www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Christians suffer at the hands of Hamas

It's not just Jews, however, who suffer at the hands of Hamas. Getting far less media attention is the situation facing 3,000 Christians who live inside the Gaza strip. Following the Hamas coup in Gaza, a radical sheikh, Abu Sakir announced, "'I expect our Christian neighbors to understand the new Hamas rule means real changes. They must be ready for Islamic rule if they want to live in peace in Gaza.'" Months ago I had a conversation with two Gazan Christians, who had fled their homes and were hiding out in the West Bank while hoping for asylum elsewhere. Their stories exposed the dangers Christian families face under Hamas, including extortion, rape, beatings and murder.

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0109/christian_gaza.php3

I humbly, politely and earnestly ask you to PLEASE - please stop your Zionist propaganda!

If you want to promote peace and love and charity, do continue, but this sort of propaganda (which although might have very thin line of truth) collapses under the Truth that Christians of the Holy Land have been and are losing their children - and it's not only the hand of Hamas that is botching.

Follows is a letter from Father Manuel Musallam, A dear Shepherd in Gaza - the letter is in Arabic, I am sorry, I will not translate it at the moment as I am overwhelmed with work (maybe one of my dear friends here can translate a few lines) ... But to sum it up - He does not mention Hamas - his pain isn't because of them.

رسالة من قلب الوجع الى ضمير كل انسان
الأب منويل مسلم، راعي كنيسة اللاتين في غزة

من كنيسة الله في غزة، إلى القديسين المحبوبين في فلسطين والعالم، نعمة ربنا يسوع المسيح ومحبة الله وشركة الروح القدس معكم جميعا.


من وادي الدموع، من غزة الغارقة في دمائها، تلك الدماء التي خنقت الفرح في قلوب مليون ونصف ساكن، أرسل إليكم كلمة الإيمان والرجاء هذه. أما كلمة المحبة فهي سجينة حتى في حلوقنا نحن المسيحيين فلا نجسر حتى قولها لأنفسنا. وكهنة الكنيسة اليوم يرفعون فضيلة الرجاء راية، ليرحمنا الله ويشفق علينا ويُبقي له بَقية في غزة ولا يطفئ سراج مسيحه الذي أضاءه الشماس فيلبس في بدء الكنيسة. وليكون حنان المسيح هو الذي ينعش حبنا لله وان كان الآن يمرّ في "غرف الإنعاش".

واني انعي إليكم من قلب الأب والراعي ابنتنا، ابنة مدرستنا في العائلة المقدسة، العزيزة المرحومة المسيحية الأولى التي تموت في الحرب: كرستين وديع الترك، من الصف العاشر الأساسي، التي توفيت صباح هذا اليوم السبت 2-1-2009 من جراء الخوف والبرد. فالشبابيك في بيتها مفتحة لحماية الأطفال من الزجاج المتناثر، والصواريخ تمرّ من فوق بيتها، والقصف يصيب جيرانها، فيهتزّ كل كيانها رعباً. لم تتحمل كل ذلك، فذهبت تشكو أمرها لخالقها وتطلب عنده بيتا وملجأ حيث لا بكاء ولا صراخ ولا نحيب بل فرح وسعادة.

إخوتنا في المسيح يسوع

ما ترونه على شاشات التلفاز وما تسمعونه ليس كل الحقيقة المؤلمة التي يمر بها شعبنا في غزة. لا يستطيع التلفاز ولا الراديو نقل كل الحقيقة لاتساعها على أرضنا. فحصار غزة المرير تحول إلى إعصار يتنامى كل ساعة حتى أصبح جريمة حرب بل جريمة ضد الإنسانية. وان كان شعب غزة اليوم يقدم مأساته إلى محكمة ضمير كل إنسان "فيه المسرة"، فإن الزمان الآتي هو زمن محكمة الله العادلة.

أطفال غزة مع ذويهم ينامون في ممرات البيت إن وجدت أو غرف التواليت والحمامات لحمايتهم. يرتجفون من الخوف عند كل صوت وحركة وقصف، القصف العنيف من طائرات ف 16.

