here was great hope when the ceasefire was declared in Gaza about two months ago that the war ended and we are on a path to a peaceful resolution. As the details of the peace plan unfolded and as 58% of Gaza remained controlled by the Israeli army with new borders established, and as violent settler attacks continued unchecked, not to mention continued confiscation of land and settlement expansion on the West Bank; there is a unanimous feeling amongst Palestinians that justice is not being served and what the world seems to be aiming for is conflict management rather than resolution. Thus, regretfully the current efforts – unless there is a serious change in the track – will be a continuation of what we have witnessed in previous efforts, and it will be a matter of time until the next conflict explodes.
The recent rainstorm that hit the region should have been a great relief for a region that needs water desperately, but the sight of flooded Gaza and the roughly two million people internally displaced practically living on the flooded streets with no proper shelter was a stark reminder that it is not over! The long list of items forbidden to enter Gaza including shelter supplies, heavy equipment to remove rubble, building supplies and the limitation on the number of relief supplies that go in only shows no intention to allow people there to start to rebuild their lives with dignity. On the West Bank, a recent drive on the streets was a reminder of how much Jewish settlement has expanded over the past few years and the sight of the visible barriers at the entrance of every Palestinian town and village as well as the hundreds of checkpoints were a clear reminder that while the world is talking about ending the war and putting a plan together for peace in the region, the reality on the ground is starkly different and the suffering is ever increasing.
Despite the relatively bleak situation on the ground, there is room for hope if we consider the work that we are involved in. You always find pockets of success and achievements everywhere you go. Our religious brothers and sisters have never been busier spreading faith whether through active parish life and activities involving the faithful of all ages or through more structured programs offered through the Spiritual formation center and the combined Bailasan and family center or through the catechetical and liturgical offices. Nothing other than faith formation, whether formal or informal, will lead our people to develop the hope that is needed to be able to continue to live in our conflict-ridden region. Visits to various schools where the Christian value set filters through to our 19,000 students across the region served by 44 schools, with the mondoweiss.net lived interfaith experience where dialogue, tolerance, coexistence, forgiveness are the key values lived rather than the calls of revenge, killing and destruction. It is worthwhile to mention the generous support of the North American Lieutenancies through the “Ensuring the Future” capital campaign that allowed us to implement over 60 projects so far to improve the infrastructure and quality of education in all our schools. Also of special mention is the decision of His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa to forgive millions of dollars of old tuition debts accumulated on all students in our schools in the spirit of the Jubilee Year bringing relief to thousands of suffering families. You bet that collectively we are making a huge difference through our education pillar to make the Holy Land a better place for all its people.
The area that the Latin Patriarchate has excelled in is the huge expansion of the humanitarian programs offered since the beginning of the war. This ranged from pure humanitarian support to job creation and income generation. In Gaza the concentration was to ensure that the dwindling Christian community has everything it needs to face the cruelty of the situation of Gaza including shelter, food, medicines, personal items and more importantly spiritual accompaniment with the active involvement of three priests and six nuns in residence at the parish who comfort the refugees and encourage them and inflict hope. When one sees the posts of Fr. Gabriel, it projects an almost normal parish life with daily masses and oratorio activities to all age groups. They are our heroes in Gaza who do their work quietly but consistently at a great personal sacrifice. Our work in Gaza is not restricted to support our Christian community. We have distributed aid to more than half a million people since the beginning of the war with various food items, hygiene supplies, and medicines. It is incredible what this small Christian presence of around 650 people was able to do to relieve the suffering to so many.
On the West Bank, the emergency humanitarian support was consistent and ranged from pure humanitarian supplies to families affected by the war, especially as the pilgrimage and tourism sector collapsed and as Israel revoked work permits for Palestinians. As hundreds of thousands joined the unemployment ranks, we stepped up our efforts. This included food coupons, cash advances, support in paying basic utility bills, rental support, medical support, and tuition support to name a few. The more important work is in the area of job creation and income generation. Hundreds – if not thousands – of jobs were created in the form of internships and project administration offering a dignified income to those desperately in need. We are very proud of our work and will certainly continue on this track for as long as needed and funds are available.
This Christmas is certainly different! For the first time since 2022, Christmas trees are being lit again in the main squares of most cities, towns and villages. Christmas markets are springing up almost everywhere as well as concerts and performances. There is even a Christmas tree decorated in the Holy Family parish in Gaza! The spirit is certainly back. We see small groups of pilgrims returning to show their solidarity and experience the charm of the Holy places and strengthen their own faith. The economic wheel on the West Bank is starting to move again. While everyone feels it will be a long and difficult road, there is hope that the Christmas season will bring its own magic to our suffering people. Our prayers continue that the wheel that started turning will lead to real peace that is much needed for all people living in this Holy Land and genuinely call it home whether Moslem, Jewish or Christian.
Please accept my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2026 be the year that will truly translate the magic of the season to a lasting Justice and Peace!
Sami El-Yousef
Chief Executive Officer
15 December 2025
