Emergency Appeal for The Holy Land
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God morning, friends,
An Emergency Appeal for those affected by the conflict in The Holy Land. We have all been shocked and saddened by the devastating conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. CAFOD’s local partners in Gaza and southern Israel are now actively responding and providing urgent humanitarian aid to those in need.
· We have sent £100,000 to our local partner, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) who are already supporting 10,000 families with cash vouchers. Families are using these to purchase essentials like food and water as well as mattresses and bedding from wholesale suppliers in Gaza.
· We have committed £50,000 to our local partner, Culture and Free Thought Association, who are sheltering 300 people in their centres in Gaza and are supporting them with cash assistance, food, water and offering counselling to those dealing with losing their loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods.
· We have released £10,000 to our local partner Sadaka Reut, working in southern Israel with local emergency support groups providing psychological support, basic humanitarian assistance and building emotional resilience.
Sadly, staff and volunteers in our partner organisations have already lost their lives and tragically news has reached us this morning that more local staff in Gaza have been killed. They tell us that your support and your prayers of solidarity for those putting their lives at risk to help during this crisis are needed now more than ever.
Could I also ask the pilgrims who came to the Holy Land with me to support the people of Bethlehem, the manager of the hotel we stayed in. The Star of Bethlehem has lost members of his family including his eldest son who was shot dead. I am talking to a trusted partner recommended by our travel agent.
My friends let us use this time of year to reach out to all those who are suffering in so many parts of the world. I want to take this opportunity to ‘THANK YOU’ for your generous tireless support to our brothers and sisters whom you help. Always your reward will be returned seven fold!
We will have a second collection for this emergency appeal next Sunday (19th November), and if you wish to donate through BACS, please put “emergency appeal for Holy Land” as reference.
God bless you all.
Fr John
