong psychological pressure. These children have the right to play, move and be happy like all the children in the world."
Shady Al-Shaer, coordinator of the "Soccer training course" project for teenagers in Sebastia
"I wondered why the Lord asked me not to be with my community at this time. I realized that providentially I stayed out in such a way as to help a lot of people, trying to get a lot of help and protecting the people there."
Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Gaza
Letters and appeals
"It's time to stop this war, this senseless violence" Letter from Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa to the diocese
"To have the courage of love and peace here, today, means not to allow hatred, revenge, anger and pain to occupy all the space of our hearts, of our speeches, of our thinking."
"You are not alone, the whole community of the Holy Land and of the world is with you" - Greeting of Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa to the Christians of Gaza
"Ask for peace for Jerusalem:
Psalm 122
peace be to those who love you,
Peace be upon your walls,
security in your bulwarks.
For my brothers and friends
I will say: 'Peace be upon you!'
Through the house of the Lord our God,
I will ask for the good for you."