صحيح أن الطائرات تستهدف حتى الآن في أكثر طلعاتها المقرات الرئيسة للحكومة وحماس ولكن جميع هذه المقرات بين بيوت الناس لا تبعد عنها أكثر من 6 أمتار وهي الارتداد القانوني للبناء. لذلك فإن بيوت الناس تتضرر ضرراً كبيراً ويموت أطفال كثيرون بسبب ذلك. فأطفالنا يعيشون حالة "التروما" والرعب وهم مرضى من هذا ومن غيره مثل نقص الغذاء وسوء التغذية والفقر والبرد...

وان المآسي التي تحدث في المستشفيات فحدث عنها ولا حرج. هذه المستشفيات لم يكن فيها الاسعاف الاولي قبل الحرب والان يتدفق عليها الاف الجرحى والمرضى والحوادث حتى انهم يجرون العمليات في ممرات المستشفيات ويرسلون كثيرا منهم الى معبر رفح الى مصر فمن يعبر منهم قد لا يعود فهم يموتون في الطريق وحالة الشعب في المستشفيات مرعبة ومحزنة تشبه الهستيريا.

واحب ان اورد لكم قصة صغيرة في المستشفى حصلت مع عائلة عبد اللطيف. فقد اختفى احد ابنائها اثناء القصف الاول وبحث عنه اهله ولم يجدوه في اليوم الاول والثاني للحرب. وفي اليوم الثالث اثناء تجول العائلة في المستشفى وجدوا اسرة من عائلة جرادة تحيط باحد ابنائها الجريح المشوه. هذا الجريح قطعت احدى ساقيه. وجه هذا الجريح كان مشوها ليس بسبب اصابته من الطائرات ولكن بسبب سقوط الزجاج عليه وهو في المستشفى بعد ان قصفت الطائرات جزءا منه. تقدمت اسرة عبد اللطيف لتواسي عائلة جرادة وحين اقتربوا من الجريح اكتشف السيد عبد اللطيف ان الجريح ابنه وليس ابن عائلة جرادة. ووسط الخلاف العائلي انتظروا ان يستيقظ الجريح ليقول اسمه وتأخذه عائلته "عبد اللطيف" من عائلة جرادة التي كانت تحيط به.. هكذا

اختصر رسالتي اليكم برفع معاناتنا الى الله واليكم. فشعبنا في غزة يعامَل معاملة حيوانات في حديقة حيوانات، ياكل ولا يشبع ويبكي ولا احد يمسح دموعه. لا ماء ولا كهرباء ولا غذاء وخوف ورعب وحصار... البارحة رفض المخبز ان يعطيني خبزا. والسبب ان الرجل رفض ان يطعمنى من طحين لا يليق بالانسان لئلا يحتقر كهنوتي. فقد فرغ الطحين الجيد عنده واصبح يقدم ما يتوفر لديه من طحين غير لائق بالانسان. اما انا فاقسمت الا آكل خبزا طيلة هذه الحرب.

نريد منكم ان ترفعوا الى الله صلواتكم الحارة المتواصلة والا يقام قداس او خدمة الا وتذكرون امام الله معاناة غزة. انا ارسل رسائل قصيرة الى ابنائنا من الكتاب المقدس لرفع حرارة الرجاء في قلوبهم. وقد اتفقنا ان نصلي جميعنا في راس كل ساعة هذه الصلاة: يا رب السلام امطر علينا السلام يا رب السلام امنح بلادنا السلام. ارحم يا رب ارحم شعبك ولا تسخط عيلنا الى الابد. فارجوكم ان تقفوا الان وترنموها معنا.

صلواتكم معنا تحرك العالم كله وتعلمه بان اية محبة تتوقف في الطريق ولا تصل الى اخوتكم في غزة هي ليست من محبة المسيح والكنيسة. محبة المسيح والكنيسة لا تعترف بالعوائق السياسية والاجتماعية والحروب وغير ذلك. حين تصل محبتكم الينا تُشْعرنا بأننا في غزة جزء لا يتجزأ من كنيسة المسيح الواحدة الجامعة المقدسة وان اخوتنا المسلمين بيننا اهلنا وقدرنا، لنا ما لهم وعلينا ما عليهم نحن شعب فلسطين.

