Reem Gonçalves testified in the October 2025 issue of the Anizan Fraternity Bulletin about the dignity that she and her family are working to maintain despite the chaos and war situation in Palestine, in the Holy Land, particularly against the Latin Parish of the Holy Family in Gaza, which is being bombed, massacred, and starved.

The Holy Family Church in Gaza

“To be full of hope in the midst of utter despair, to grasp the perfect unity of hope and despair! Even the separation you experience is inevitable, but it is not the only reality. When you hope, you are the part of the world that hopes, and when you despair, you are the part of the world that despairs! That’s all.” Christiane Singer (“Where Are You Running To?” p. 79) Hope is not a magic solution. Standing tall is a matter of dignity; it is a profound inner work, especially when Gaza continues to be bombed and people are massacred and starved by the Israeli army.

On July 17, 2025, Israeli airstrikes hit the Church of the Holy Family , killing three people and injuring several others, including the Argentinian priest . My nephew, Suhail, was seriously injured and evacuated with his mother, Randa, my younger sister, to an Israeli hospital through the intervention of the Latin Patriarchate with the Israeli military coordination. His condition remains uncertain.

The Holy Family Church in Gaza bears this name in reference to the tradition that Mary and Joseph found refuge there.

Our family’s refuge

This church is very important to me and my family. In 1948, it was also where my mother (aged 7) and her family found refuge after being expelled from Jaffa by Israeli soldiers. My parents were married in this church. I was baptized there. José and I were married there.

Today, this is the refuge of my brothers and sisters, along with their families, since October 8, 2023, following the bombings . Their homes are completely bombed and destroyed. They live in hell every day; their lives are threatened daily.

Having hope despite the darkness is possible because we are not alone. In this absurd war, we receive much fraternal and friendly support through prayer, actions (boycotting Israeli products and companies that support the settlements, demonstrations, letters sent to elected officials, etc.).

When you think all is lost… there is brotherhood.

I was deeply touched by the father of a French-Israeli friend from Rouen. He lives in Israel, I don’t know him personally, and yet he traveled to the hospital to visit my nephew and sister. He expressed his support. He offered them help, brought them food, and did their laundry. It’s in these moments that you see humanity’s strength, while on one side, some are busy destroying, and on the otherside, some are trying to rebuild. To have hope is also to be “alongside” and with those who are building bridges.

For me, I see it as a sign from God’s hand, when we think all is lost, that despite the cruelty, there is brotherhood, despite the darkness, there is light, and when there seems to be nothing left, there is so much solidarity and generosity. All the little things become little miracles and a flame of hope.

Seeing these Israeli people who carry tenderness in their hearts for the Palestinians, they are precious pearls that give me the courage to hope.

What peace did Jesus leave on earth?

I am thinking of the verse from the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John in chapter 14 : “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

When I meditate on these words, sometimes I don’t understand everything. What peace did Jesus leave on earth? But I know that we must trust, let ourselves be guided in prayer and by the small light that appears each day.

Reem Gonçalves, August 26, 2025

To go further

Reem invites us to look on with hope despite the situation of the Gazans.

• What resources do I have to find out about the situation in Gaza?
• What acts of peace am I witnessing?
• How I react to the text of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14:27

It is essential to stay informed and engaged

Every action counts and can contribute to ending these human rights violations. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Human fraternity is gravely endangered today. José Gonçalves, citizen and elected official, June 24, 2025

Author: Reem Gonçalves
Source: https://filsdelacharite.org/