Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s visit to Gaza, March 19, 2008:
- humanitarian crisis that is impacting 1.5 million Palestinians
- constant message of Muslims and Christians united in common mission for peace and justice.
- hospital’s commitment to providing essential healthcare in the Palestinian territory that has been severely affected by Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
- regular power cuts, food and water shortages, lack of fuel
- attacks from the Israelis are placing immense pressure on the local population.
- Gaza has highest density of population in the world; Gaza City has unemployment rate of 80%.
- Al Ahli Arab Hospital brings hope to Gaza’s traumatized community, including its 3,000 Christians.
- In addition to dispensing free medical treatment and services to everyone, the hospital also provides food and other necessities to those in need. But it struggles without electricity for 10 hours a day and it relies on limited fuel to operate its generator.
- The blockade has also caused difficulties in bringing medicines into Gaza
- "This is a place of love and reconciliation. We are all children of Abraham working in mission to help one another."
- Archdeacon Artemios of the Orthodox Church in the 1600-year-old building where he serves his congregation. "We live in peace with Muslims."
- US Bishop told Artemios "it is shocking to see the reality" in Gaza and that most Americans have very little awareness of the situation.
- Presiding Bishop’s lunch overlooked hundreds of fishing boats moored due to fuel shortages.
- Delegation’s entry into Gaza at Erez terminal, waited one hour for security checks before being granted entry.
- A Palestinian family was waiting to cross into Gaza to see relatives for the first time in two years. They had already secured the necessary permits, but were told the border had been closed. Moments later, the Presiding Bishop’s delegation was granted entry.
- The first sighting of Gaza revealed a once-functional industrial city left in ruins from repeated Israeli attacks.
- Gaza’s Palestinians are able to accomplish much with such little financial resources. "But you are rich in human resources."
Full report in Episcopal Life Online