وفي وسط كل ذلك لا يزال شعبنا في غزة يرفض الحرب وسيلة للسلام ويؤكد ان طريق السلام هو السلام. واننا في غزة صابرون وفي عيوننا قرار: "بين العبودية والموت لا خيار لنا". نحن نريد ان نحيا لنسبح الرب في فلسطين ونشهد للمسيح ونريد ان نحيا لفلسطين لا ان نموت من اجلها ولكن ان فرض علينا الموت فلن نموت الا شرفاء شجعان اقوياء.

نحن ننضم اليكم في صلواتكم ليعطينا السيد المسيح سلامه الحقيقي "فيَسكُنُ الذِّئبُ مع الحَمَل وَيربِضُ النَّمِرُ مع الجَدْيِ ويَعلِفُ العِجلُ والشِّبلُ معاً وصَبِيٌّ صَغيرٌ يَسوقُهما".

وسلام المسيح، ذاك السلام الذي اليه دعيتم لتكونوا جسدا واحدا يكون مع جميعكم ويحميكم. آمين

Please - do pray for Christians in the Holy Land, God listens and His mercy is beyond our conception...

Those who wish to help further, please do PM me.

حبيبي ايلي شكرا الك.

I`m glad you could get me the original Arabic. The English translation can be found here:

http://www.zenit.org/article-24842?l=english

And on my part, I would like to show this video. I hope it moves people`s hearts.

The terrible situation of the Christians in the entire Middle East is a "simple" matter of an unholy alliance between Moslems and Zionists, both of whom want the Christians out of the Middle East, preferably to Europe. The consideration that Christians have been continuously in the Middle East since the time of Christ makes no difference. The indifference of Christians in other parts of the world to the fate of our brothers in Christ in Christ's own homeland is incredible.

What is going on is not even a secret - the information is readily available to those who care. But most Christians simply close their eyes to the facts.

Fr. Serge

Father Serge,

I respond to you with trepidation not only because of your knowledge and not only because you are a priest but mainly because I've never disagreed with you before. Perhaps I will put it this way: "What evidence do you have that those who believe that Jews should be left alone to live their lives demonstrate that I and we do not grieve over the plight of Christians in the Middle East?" That's a good place to start I should think.

For other posters: Could you explain to me the concepts of "dar al Islam" and "dar al harb"? Is Dhimmitude a Christian friendly concept?

CDL

Sarcastic ... very much sarcastic and rude indeed!
You hold one sword on your own brothers' necks, and ask them to define the sword ye hold in your other hand.

Not only will I consider your approach a personal insult against the innocent blood of my brothers who fell lately due to the inhumanity of those whom you support - But I will also consider your approach an insult to generation of Christian blood in the Holy Land that was shed by all parties alike and supported by the indifferent 'christians' who care more for their political views than the agony of those who preserved the footsteps of Christ with their own bodies.


Go - May God bless you - But please do not claim that your blood sticks to our bones.

I consider your approach very insulting to me and to all who consider it unjust that Jewish people should be allowed to live in peace or to live at all and who would attempt to paint me with the brush of the blood shed by all Christians in the middle East. I pray for you and your plight but you will make no friends with me by accusing me of heartlessness or of not caring for my brothers and sisters of the Christian faith.

You don't know me nor do you know what I have done. So keep your snide sarcastic remarks to yourself.

CDL

BTW I believe that the best solution for the Jews after WWII would not have been to kill them all, which seems to be the solution some would wish, but rather to divide Germany and give half of it to the Jews. Sadly, that did not happen.

My brothers Eli and Dan:

I fear that this has gotten out of hand. For the love of our great Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, I urge you to forgive each other and be reconciled as brothers in Christ.

