By the Caritas Jerusalem communications team
The conflict in Gaza is often presented in numbers. Some reports speak of over 32,000 people killed and nearly 75,000 injured. Others warn of imminent famine and 1.1 million people experiencing catastrophic food insecurity. Yet others decry bottlenecks that let in less than a third of the required 500 trucks of aid per day (see news in French); the total blockade of aid convoys into northern Gaza; and the 25- to 50-fold increase in food prices.
These frightful figures convey the monumental scale of suffering but say little of its day-to-day experience. What is life really like with bombs raining down? How does the terrible interplay of hunger and grief feel? What is it like to see one’s home reduced to rubble? And how does one cope with all this when one is part of a very small minority?
This story of the Christian experience in war-torn Gaza answers some of those questions. It is brought to you by Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada’s longtime partner, Caritas Jerusalem.
For the past six months, George Antone, Caritas Jerusalem Administrative Manager in Gaza, along with his wife Nisreen and their three children, has called the compound of the only Catholic church in Gaza home. Their journey is one of resilience amongst the backdrop of fear and desperation.
As the conflict escalated in October 2023, Antone and his family made the difficult decision to leave their home in the Rimal district of Gaza City and seek refuge in the Holy Family Catholic church.
With each passing day, more families sought shelter within the church compound, swelling the population to around 500. Despite the risks, this new community remained steadfast in their commitment to stay, determined to preserve the Christian presence in Gaza. “We decided we would stay,” George reflects. “Our place is in Gaza.”
The reality of war soon struck close to home as Al-Rimal district, once a bustling area, became a target for bombings. George recounts the destruction: “Our apartment has been destroyed. Our home was the most warm and beautiful place…. When we heard… our home had been destroyed, my wife and my older daughter broke down.”
Within the loss, George and his family found strength in their faith…. “We are in Jesus’ house, we are in his hands,” he says, “We choose life, despite being surrounded by death.”
Life within the church compound has been a delicate balance of survival and solidarity. Daily routines, including Masses, prayers, and caring for the injured, provided an appearance of order amid the insecurity. However, the lack of essential supplies like food, water, and medicine posed a constant challenge.
As the conflict raged into the new year, the situation grew increasingly dire. George reflects on the hardships his family and the community faced: “The struggle to secure our daily bread is exhausting…. Life is shattered here.”
Despite the hardships, George remains focused on comforting and stabilizing his children. “We strive hard to provide our children with safety and protection,” he says. “All we have is to tell them that we love them above all else.”
Throughout the ordeal, the Antones cling to hope, drawing strength from their faith and the support of their community. “For the first time in our history, we are making the communion bread in Gaza with our own hands,” George shares. “We are determined to preserve the Christian presence in Palestine. This is our homeland.”
As the conflict persists, George’s story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Within the chaos of war, he and his family continue to choose life, standing as a beacon of hope amongst despair.
Your donations help Caritas Jerusalem provide vital aid and support to displaced and bereaved families in Gaza and across the Holy Land.
