【慈幼通訊社 ─ 2024 年10月02 日耶路撒冷聖地訊】 ─ 加沙衝突一年後，當地的基督徒小社區人數減少了一半，但在不願停止的暴力中繼續面臨著巨大的挑戰。近幾個月來，許多人到教堂尋求庇護，但不幸的是，教堂本身也成為了攻擊目標。
戰爭初期，一次襲擊摧毁了一座東正教教堂，造成多人喪生。此外，炸彈襲擊了一所新教醫院，進一步危及社區安全。
7 月，加沙的聖家學校成為攻擊目標，該學校自衝突開始以來為數百名平民提供了庇護和保護。由於看不到解決辦法，衝突預計將持續下去，其影響將進一步惡化。
許多基督徒的房子被毀。西岸正在經歷令人不安的暴力浪潮，導致大面積破壞、大量逮捕和悲慘傷亡。
由以色列定居者和極右勢力領導的新定居點行動正在進行中。六月，初步批准新的四個定居點後，更計劃在白冷地區建造一個大型定居點。這種情況對該地區的完整性構成嚴重威脅。
整個西岸的經濟情勢因衝突而受到嚴重影響，因為它主要衝擊在於但不僅限於旅遊業。
所有這些導致逃亡人數不斷增加，凸顯了在這段困難時期迫切需要干預和支持，以保護社區的留守人員並保護宗教機構。
為了應對巴勒斯坦社區面臨的嚴峻社會經濟挑戰，白冷慈幼會正在實施三項重要舉措，期望在這困難時期提供急需的支援：
– 首先，分發免費麵包來幫助不同的慈善機構和弱勢家庭。該倡議旨在緩解受當前危機影響最嚴重的人們眼前的糧食不安穩狀況。
– 其次，推出獎學金計劃，為慈幼職業訓練中心約一百名學生提供協助。
– 最後，為參與慈幼會活動的兒童和青少年提供心理支援。
這些措施的目標在解決社區的迫切需求、促進教育、提供糧食安穩和支持心理健康。
The Christian community after a year of war
(ANS – Jerusalem–Holy Land, 02 October 2024) – A year after the beginning of the conflict, the small Christian community in Gaza, which has seen its numbers halved, continues to face enormous challenges in the midst of violence that does not want to stop. In recent months, many people have sought refuge in churches, which have tragically become targets themselves.
At the beginning of the war, an attack caused damage to an Orthodox church and the devastating loss of several human lives. In addition, the bombings hit a Protestant hospital, further endangering the safety of the community.
In July, the Holy Family school in Gaza was also targeted, which provided shelter and protection to hundreds of civilians since the beginning of the conflict. With no resolution in sight, the conflict is expected to continue and its effects to worsen.
Many homes of Christians have been destroyed. The West Bank is experiencing a disturbing wave of violence that is leading to widespread destruction, numerous arrests and tragic casualties.
New settlement activities led by Israeli settlers and the far right in power are being carried out. A large settlement is planned to be built in the Bethlehem area after the preliminary approval of four more settlements in June. This situation represents a serious risk to the integrity of the Region.
The economic situation of the entire West Bank has suffered strong repercussions due to the conflict because it is based mainly, but not only, on tourism.
All this is leading to a growing emigration that highlights the urgent need for intervention and support to safeguard the remaining members of the community and to protect religious institutions during this difficult period.
In response to the dramatic socio-economic challenges faced by the Palestinian community, the Salesians in Bethlehem are implementing three important initiatives aimed at providing much-needed support during these difficult times:
– First, the distribution of free bread to help different charitable institutions and vulnerable families. This initiative seeks to alleviate immediate food insecurity for those most affected by the ongoing crisis.
– Secondly, a scholarship programme was launched to offer help to around a hundred students at the Salesian Vocational Training Centre.
– Finally, psychosocial support is offered to reach many children and young people who participate in activities at the Salesian work.
These initiatives collectively aim to address the urgent needs of the community, promoting education, providing food security and supporting mental health.