Sincerely,

Ryan

Uhh please.
Don't you even dare and raise the "anti-Semitic" flag on me. In case you have forgotten - I am Semitic. How dare you even suggest I believe that what happened to Jews in WWII was right in any possible way?
I have more Jewish brothers than number of Jews you will ever meet in a Lifetime.

You have no idea at all - You know me not!

I said nothing of Jews' rights to live in peace - OF COURSE they do! And I think my certificates on the wall for activism for co-existence and peace stand witness to who I am.

But Christians of this land are being hammered here by all sides, and you sit there on your comfortable coach in far away Illinois picking sides to your comfort but but have forgotten the important third side - the side of Christians of the Holy Land, and you insult me with your mockery rubbing salt of persecution into deep wounds - and expect me to shut up and let it pass?

NO SIR! I will express my pain and agony Till My Lord Answers- and I will not show any sympathy or understanding to the unjust things and cruel attitude towards me and my Brothren in the Holy Land.

So you can keep your propaganda and biased opinions to yourself!

Those who have their hands in water will never understand those whom hands are on fire.

Eli, Carson:

Please stop!! Try to look at this through the eyes of Christ.

Einar

In my eyes, I believe that we are messengers of peace not war.

I live and suffer all the agonies of persecution in the Holy Land proudly and peacefully (I have been cursed, threatened, beaten and attacked, spat at and what not solely because I am a Christian). I don't need to take sides as neither case is righteous - and all I am left to do is simply try and spread light and peace around. I do that by not taking sides and by showing the human side of each party.
Don't get me wrong - I am not complaining nor am I asking for pity.

But I cannot, and will not, tolerate the mockery of my own.

My Brother in Christ:

I can not begin to understand what you and your people are going through except perhaps on an intellectual level. We get our news through the only sources that are available and as usual those sources do not give us the full story thus our perception becomes skewed or not informed of the reality in the Middle East.

I will e-mail or PM you as I have the time. There is a lot that I am thinking about right now regarding the mess in Palestine. In the meantime you have my prayers.

In Christ:
Einar

to respond to Carson's question:

I'm not quite sure what this means - and I don't wish to be the fool who marches in where angels fear to tread. But I believe you are an honest man and that, on that basis, I owe you an answer. So I shall make a preliminary effort.

Archbishop Joseph (Raya), of most holy memory, was (and is) one of the dearest friends of my entire life and my spiritual father into the bargain. He was faced with unceasing trouble from people who could not deal with the reality that defending the rights of Palestinian Arabs meant seeking to massacre Jews. We were once driving from Haifa to Nazareth, when His Eminence suddenly slowed down (and a good thing too!) and indicated to me two villages which were unoccupied. They had both been Christian villages and had taken no part in any resistance movement to the establishment of the Jewish State. Nevertheless, the Zionist Army moved out the inhabitants by force, with a promise that they could return in a matter of days. They have never been allowed to return, despite a ruling in their favor from the Supreme Court (since the Zionist State has no Constitution, the decisions of the Supreme Court cannot be enforced). These two villages are not unique. How many Christians - other than Arab Christians - do anything about it, or are even aware of it?

You write that "Jews should be left alone to live their lives". Well, of course they should be - and so should everyone else, including Christians. Have a look at the statistics on the Christian population of Palestine at the end of World War II, and the Christian population of Palestine now. Clearly, something terrible has happened. Again, how many Christians - other than Arab Christians - are even aware of this blood drain, let alone willing to do something about it? This question can be addressed particularly to American Christians, since without the support of the American Government, the Zionist State could not and would not survive.

Do Christians in other parts of the world - particularly America - grieve over the plight of Christians in the Middle East? Sadly, I really don't know - because if they do grieve, they are remarkably quiet about it. This grieves me particularly, since in 1948 the Greek-Catholic presence in the Archdiocese of Galilee was quite strong. So it becomes a question of "if you grieve for the Christians in the Middle East, take appropriate action! Tears do not help."

What can be done? Well, it would be nice, for instance, to see regular supplies of medical necessities going to the Christians from the Christians, if you see what I mean. It would be nice to see parishes twinning with parishes in the Middle East, both to send practical help and to encourage the development of lasting friendships. It would be particularly encouraging to see pilgrimages to the Holy Places which made a strong part of the program spending significant amounts of time with the indigenous Christian communities. You may be assured of a joyful welcome.

