Gaza’s Christian Community Struggles to Endure
IOCC Field Diary:
“As we approach the Erez crossing on the Israeli side of the border with the Palestinian territory of Gaza, it suddenly occurs to me that I have already grown familiar with the routine. The 1.5 hour drive from IOCC’s offices in East Jerusalem no longer requires a road map and even the gas stations or coffee shops along the route have grown familiar. The entry process through the modern, high-tech Erez crossing terminal and security also seems routine, and I need to pause and remind myself of the daily reality for the 1.5 million Palestinians on the other side of this crossing — that they are effectively prisoners in a small strip of land some 5 miles wide and 25 miles in length along the scenic Mediterranean coast.
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is assisting about 6,000 Christian and Muslim families following the war in Gaza. IOCC is providing food, blankets and hygiene supplies throughout Gaza, including the territory’s embattled Christian community. (photo credit: D. Lackovic-van Gorp/IOCC Jerusalem/West Bank) |
“But today, as always, there are small differences. As I enter the terminal and hand my passport and ID to the border control police, I am asked the customary questions regarding the purpose of my entry to Gaza. As always, I respond that I work with IOCC and that I will be meeting with and working with the Orthodox Christian Church in Gaza, as well as His Eminence Archbishop Alexios of Tiberius (who is based in Gaza) in our efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable families.
“The border agent listens to my response and questions: ‘A Christian Church in Gaza?’ I politely respond, ‘Yes, there is a historic Orthodox Christian Church in Gaza, although it now numbers only 3,000 persons.’ The border agent follows up with: ‘How long has the Church been in Gaza?’ My response, ‘Approximately 2,000 years.’ The border agent gives me a look of some surprise, but then stamps my passport and we proceed through the remaining doors and security, finally exiting into the sunshine for the 1/4 mile walk down the road to where our Gazan friends are waiting. But it seems that, at least for the near-term, no amount of response and explanation to questions from these same border police will ensure their freedom to leave this small strip of land.
“Waiting for us as usual is George, a member of the Orthodox faithful in Gaza. George studied and lived in northern Greece for some years before returning home to Gaza. He now owns a small business and volunteers to assist His Eminence and the ministry of the Church with driving and other tasks. Father Amfilochios, the young Orthodox priest who serves in Gaza together with His Eminence Archbishop Alexios, is also there to greet us. Even though we have become close friends over the past months, I am always humbled by the lives of dedicated Christian service that these men of God exemplify.
“Friday passes by quickly as I meet with the IOCC field officers in Gaza — Khalil and Mousa — and we discuss the business and tasks related to IOCC’s ongoing efforts to assist the most vulnerable and needy Gaza families. A distribution of food and non-food items — made from the courtyard of the Church and monastery is being finalized today — and many of the beneficiaries are expressing their gratitude to His Eminence and the IOCC field officers. The Church is located in the oldest section of Gaza City called ‘Az Zaitoun’ which is also now one of the poorest areas. More than 500 needy families have received assistance today through the partnership of IOCC and the Orthodox Church in Gaza.”
IOCC Jerusalem/West Bank Representative Dirk Lackovic-van Gorp travels to Gaza regularly overseeing distributions of food, blankets and hygiene supplies to 6,000 vulnerable families throughout Gaza. For Dirk’s complete Gaza diary go to ioccingaza.blogspot.com
To help IOCC speed relief to families who have been caught in this conflict. Visit www.iocc.org, call IOCC toll free at 1-877-803-4622, or mail a check or money order payable to “IOCC” and write “Middle East Relief” in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225.
IOCC, founded in 1992 as the official humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), has implemented over $300 million in relief and development programs in more than 33 countries around the world.