We are celebrating Christmas traditions from around the world in our worship series, “One Christ, Many Cultures.” In that spirit, we invite you to offer some tangible support to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank this Christmas as we pray for the fragile ceasefire to grow into a just, lasting peace. Our Christmas offering will go to Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, and to Roots of Resilience, a local organization which supports farmers in the West Bank.
Roots of Resilience exists to foster mutual aid and solidarity with farmers in the West Bank. Their mission is to directly support Palestinian farmers, strengthen and preserve traditional food systems, and advocate for food sovereignty. Through educational programs both in the US and in Palestine, they aim to uplift communities by raising awareness and sharing stories that reflect the resilience, culture, and heritage of Palestinian agriculture. They work to sustain the land, the people, and the future of Palestinian farming and food traditions.
Al Ahli Arab Hospital (Ahli), in Gaza City (affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem) is a beacon of hope and healing in one of the world’s most troubled areas. Ahli serves everyone regardless of religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay. Since the war began in October 2023, Ahli, the only Christian-led hospital in Gaza, has seen its capacity increase from 50 to as many as 250 beds to meet overwhelming medical needs.
Today, Ahli Hospital operates the only functioning ICU in Gaza with just three beds to serve more than half a million people. Despite these immense pressures, the hospital remains a lifeline for vulnerable populations. Even after the recent ceasefire, the hospital continues to care for 100-120 patients daily and performs roughly 1,000 surgeries each month, including orthopedic, plastic, vascular, and general surgeries. They continue to experience severe shortages of staff, medicine, equipment, and fuel, and need an average of $1,800 a day just for the diesel fuel to run its generators.
If you donate online, be sure to select “Christmas Offering” as your donation’s purpose. Together, our gifts can be tangible expressions of our prayers for peace, hope, and dignity. Click here to donate to the Christmas Offering.
In peace and hope,
Revs. Katrina and Leah