Much of my conviction in the matter comes from first-hand observations: I have spent time in Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, taking good care to meet with the Christians in those countries. The number of Christians from Western Europe and the USA who show such interest is, alas, miniscule.

Does the "State of Israel" have any legitimate reason to be there? And can this question even be discussed without at once facing accusations of ambitions to kill the Jews, throw all the Jews into the sea, or whatever?

Assuming that it can be discussed, first of all, one could do worse than to begin with some research on the original UN decision which is taken to legitimize the project (cf. Lilienthal, What Price Israel?) Then one might discuss the underlying assumption that the Nazi atrocities against the Jews somehow justifies Zionist atrocities against Arabs - the logic of this is hard to follow.

But it simply is not self-evident that because the Romans 2,000 years ago conquered the Jews of the time, the Jews of the twentieth century have some sort of obligation and right to move to Palestine. [I would, however, accept the point that people who were born in Palestine, regardless of what religion they adhere to or do not adhere to, have a natural right to live there.] Making this claim while simultaneously driving out the inhabitants of Palestine and denying them any right to return, while using all manner of tactics to bring members of one specific ethno-religious group to settle in Palestine and continue to take land which is not theirs is more than anyone should expect the Palestinians to accept.

This is already a long post, and it will have to do for a starter.

Fr. Serge

FATHER SERGE:

Father bless!!

Please send me some information about how to do just this. My parish already twins with one in Haiti and one in the south of the U.S. hit by Hurrican Katrina. We do fundraisers regularly to help our brethren in our twinned parishes.

Asking for your blessing and continued holy prayers,

BOB

Well put Father Serge. I wish I could be as articulate when writing. Funny thing is that I can talk about it but I can't seem to get my thoughts together to put down what I am thinking on paper. Oh well.

Einar

My thanks to you both. Compliments are, God knows, always welcome - and so are efforts to alleviate difficult situations.

Wish I could offer to lead a pilgrimage group, but in my present arthritic condition that is not a helpful idea!

Fr. Serge

Thanks for writing, Father. I advocate a one-state solution, which automatically grants the right of return to those who were expelled into the territories and the neighbouring countries, allowing them to settle back into Israel proper.

I agree with Father that the sabra Israelis and their descendents have a natural right to stay and live on the land, even if due to the misdeeds of the preceding generation. Still, Palestinians' specific, individual claims to confiscated property give them the right to take back, if they so choose, what has been taken from them and to expel from these stolen properties (not the country) whoever presently inhabits them, though the demands of practicality could prompt them to accept compensation instead. I also advocate no less for Mizrahi Jews expelled from Arabic countries (both right of return to the country and right to reclaim lost property or accept compensation if they prefer), some of which have been their homelands long since before the time of Christ.

As the Soviet Union fell relatively quietly not due to armed conflict, but rather its own internal contradictions, so too I think would Israel as a state. The Israelis must come to terms with the demographic realities (as America should with its economic ones--can it afford simply to keep funnelling so much money to Israel indefinitely?). They are losing that war and it will come to decide the fate of their state. A one-state solution will force itself upon the untenable present situation. And if the result is the loss of a Jewish majority in the country, it can serve as a lesson to Europeans who do not value a country's need to maintain an adequately strong birth-rate.

I have anticipated an end to Israel for a very long time. As it happens I anticipate a bloodbath of WWII proportions. The end will not benefit either the Muslims or the Christians. As I could afford it I have hosted tours to Israel. We always had Palestinian Christians as our guides. I like the idea of partner parishes and shall recommend it to Father Loya. We already give to Christian causes in Iraq.

If I can muster the finances I will again travel to Israel and host a group as I do. Any recommendations as to places to go and people to see are most welcome.

My prayer is that Jews and Muslims will stop killing each other and the Christians will be allowed to live in peace.

CDL

Thank YOU!

