Friends of the Holy Land launch Christmas Appeal

Nablus Kindergarten

Source: Friends of the Holy Land

This Christmas, children in the Holy Land aren't dreaming of gifts, nativity plays, or decorations - but rather roadblocks and bombs. On a visit to our office in Bethlehem, a heartbroken father shared, "My oldest daughter, only six and a half, asks me why they are killing children in Gaza. It's impossible to shield children from the horrors of war, and this constant exposure to death and destruction is severely impacting their mental health." Other parents describe to our team across the West Bank how their children are plagued by nightmares and a loss of appetite, with some even losing interest in playing with their friends.

In launching their Christmas Appeal, Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land advises that "since October 2023, many children are unable to attend school due to travel restrictions, school fees, or because they're simply too frightened to leave their homes. On a visit to Bethlehem earlier this year, a father in Bethlehem explained to me, "They are fearful that the military could come at any time." Their fears are justified. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Education, there have been 69 attacks on schools and over 2,350 incidents affecting students and teachers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Brendan continues: "Our team on the ground sees the impact every day. We have funded critical therapy and counselling services to provide regular interventions, equipping more children with the tools to navigate the ongoing trauma of their daily lives. We continue to fund school fees as many families, devasted financially by this war, are at breaking point and can't afford these fees. This academic year we have committed to help twice as many vocational students in each area of study where we know there are labour shortages - 90% of our graduates find work. Through this work not only do we inspire in these students the hope of a brighter future, but we help build a generation of skilled young people, ready and equipped to rebuild their communities."

As one of the few charities registered in the Holy Land with a local bank account, Friends of the Holy Land's team of local Christians have an in-depth knowledge of the area and a better personal grasp of the rapidly changing situation than most international charities.

Fr Fadi Diab, Chairman of Friends of the Holy Land's local committee comments: "While other international organisations may remain stuck at borders or struggle to establish local connections on the ground - Our local team based in our offices in Bethlehem and Ramallah know the families at breaking point personally so have the understanding to increase our existing programmes and devise new ones to help as many as we can, as we have for 15 years. Over the past year, as well as keeping children in school and helping vocational studies, we have been able to provide medical care and trauma therapy, build wells, install water tanks, help small businesses start and restore the dignity of those unemployed through temporary jobs in the local community. We have also helped other local Christian organisations maintain their vital social programmes."

Friends of the Holy Land was one of the first to send funds directly to the two churches sheltering Christians in Gaza City so they could stockpile essential supplies. Through projects in Israel and Jordan the charity has impact to help vulnerable Christian communities across the region devastated by the escalating war conditions.

Though Christmas celebrations may be cancelled in Bethlehem, our brothers and sisters across the Holy Land share our hope in Christ, which is very much alive. With your help, we can ensure that hope shines brightly through these remarkable Christians who continue to witness for us so bravely.

As you spend time with your families this Christmas, we ask for your help so that we can continue to give Hope to the Children of Bethlehem.

Please give securely online at: www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk/christmas

Post your donations to Friends of the Holy Land, Farmer Ward Road, Kenilworth, CV8 2DH or call the office on 01926 512980