Remembering Palestinian Christians

When the bombing of Gaza began almost two years ago, some 700 of the small Christian community in Gaza sought shelter in Holy Family Church in Gaza City. The Christian population of Gaza has been reduced to just about 1,700, of which a couple hundred are Catholic (most are Orthodox). Christians have lived in Palestine since the beginning of Christianity. Holy Family Church is named such because it is located where tradition says the Holy Family rested on their way to and return from Egypt.

Travel to Bethlehem or Jerusalem for holy days is out of the question. Catholic Relief Services has been working to get resources to the church. Pope Francis used to call the pastor every night, closely following the safety and morale of the occupants staying within the church walls.

While the church has been able to offer shelter, some supplies, and community, safety is not guaranteed. On Dec. 16, 2023, a residence in the church compound which houses individuals with disabilities was hit by tank fire; the building’s generator, solar panels, and water tanks were damaged. Two women in the courtyard were fatally shot; seven more were injured. On July 17 this year, the compound was hit again, with three dying and 12 injured from the attack. The Christian population in Gaza has roughly halved since the beginning of the war.

It is terrible seeing any groups suffering in such a way, especially such a small minority that has persisted there for centuries, through various empires and cultural changes. They have not forgotten their faith.

Pope Leo XIV called for a day of prayer and fasting on Aug. 22, the feast of the Queenship of Mary, for peace and justice, especially in the Holy Land and Ukraine. As wars rage on, we who are safe tend to normalize it, let it fade into the background. But people continue to struggle, living in daily danger, facing starvation and violence. We cannot forget them.