Subject: Muslim Belief


This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in
prison ministry. The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose.

The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United
States, especially in the minority races!!!

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for
maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session
there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam
gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.

After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked:
'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and
clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels
of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all
Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you
give me the definition of an infidel?'

There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he
replied, 'Non-believers!'

I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of
Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they
can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'

He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'

I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John
Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley
ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place
in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and
your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!

Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you
to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to
love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the Diversification training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President!


Obviously I did not write the above - but it certainly deserves our attention!

Fr. Serge

Dear Fr. Serge,

In the Holy Land, within 20 years Muslims will make 40-50% of the population more or less take or give a few percents. Christians will decline to be 0.5% IF any left at all.

If we consider the forgotten faithful in the Holy Land as an indicator for the state of Christianity - We need to start grieving the future - or start taking action. (When no Christians will be left in the Holy Land to make a living church, be sure that Christianity will lose all its historical authenticity - Not only Muslims like to wipe out Christian history)

Our greatest enemy is not Islam by itself - but our indifference to what we as Christians are becoming to.

We are losing our Christian Identity.
We are picking sides according to political views instead of applying the Teachings.
We are spreading wars and hate instead of love and compassion.

Personally I have tasted many swords, Islam, Zionism, Patriotic Arabs and Patriotic Zionists (also "Christians") ... And believe me when I say, they all have the same bitter sharp taste.

I have no-one - but my Lord and Church to rely on. And I wanna confess something, here we are slowly losing both...

Lord be with us,
eli

There is no reason to accept the notion that Christianity is about to disappear - that has been predicted on numerous occasions, and we are still here. There is every reason for us to take prudent action to ensure that we remain here, and that just as the Communist persecution did not wipe us out, no Mohammedan persecution in any form will wipe us out either. Remember Lepanto!

Fr. Serge

Dear Padre,

Persecution make Christianity only stronger. I strongly believe in Newton's third law of motion.
Christianity will not disappear, no one can kill an "ideology" that governed the nations for 2K years, but Christians in the Holy Land might. Statistically, we are heading there faster than we think.

In the Eco system we have indicators that indicate the state of the system. The gradual disappearance of frogs and toads indicate the harmful effects of global warming and pollution.
We have survived 1600 years of Muhammedan's persecution. It is only the past 60 years that our numbers are declining beyond any red line.


In Christ,
humbly eli

Shlomo Bob,

I have posted dozens of times in this forum ways to help Christians in the Middle East, and other than my fellow Middle Easterners and those that are educated about Christianity in the Middle East I have never gotten a response, not even a thank you. But here again is the contact that I think is the best resource for those of us in North America to help Christians in the Middle East, especially those of us who follow the Eastern Traditions.

The Catholic Near East Welfare Association [cnewa.org] was founded in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, CNEWA’s mandate is:

*to support the pastoral mission and institutions of the Eastern Catholic churches.
*to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need without regard to nationality or creed.
*to promote Christian unity and interreligious understanding and collaboration.
*to educate people in the West about the history, cultures, peoples and churches of the East.

CNEWA does not have inflexible priorities – they are set based upon time, place and urgency of need. We do not compete; if other agencies are doing a good work, we leave it to them. CNEWA addresses those needs that would otherwise “fall through the cracks,” enabling the power of love to reach men, women and children in need.

From training priests to serve the people of God in India to providing clean water systems to war-damaged villages in Lebanon – from providing job opportunities to unemployed Palestinians to caring for orphaned children in Ethiopia – from providing health care to the poor in Iraq to awarding scholarships for Orthodox priests to study in Catholic universities in Rome, CNEWA connects generous North Americans with those in need living in some of the remotest parts of the world.

The agency publishes a bimonthly magazine, ONE. Its name identifies the real spirit of CNEWA and its work – it is about one God, one world, one family and one church. Operationally, CNEWA’s charism is always to act as if we are all one, unless we are forced to encounter a difference.

Here is their link for Gaza [cnewa.org] and information:

Rush Aid to Gaza


(photo: Steve Sabella)
When the violence stops, we can’t waste a minute. The injured and sick will need immediate care — before it’s too late.

