From the UNRWA USA team: A Not So Merry Christmas
The ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has been described as ‘hell on earth’. At the time of writing this blog post, over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, over 1.9 million displaced, and 136 UNRWA colleagues - who are refugees themselves- have also been killed by Israel’s war on Gaza.
The most joyous time of year has turned into a grief-stricken, heart-wrenching time who no near end in sight.
Two of our UNRWA USA staff, Jason Terry, the Director of Strategic Programs, and Laila Mokhiber, the Director of Communications share their Christmas reflections during these tragic times.
From Jason: A Christmas Call for Peace
As you may know, Christmas events have been canceled in Bethlehem, Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in protest of current atrocities in Gaza. This Christmas Eve, I am centering essential testimonies of my Quaker faith: simplicity, equity, stewardship, community, integrity, and most especially peace.
Quakers have a deep history of service in Palestine, and the horrors we’re witnessing in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are a clarion call to stand firmly in my faith.
Doing so means seeing the humanity of those suffering and using all my strengths to deliver humanitarian assistance and advocate for a ceasefire as a first step towards a peaceful and equitable future.
I’m reminded that this season we celebrate the arrival of a messenger of peace, born against a backdrop of innocent children being slaughtered.
Twenty centuries later, we see more and more messengers of peace coming from Palestine every day, and yet more and more children are killed.
Palestine’s children need you – and all of us – to stand true to our values as we strive toward a more just and dignified world.
Photo taken from UNRWA Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza on December 3, 2023
from laila: A Christmas Day Call for Solidarity with Palestine
Every life is precious but especially on Christmas Day, I can't stop thinking about the tiny Christian community in Gaza which is under actual threat of extinction.
Nearly three months of a brutal Israeli military assault has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, including over 136 UNRWA colleagues, refugees themselves, and injured thousands more.
Imagine being a ten-year-old girl now living homeless within her church walls in Gaza. She has no access to food, water, electricity, and nowhere to escape. Living under the constant sounds of drones, bombs, and threats of snipers, her world has been destroyed. This little girl could be me and so many of you if our families had sought refuge in Gaza instead of America.
Gaza has been left in ruins. Sacred spaces, churches, and mosques are not spared from the bombings. This has led to the heartbreaking decision by church leaders in Palestine to cancel Christmas in the very birthplace of Jesus, adding another layer of sorrow.
This year, the iconic cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Gaza City won't sparkle with their famous decorations and parades. Yet, even in the absence of festivities, we can be a light for refugees.
Christmas is the time to remember the teachings of Christ, whose birthday is the real reason for the season.
To anyone reading this, I know you see the humanity in those who are suffering, please continue to offer a helping hand through UNRWA USA by donating here, and speak up for a ceasefire until one is achieved.
Until there is a just solution to the plight of Palestine refugees, UNRWA USA will continue doing everything it can to support the Agency’s work in Gaza. You can also support UNRWA USA’s work by hosting a ‘Gather for Gaza’ and by joining our mailing list.
Wishing you peace, strength, and a meaningful Christmas.