The Daughters of Charity are a steadfast presence in Gaza, dedicating themselves to serving the most vulnerable communities. Their mission encompasses providing medical care, educational support, psychosocial services, and essential supplies to those in dire need.

Medical Assistance

In collaboration with local partners, the Daughters of Charity have been instrumental in subsidizing medical care. They support institutions like the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, enabling the delivery of medical services to approximately 1,200 inpatients and outpatients over a six-month period. This initiative ensures that those affected by ongoing conflicts receive necessary medical attention.

Educational and Psychosocial Support

Understanding the profound impact of conflict on children, the Daughters of Charity partner with organizations such as the SPARK Association. This collaboration provides educational classes and psychosocial support to 40 elementary school children in southern Gaza. Additionally, they work with the Society of Women Graduates to support 500 young women and 100 children in Gaza City, offering psychosocial interventions and essential food supplies to families.

Emergency Relief Efforts

In response to the devastating effects of prolonged conflict, the Daughters of Charity have launched emergency response plans. These plans focus on distributing food parcels, medical supplies, and educational materials. For instance, they have provided school supplies to 120 out of 150 students in a refugee camp school, ensuring continuity in education despite the challenging circumstances.

Resilience Amidst Adversity

Despite facing significant challenges, including damage to their own facilities, the Daughters of Charity remain unwavering in their commitment. Their resilience and dedication serve as a beacon of hope, embodying their mission to uplift and support the most marginalized individuals in Gaza.

Through their comprehensive programs and unwavering dedication, the Daughters of Charity continue to make a profound impact on the lives of many in Gaza, exemplifying compassion and service in the face of adversity.

January and February Updates 2025

This week, I spent two days in Jerusalem. On the first day, I visited the Patriarchate and the Pontifical Mission, and on the second, I went to the bank. I also spoke by phone with the Parish Priest to get updates on the situation in Gaza City.

Since I continue to fundraise for those in need, I was able to bring the donated funds with me. When our team stopped assisting in the south, two of our major benefactors also ceased their support. However, I have since found other donors willing to help, so I am still receiving some financial assistance. We have encountered issues with PayPal, so if you are willing to help the poor in the south, please let me know, and I will provide you with my account details for direct contributions. My priority remains feeding people for as long as necessary to save lives, which includes providing water and essential medicines.

The Patriarchate has reached out to the many Lieutenancies of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher worldwide, and their generosity has been remarkable. Their support has been especially crucial for the Catholic/Latin parish in Gaza City, which is currently sheltering 500 refugees, including three priests, two Sisters of the Incarnate Word, and two Missionaries of Charity from Mother Teresa’s order. Despite the immense hardships, the people remain courageous and committed to rebuilding their city. The parish continues to assist many in need throughout the area.

The Pontifical Mission, in collaboration with the Patriarchate, is also reaching out to another group in need. They work with four other non-profit organizations, serving the 2.3 million people who remain in Gaza. They collaborate with five local NGOs, assisting both Muslim and Christian communities—though Christians are a small minority, living only in Gaza City.

One of these NGOs, Isha, has been a trusted partner for five years. They provide food packages worth $100 each to 1,120 families. Although Isha is not a Christian organization, its mission focuses on protecting the rights of women and children. Their headquarters were originally in Gaza City, but like many others, they were forced to flee south. Their offices, located in the El Amal building on El Wahad Street—near where our bank was—were completely destroyed.

The Pontifical Mission also supports the Alaya Hospital, led by Ms. Suhaila, by providing medicines and medical supplies. This hospital suffered severe shelling multiple times during the war.

Another organization receiving support is Spark, which focuses on children’s education. They provide psychosocial activities and teach both Arabic and English.

The Society of Women Graduates offers psychosocial intervention for 100 children and 500 families, in addition to distributing food parcels to 500 families.

The Al Ahli Hospital, an Episcopal hospital, was also severely damaged multiple times during the war. The Pontifical Mission helps fund its outpatient services, primarily for minor injuries, as well as its inpatient care, which serves around 200,000 individuals with various medical treatments and medicines.

When people from the south returned to see what remained of their homes, about one-third of them decided to stay in the southern part of the Strip.

Recently, media reports have covered President Trump’s proposed plans for this region.

This morning, Fr. Gabriel reminded us that prayer is essential as we look ahead to the future of the 1.3 million people still here.

Source: http://daughtersofcharity-gaza.blogspot.com/

Previous news from the Daughters of Charity in Gaza:

The Gaza Conflict and the Commitment of the Daughters of Charity