Help CNEWA rush emergency medicines and supplies to the Near East Council of Churches’ network of health care clinics. Donate now. Be as generous as you can.

Here is my gift to support people in need in Gaza:
$50
$35
$100
$250
$500
Other $

If you do not wish to send information over the internet, may we suggest you complete and mail our print form.

CNEWA a papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support

Rush Aid to Gaza


Here is my gift to support people in need in Gaza:
$50 $35
$100 $250
$500
Other $ [7125]

Rev Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. Full Name

Address Line 1:

Address Line 2:

City State Zip

Daytime Phone Evening Phone

Payment Via: Check Enclosed Credit Card

Credit Card Type: MasterCard Visa Amex Discover

Cardholder Name:

Credit Card Number:

Credit Card Expiration (mm/yyyy):

Print form and mail to:

CNEWA
1011 First Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10022-4195 Fax: (212)826-8979

Press Release

Contact:
Michael La Civita
Assistant Secretary for Communications
Tel: (212) 826-1480, ext. 600
Fax: (212) 838-1344
E-mail: mjl@cnewa.org


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CNEWA-supported clinic leveled in Gaza Posted: 12 January 2009


New York — A family health care clinic sponsored by the Near East Council of Churches in the Shija’ia neighborhood of Gaza City was leveled yesterday as fighting between Israel and Hamas continued in the Gaza Strip. Constantine Dabbagh, the council’s executive director, reported no casualties as the area had already been evacuated.

More than 10,000 families, including 31,828 children, were registered with the clinic, which was one of three family health care centers operated by the council with funding in part from CNEWA.

Services at the family clinic in Shija’ia included prenatal and postnatal care, such as monthly gynecological care, routine examinations and regular well-baby checkups. The clinic staff also offered rudimentary preventative health care classes, which pointed out the health risks of unrefrigerated food, good hygiene and proper overall nutrition. The clinic also offered mobile dental care, which included basic care as well as lessons in dental hygiene.

Though the clinics originally charged, at cost, all medications for adult patients, deteriorating political and socioeconomic conditions in Shija’ia had forced the clinic to provide all medicines for free, accepting nominal contributions from beneficiaries when offered.

Rushing emergency relief to the people of Gaza will be the first priority of the council once hostilities cease, said Constantine Dabbagh, who has served the Near East Council of Churches in Gaza for 30 years. Gaza’s tiny Christian community of Catholics, Orthodox and Anglicans are represented in the council, whose clinics have provided quality prenatal and postnatal care to tens of thousands of needy Gazans since 1987.

To make an immediate gift, visit www.cnewa.org [cnewa.org] or send your check by mail to CNEWA, 1011 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10022-4195, or call toll free at 1-800-442-6392.

Founded in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, CNEWA is a special agency of the Holy See providing support to the churches and peoples of the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe. Programs in the Middle East include emergency relief, including help to displaced Lebanese, Iraqi and Palestinian families, long-term community redevelopment projects, job creation programs and pre- and post-natal medical care.

Msgr. Stern, CNEWA’s secretary general, spoke about the crises in the Holy Land on the radio program, JustLove, on 14 January 2009. JustLove is a weekly program focusing on the social mission of the church and may be heard weekly on the Catholic Channel on Sirius/XM satellite radio.

Here is the link for supporting specific regions and countries [cnewa.org]

Here is for the Middle East [cnewa.org]

and for Palestine [cnewa.org]

Right now there is nothing for Israel, but when project come up they post them.

Fush BaShlomo,
Yuhannon

Yuhannon,

Thank you. We may well use this information for our next Mission Festival.

CDL

Thank you Yuhannon, and may the Mother of God protect you and you family with her mantle.

Thank you for disturbing our comfort and lukewarmness. I downloaded the donation form and will send a contribution today.

Shlomo Carson,

You are very welcome.

Fush BaShlomo,
Yuhannon

Shlomo Paul,

You are welcome. What I will do is form another thread that will list the projects for CNEWA.

Fush BaShlomo,
Yuhannon