As we mark the anniversary of our beloved colleague Viola Amash’s passing, we find ourselves grappling with a painful truth: a year has gone by, and the war continues, even more fiercely than before. We have never imagined that a year would pass, and the war still is not over. This sentiment resonates deeply within us, underscoring both our grief and the relentless nature of this conflict.
“The bottom line is that we are living one of the most problematic periods in recent history,” he begins, acknowledging the complex backdrop against which this conflict unfolds. He notes, “There is a debate now that the war has started on October 7th, but it has actually started way long before that.”
From a pastoral perspective, Cardinal Pizzaballa points out the emotional toll on the population. He observes, “There is hatred, resentment, revenge, contempt. We have never seen an attitude so deep, so strong as we have seen in this year.” This sentiment is particularly poignant as he addresses the catastrophic situation in Gaza, where “80% of the houses are destroyed” and essential infrastructure has collapsed. The dire lack of medical supplies exacerbates the suffering, with the Cardinal noting, “During this emergency, Caritas was able to operate in Gaza and the West Bank in very difficult situations.”
In the face of such devastation, Cardinal Pizzaballa is committed to looking forward: “This war, I do not know when it will be over, but it will not last forever. So, we have to be ready for the day after the war is over.” He emphasizes the importance of reconstruction, not only of physical structures but also of human connections. “The reconstruction will require a lot of energy and coordination,” he asserts, highlighting Caritas’s unique position to facilitate this process. “Not only the physical reconstruction but also the human and community reconstruction, which is the most important thing we have to work on for the future.”
Crucially, the Cardinal urges us not to conflate hope with the ongoing conflict: “I have seen so many people who are not ready to give up but are ready to help, to volunteer, to commit themselves to do something. This is our hope.” In the Holy Land, he finds strength in the community’s resilience, declaring, “Where there are people ready to give part of their life or all their lives for others, there is hope.”
As we remember Viola, Cardinal Pizzaballa’s reflections remind us that even in the darkest times, the human spirit’s capacity for compassion and commitment can shine through. He emphasizes that hope is our guiding light and that we cannot sit idly by. We must actively pursue peace and healing, believing in the possibility of a brighter future.
In these challenging times, we take comfort in Scripture. As Psalm 46:1-3 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” This verse reassures us that even amid chaos, God’s protection and promise of peace endure.
As we honor Viola’s memory and the sacrifices of all those dedicated to humanitarian work, let us carry forward the hope that Cardinal Pizzaballa inspires in us. Together, we can strive for a future where peace prevails and compassion triumphs over despair.
