Emergency Palestine: one year later

Dear Donors,
thousands of people have been killed or displaced in Gaza. The trauma of this reality is deeply evident in the children and families we support in Bethlehem through our local partners: Daughters of Charity, who manage the Social Centre - a key point of reference for the community - and the Holy Child School (HCS), which provides education for children with disabilities. The HCS shared: “we have seen healing in Gaza students since they have been with us, but the process is slow because the pain of what they saw and experienced in their homeland is very real.”

Over the past three years, Palestinians’ daily lives have been disrupted by travel restrictions, shortages of essential supplies, and frequent reports of attacks affecting individuals and families in and around Bethlehem. In particular, as the conflict has escalated in the past month, families and children are living in constant fear for their future. Many households have seen their income drastically reduced, as those who used to work in Jerusalem are no longer able to access their jobs.

With warning sirens sounding and the threat of violence ever present, people in the West Bank are experiencing intense physical and emotional stress. The fear that their homes could be struck is very real. Schools have also been closed, as all non-essential movement is discouraged. For this reason, over the past month, the Holy Child School has suspended in-person classes and shifted to remote learning, a particularly challenging solution for a school that primarily serves children with disabilities.
The situation at the Social Centre is equally complex. Every day, our local partner, Daughters of Charity, reports an increasing number of families seeking food, medical assistance, and a safe shelter.

The situation is extremely critical. For this reason, now more than ever, our support must be strong and concrete. We cannot remain indifferent in the face of such widespread suffering. This is the moment to act and stand by the most vulnerable children and families.

Dear donors,

At this moment, life in Palestine is extremely difficult. Checkpoints, barriers, and military presence are everywhere. People are losing their jobs, prices are rising, and even essential goods—food, electricity, medicine—are becoming scarce. The war has heightened fear and uncertainty. Children are growing up surrounded by trauma; most of them have lost everything: their home, their sense of safety, and sometimes even their family. They need to feel seen. Heard. This is why we keep going, despite all the hardships. Because giving up is not an option.

Through our work, we are committed to helping families not only survive but also regain dignity and stability. We provide holistic support that responds to both urgent needs and long-term stability in the areas of nutrition, education, and healthcare. We also strive to promote emotional and psychological well-being, especially for people and families living under constant stress, uncertainty, or trauma.

During the month of October, we made several important steps forward.

Food assistance:
– We regularly provided food supplies, helping not only to relieve hunger but also to improve overall living conditions, promote dignity, and support families as they rebuild their lives. Nutritious food is essential for health, energy, and resilience, especially for children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.

Access to healthcare:
– We offered direct medical assistance and worked to remove the barriers that prevent families from receiving the care they need. Our goal is to ensure that no family is left alone in facing illness and that every individual has the opportunity to live a healthier and safer life.

Education:
– We worked to ensure that the beginning of the school year would be a positive experience for every child. We provided a complete school kit available to each student, including a backpack and essential stationery. 
– We helped ease the financial burden on families by covering part of school enrollment fees and distributing school uniforms to students. This not only supports their education but also gives children a renewed sense of confidence.

Psychological support:
– We provided people with useful tools to cope with daily pressures and maintain healthier relationships within their families. This is essential not only for survival but also for beginning to heal and rebuild their lives.

All of this is the result of our work, but above all of your solidarity and your invaluable support, which enables us to bring hope where it is most needed. Every act of generosity, whether big or small, plays a crucial role in restoring dignity, alleviating suffering, and strengthening resilient communities.

Your support means far more than simple assistance: it is a meaningful reminder that no one should ever face difficult times alone.

Please, continue to stand with us. Thank you.