Archbishop urges support for Christian Aid Gaza appeal

The Archbishop of Wales is urging churches to support Christian Aid’s emergency appeal for the Middle East as the first anniversary of the most recent conflict approaches.

Generous supporters of the international development agency have already raised more than £2m to help people trapped by the situation across Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.

But more is needed, to keep bringing hope and support to the millions of people struggling to survive and praying for peace. Christian Aid is asking supporters to give, act and pray – with the relaunch of its emergency appeal, an online vigil and monthly prayer meetings.

The Archbishop, Andrew John, says, “I urge all our churches to support this Christian Aid campaign generously, through giving, engaging and praying.

“We must do all we can to bring this terrible conflict to an end, by seeking justice, making peace and reconciliation in the region a reality.”

Mari McNeill, head of Christian Aid Wales, says, “Our supporters have been amazing as always, raising more than £2.2m so far which has helped us reach more than 800,000 people in Gaza through our local partners. This has provided cash to displaced families, medical support through mobile health clinics, and basic needs like food, water, blankets and mattresses and shelter. It also includes setting up an accessible Internally Displaced Person’s camp for people with disabilities.

“Christian Aid has also been working with an Israeli civil society organisation based in Tel Aviv, supporting them to provide safe spaces to gather following the trauma of October 7 last year.

“But the need is vast and there is more we can do which is why we are relaunching our Gaza Appeal. With the support and prayers of our supporters, Christian Aid can and will reach more people with the assistance they need.”

Christian Aid’s Head of Middle East Policy & Advocacy, William Bell, says while aid is getting to people, a permanent ceasefire is the only way to work towards a sustainable peace and help people rebuild their lives.

He says, “All world leaders with influence should press for a full and permanent ceasefire to come into effect immediately. It remains the only serious option to avert further loss of civilian life and the deepening of this humanitarian catastrophe.”

Christian Aid is calling on supporters to give, act and pray in solidarity with their global neighbours.

To the Gaza Appeal by holding a collection, ordering envelopes or directly through the website. £5 can provide a displaced family with warm blankets and £20 can feed a family for a week by providing a food parcel of essentials such as oil and cheese.

• By signing Christian Aid’s petition to the UK Government, and also contacting your MPs, urging them to back a ceasefire.
• By joining the UK-wide A Just Peace: webinar and workshop, on September 16 and 17, from 7.30pm. The aim of this initiative is to answer questions about peace in Israel and Palestine people might be nervous about. To join the webinar and workshop to find out more visit https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/just-peace-webinar-and-workshop.

• Christians from all over the UK have been taking part in the regular Zoom calls which happen on the 24th of each month. The next UK-wide Prayers for Peace is on Tuesday, September 24, from 7-8pm when participants will hear from Nadia Giol and Anat Asia who organise groups for Jewish and Palestinian Israelis in the Galilee where they both live, and online for people around the world. To sign up for the event, please visit: Prayers for Peace in the Middle East - Christian Aid.
• Join Christian Aid’s online Gathered Vigil at 8am on Monday, October 7. Register via the website.

Please note, all events will be conducted in English.