Bringing Hope To The Hurting: Update on Relief in Israel and Palestine
Who rises up for me against the wicked?
Who stands up for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
Psalm 94:16-17
Israel and Palestine
On October 7, 2023, Hamas breached Israel's border with Gaza, killing more than 1,500 people, injuring over 2,500, and taking over 200 hostages. Residents in Israel and the Palestinian Territories of Gaza and West Bank are now suffering from the conflict in various ways. Trauma, affliction, and ongoing physical needs are present among many different populations.
In Israel, the Jewish population had their security shattered by violence which rekindled trauma from their history. Meanwhile, the Palestinian population has faced backlash and increased suspicion, and peaceful civilians now cannot move about freely and without fear. Over a thousand people were killed in Israel, and now thousands more are internally displaced within the country due to ongoing conflict. Many church members have been called into active Israeli military service, and their families are caring for their needs. Many Palestinian Christians in the West Bank have lost livelihoods, face restrictions on movement and activity, and struggle to navigate religious, cultural, and political divides. The tiny remaining Church in Gaza is sheltering within its churches and struggling to survive in worsening conditions, knowing that if they leave, they will not likely be able to return.
This conflict has a long history, much nuance, and complex political and religious implications, but one constant has been the presence of the Church in this land for thousands of years. We remember our Lord’s call to love our neighbor as ourselves, and we see this happening in the work of the local church amongst both Israelis and Palestinians.
ARDF is supporting the local Church to bring hope, healing, and provision of needs to displaced and fearful Israelis. ARDF is also supporting the Palestinian Christian community, both in the West Bank and Gaza who are part of our historic Church. As we have been in touch with partners in the region, we have heard many stories, learned about their needs, and heard firsthand of their hope. They are suffering, but they are active in prayer and providing practical aid in the name of Jesus, inspiring all toward the hope that only Christ can bring.
Here are a few glimpses of what the Church is currently doing:
1. The Church around the world from Australia, Hong Kong, Europe, the US, and beyond has responded with relief funds and aid to support local churches reaching out in love to their communities.
2. Christians in Israel are housing and caring for Jewish families displaced indefinitely by the fighting.
3. Pastors are praying with families who have lost loved ones or whose loved ones are still held hostage.
4. A Christian publishing company is providing books for children in Israel who often have to spend time huddled in bomb shelters with little to do.
5. Israeli pastors and Palestinian Christian pastors are gathering for prayer and seeking to support each other and their communities with practical aid.
6. The Israeli Christian community is working with the Palestinian Christians in the West Bank to provide relief aid to the Palestinian Christian community trapped in Gaza.
7. Churches in Israel are providing for the practical needs of their congregants, as entire families are displaced.
8. Churches are providing for the practical needs of their members who have been called into military service and have not been able to attend church for weeks.
9. Christians in Israel are praying for and communicating with Christians in Gaza to encourage and support them.
10. Churches in Egypt are providing relief aid for those in Gaza.
These are just a few small glimpses of the Kingdom of God in the midst of conflict. Despite trauma and relief needs which seem overwhelming, the Church is active and responding as the hands and feet of Christ. Please keep all affected by this war in your prayers. May God work in mighty ways to bring peace, hope, healing, and restoration.
Pray with us.
Print and cut out these prayer cards from home for an easy way to encourage regular prayer. Share with your church, family, or friends.
Our Current Partners
ARDF is currently partnering churches and Christian organizations in Israel and Palestine to provide relief aid. Here are some of our partners:
CMJ-Israel is providing aid for those in Israel displaced by the war. Their current efforts include:
Distributing food, hygiene products, clothes, and children’s toys to displaced families.
Providing housing for displaced families.
Offering remote support to Christian families currently in Gaza.
Telos Group is providing aid to its network of partners in Israel and Palestine. Some efforts include:
Distributing medical supplies to Al Ahli Anglican Hospital in Gaza.
Providing aid to Palestinian families who have lost incomes.
Supporting local organizations committed to long-term peace-building in the region.
The Bible Society is providing relief aid in support of the minority Palestinian Christian community in Gaza and in the West Bank.
Local churches in Israel are meeting the needs of their congregations including shelter, food and other relief aid, and are also reaching out to pray with and support other pastors and congregations across Israel and Palestine.
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