Middle East Crisis

responding with partners to war in the Middle East

photo : MECC/DSPR

Since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, violence and devastation have escalated in the Middle East, with years of political tension and conflict bearing out in the most horrifying and heartbreaking ways. Thousands of civilians have been killed and thousands more injured as the warfare persists. Week of Compassion has been in frequent contact with trusted partners, including through Global Ministries, the Middle East Council of Churches, and ACT Alliance. These partners are in close conversation about immediate needs in Israel/Palestine and the broader region - food, water, shelter, medical care, sanitation - and know there will be many considerations to come regarding a long-term solution and recovery. 

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Yesterday, October 17, the world received word of the destruction of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. A ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, Al-Ahli is a longtime partner through both Global Ministries and ACT Alliance, and has a long history of remarkable work. In 2019, Week of Compassion Executive Director Vy Nguyen and Global Ministries Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe Peter Makari gathered there as Al-Ahli was presented with the Global Ministries Award of Affirmation: 

… recognized for its crucial ministry of healthcare in one of the most densely populated and de-developed places in the world. Al-Ahli Hospital has continued to serve the people of Gaza with medical care (often free of charge) in the most trying of circumstances. The courageous medical and professional staff persevere, remaining committed to their calling to provide care and hope, delivered in a spirit of love and service. 

In a statement, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem grieves “the loss of countless lives, a manifestation of what can only be described as a crime against humanity. Hospitals, by the tenets of international humanitarian law, are sanctuaries, yet this assault has transgressed those sacred boundaries."
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Our partners are ready to respond with medical relief and community-led initiatives
including food, shelter, and sanitation. 
100% of your gifts to Week of Compassion, designated ‘Middle East Crisis’, 
will be used for responses in the region.

​The Middle East Council of Churches’ DSPR (Department of Service to the Palestinian Refugees) is a long-time Disciples partner in the region. Updates in the last day have noted that     

photo : MECC/DSPR

… the main building in Gaza has suffered severe damage ... This will leave a devastating impact on the local community and our ability to continue our vital humanitarian work. Many rooms, including critical medicine storage facilities, ceiling, … have been directly impacted by the conflict. This loss severely hampers our capacity to provide essential medical support to those in desperate need.

… [most of our dedicated employees and Committee Members] have had their homes severely or partially damaged. Their personal suffering reflects the widespread devastation and fear experienced by countless families in the region. [Colleagues and community in Gaza have taken refuge in the Orthodox and the Latin Church.] ​The situation on the ground has deteriorated to an unimaginable extent. ​

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Alongside Global Ministries, and Churches for Middle East Peace, Week of Compassion advocates for an immediate ceasefire, as well as humanitarian access and safe spaces (schools, hospitals, churches) to be respected. Access is critical. 

Even as they reported the damage to their facility and the destruction of their own homes and asked for the prayers of their colleagues and friends worldwide, our partners at DSPR also said:

In these challenging times, we must remember to hold fast to hope … being hopeful is one thing and working towards that hope is something different. Currently we are doing all we can … It was left to colleagues to assess their urgent needs and we told them that we stand by them, ready to do whatever is needed to alleviate their suffering. Together we can make a difference.

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100% of your gifts to Week of Compassion, designated ‘Middle East Crisis’, 
will be used for responses in the region.

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