Restrictions on aid delivery and movement of people in Gaza have caused shortages of essential supplies, including food and medical care. Poor sanitary conditions have led to disease outbreaks, which have been increasing the need for medical services and straining medical staff. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, an estimated 40,000 Palestinians have died and 1.9 million have been displaced.
With this ongoing violence, displacement, supply shortages, and loss of livelihoods affecting communities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the Diocese of Jerusalem (which encompasses all of Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon) identified five of its pre-existing ministries that were well positioned to make a difference. In addition to supporting health services at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, this project also enabled people in the West Bank to access healthcare at St. Luke’s Hospital in Nablus and Penman Clinic in Jenin, along with maintaining access to school for children at the National Kindergarten in Nablus and St. George’s School in East Jerusalem.
The project supported 1,502 at-risk families and successfully reduced mortality rates through early detection and intervention and provided quality education for 125 children.
Support of Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza has made it possible for medical staff to provide critical care to those in need. The Diocese of Jerusalem shares the story of Ahmed, 35, one of the many patients who was injured during an Israel Defence Force military operation in Gaza. Ahmed underwent urgent surgery at Al-Ahli Hospital, where the medical team made every effort to save his leg. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, the operation was a success, and Ahmed received the necessary physical therapy to recover. The hospital provided all treatment and care, free of charge.
Yaser, a father of five, struggled to provide for his family after losing his job due to the war. When his youngest son, Saed, fell ill with a severe respiratory condition, the family turned to St. Luke’s Hospital. The hospital provided Saed with necessary treatment, including medication and respiratory therapy, at no cost. Saed recovered, and Yaser, grateful for the hospital’s care, offered his time and skills to help with repairs and maintenance of the hospital building.
The National Kindergarten in Nablus provides early childhood education and care to local families. Despite the challenges posed by the war, the kindergarten has continued to operate, offering a safe environment for young children. Recently, the kindergarten welcomed Mustafa and Malak, four-year-old twins who needed a supportive and stimulating environment. With the help of the kindergarten, the twins have begun to thrive, and their family has expressed gratitude for the support and care they have received during this time.
Besides supporting the Diocese of Jerusalem, PWRDF has allocated $100,000 from its equity in the Canadian Foodgrains Bank to a food assistance project in Gaza, led by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). This project is a result of the Humanitarian Coalition’s fundraising campaign in the fall of 2023 and has already begun distributing essential food packages to those in need.
How you can help
Please continue to pray for the people affected by this conflict. You can also donate to PWRDF’s Gaza and West Bank Emergency Appeal found on our Give Today page. You can also donate by phone at 416-822-9083 (or leave a message toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and PWRDF staff will return your call) or by mail. Send your cheque to PWRDF, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4Y 3G2. Please indicate “Gaza and West Bank” in the memo field.
Photo and article courtesy of PWRDF.
Deanery of East Ontario — Church of the Nativity, L’Orignal