During this month of November, fresh fruits and vegetables have been distributed to 5 thousand families, Christian and Muslim, thanks to the convoys organized by the Patriarchate with the Sovereign Order of Malta. Work is also underway on the creation of a medical center and the reopening of the parish school. Card Pizzaballa: “It is not only a response to needs, but a moral duty towards these brothers.”
Jerusalem () – 140 tons of aid, for the benefit of almost 40,000 people, that is, 10% of the population that has remained in the north of the Gaza Strip after the massive displacement caused by Israeli military operations. This is the balance that the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has made public through its website about the solidarity initiatives carried out in support of the civilian population by the parish of the Holy Family, the tiny Catholic community in Gaza led by the father Gabriele Romanelli.
A reality that does not escape the death and destruction that affects everyone who lives in the Strip, but that over the months has become an important point of reference for those trying to survive in the midst of this war. The organization and distribution of humanitarian aid is one of the fruits that has made possible the visit made on May 16 by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Thanks to the collaboration with the Sovereign Order of Malta and its solidarity agency Malteser International, the arrival of convoys with essential products for refugees in the parish has continued on other occasions, despite the enormous logistical and security problems.
In September, the operation reached a milestone with the delivery of 20 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as 40 tons of food and hygiene items. In October, the effort doubled, with 40 tons of fresh produce reaching the community. In November, the aid initiative provided crucial support to more than 1,000 families in the Christian community and the areas surrounding the Sagrada Familia complex: each family received 20 kilograms of non-perishable products. In addition, 5,000 families received 5 kilos of fresh fruit and vegetables each.
The Latin Patriarchate, in cooperation with its partners, is committed to supporting this vital mission. Efforts are being made to make it possible to deliver two shipments a month, each containing 100 tons of essential products. Additionally, efforts are being made to establish a medical facility within the Holy Family compound to meet urgent medical needs and enable the reopening of the Patriarchate school.
“We share the deep pain of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who for more than a year have endured the tragic reality of this total devastation,” said Card. The relief operation is not only a response to their needs, but also a moral duty on our part towards our brothers and sisters. It is our way of saying that we are by their side, that we embrace their suffering and that we will never abandon them.
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