Anglican Missions has released a report that affirms financial support from Aotearoa is still getting through to provide essential funds for Anglican-run ministries in Israel and Palestine. That includes funding for the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which continues to deliver life-saving care during the unrelenting humanitarian crisis.    
Donations going to Anglican Missions’ Hope for the Holy Land Appeal have already made a significant impact. 

The Diocese of Jerusalem is serving communities in desperate need through ministries, such as: 
– Healthcare Services: Emergency care and rehabilitation provided by institutions like Al Ahli Anglican Hospital.
– Education and Psychosocial Support: Offering trauma care for children and holistic education through institutions like Ramallah's Episcopal school. 
– Humanitarian Relief: Delivering emergency aid to communities affected by ongoing conflict and displacement.

These are areas where the church can make real and lasting impact as the hands and feet of Christ – healing the sick, protecting the vulnerable and amplifying the voices of those crying out for justice.  

Voices from the Holy Land

In a recent letter to the Communion, Archbishop Hosam Naoum shared firsthand reports from Palestinian Christians on the challenges they face caring for communities in a war zone. 

“We fear for the long-term survival of the indigenous Christian presence in the Holy Land that stretches back to the time when our Lord walked this land." he said.

"This existential challenge demands our focused attention and collective response.” 

One story represents thousands of others

Anglicans in Jerusalem are giving thanks that Layan Nasir, a young Palestinian Anglican has finally been released from 'administrative detention' after eight long months imprisoned without charge, where, like thousands of others, she was prevented from seeing her family or having any visitors other than her lawyer.  
The Church in the Middle East prays that Israel will end the imprisonment without charge of more than 3,000 other Palestinians who continue to be similarly held in Israel's prisons.   

The story of the Christian Nassar family in the West Bank and their struggle to protect the Church of the Nations they have built on their land is another case that represents the thousands of Palestinians who have had to fight to protect and stay on the land that has been part of their families for generations.  

These stories highlight the systemic nature of the challenges faced by Palestinians that the Diocese of Jerusalem is supporting with humanitarian aid and Christian education.

Archbishop Naoum described the impact of the pressures his people face in the Holy Land: 

“Reducing Palestinians to a position of despondent surrender, where they must either live under the yoke of occupation or emigrate, is deeply wrong and unjust. It will bring neither peace nor security.”  he said.

How our families and churches can help 

Archbishop Hosam Naoum, with the backing of the Anglican Communion, is calling for urgent action from people worldwide. You can support the Christians who care for the communities of Jesus' birthplace in three key ways: 
– Pray: Join in regular prayer for justice, peace, and resilience for those affected. 
– Advocate: Speak or write to your political representatives about the need for a just peace in Israel and Palestine that upholds human dignity and international law. 
– Donate: Your financial support for the ongoing Hope in the Holy Land Appeal enables vital ministries to continue the Anglican Church’s life-changing work in Israel and Palestine. 
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Hope for the Holy Land Appeal, visit the Hope for the Holy Land Appeal page.