Please take a moment to read this reflection from Sami El-Yousef, Chief Executive Officer of the LPJ. In it, he provides a deep reflection stemming from his first-hand experience in the Holy Land, along with the data from the individuals, services, donors and foundations that are coordinated through his offices.
“The most troubling part is that with all the wars, we seem more distant from peace as all parties are claiming victory, and the talk continues to be about more destruction, revenge, and killing rather than reconciliation and a genuine desire to deal with the core issues and reach the ultimate peace the region so desperately needs.
“As Gaza enters its 21st month of war, the death toll exceeded 57,000 over 60% of whom are women, elderly, and children with the number of injuries exceeding 134,000. With no infrastructure remaining including the destruction of 92% of all housing units, over two million people are left to live on the streets without the basic necessities subjected to all kinds of inhuman treatment running for their lives from one safe zone to the next, subjecting themselves to firing zones when they go to seek food through the only means of delivery available through the “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” where dignity and safety are compromised while seeking food. It is reported that over 600 people to date have been killed as they lined up to seek food through this mechanism. Where else in the world would you find a whole population denied food, water, medicine, education, and basic infrastructure for so long in front of a deaf and silent world that stands idol! What will the history books write about what is happening in Gaza today?”
He notes that in the midst of the violence and suffering, there has been ample opportunity for the Church to serve the people of the Holy Land, and also recognize just how powerful a force Faith is in the lives of the faithful.
“Despite a relatively bleak picture, what we have learned is that as people of strong faith and deep hope, we always find ways to cope and continue to provide services to those entrusted to us.
“Despite this increase [in applications for support] and given the incredible generosity of our many donors from around the world, we are able to support thousands of beneficiaries with medical support, tuition aid, social assistance and job creation and empowerment programs.”
Please take a moment to read the entire article.
Media attribution: lpj.org
