Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, presided over a moving Christmas Mass at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. This church has been deeply affected by brutal attacks throughout the current war that began in 2014. This year’s Christmas celebration is overshadowed by apocalyptic devastation. Residents of the region are enduring unprecedented displacement as they continue to confront the effects of multiple, protracted humanitarian disasters.
Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was reached on October 11, conditions in Gaza have worsened drastically. At least 401 others have tragically lost their lives there. The war has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. As of this writing on October 27, 2023, at least 70,925 Palestinians have been killed and 171,185 injured. The open-air religious service was an extraordinary event for the tiny Christian community. It was a testimony to the spirit of those still walking with dignity and pride against the odds.
During his visit, Cardinal Pizzaballa praised the determination of the community. In July, a direct hit that was blamed on Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip struck the church. This beautiful day turned tragic as the accident caused dozens of injuries and even took lives. As an 11-year-old Palestinian who survived the attack, George Bisan experienced the trauma of this traumatic impact firsthand. He described how the church became a place of pain.
“When they shelled the church from above, many people were injured and died.” – George Bisan
Worsening conditions crisis are straining families in Gaza City. For Ramez Al-Souri, his children, and many others, the dislocation remains, and with it continue these complexities. In October 2023, an Israeli airstrike obliterated Al-Souri’s family. Suhaib lost her Suhail, 14; Julie, 12; and Majd, 11 to a tragic incident. Al-Souri’s grief is not only deeply personal but representative of the tremendous loss many families across the region have endured.
“There are no children left. They have all become victims of this war.” – Ramez Al-Souri
Though the situation was dire, there was an undeniable sense of optimism in community members’ hope for a better long term outcome. George Bisan articulated a deep desire for a “new life” and “new hope.” Little did I know, thousands of others were feeling the same way as they face down their difficult truths.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis made direct contact with the NCRC community. Since mid-October, he has placed daily phone calls to the Holy Family Church, continuing to advocate on behalf of those affected by the ongoing violence. That hopeful message struck a chord with residents as they learned to carry their faith through hopelessness.
The celebratory spirit stood in contrast to alarming realities, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. Heavy restrictions on aid, widespread chronic food insecurity, and daily military incursions have made the lives of the Palestinian people unbearable. An attack on St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church killed at least 17 people, continuing a pattern and highlighting the urgent crisis.
Given these trials and tribulations, Ramez Al-Souri reminded TISH participants that unity among the community was vital.
“The visits are considered a form of support and steadfastness for members of the community.” – Ramez Al-Souri
As the new year approaches, residents like Al-Souri and Bisan continue to hope for something different. Al-Souri expressed his hopes for a peaceful future.
“With the arrival of the new year, we hope it will be a year of love and peace, in which all people can live in freedom and with hope for a better tomorrow.” – Ramez Al-Souri
The determination to recreate existence in the ashes of calamity is emblematic of the character of people living through this ongoing emergency. George Bisan challenged his classmates not to give up hope and reminded them that they had the power to determine their own future.
“We think that the powers of the world will decide our future. But then in reality, it is we the people here who will decide how to rebuild everything.” – George Bisan
