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THANK YOU.
Our sincere gratitude goes out to you, our partners. Your support is a beacon of hope during this horrific crisis. Together we have raised almost $300K for Ahli Hospital since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. On behalf of the Diocese of Jerusalem, the staff of Ahli Hospital and AFEDJ, thank you for your generosity.
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TRAGEDY AT AHLI ARAB HOSPITAL
Hundreds dead after Ahli Hospital Bombing on October 17
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At the time of this writing, regretfully, AFEDJ does not have any information on the whereabouts of hospital staff or reports on their safety, nor do we know the extent of the damage to the infrastructure of the hospital. We do know that Director Suhaila Tarazi evacuated South before the attack, and is presumed safe. We will continue to offer updates as we receive confirmed information from the Diocese of Jerusalem. | |
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October 18, 2023
Ahli Arab Hospital has become another tragic casualty of the Hamas-Israel conflict after suffering a critical attack by an incendiary missile of contested origin on the night of October 17. More than 400 civilians have been killed, according to the Ministry of Health, and others wounded, many of them children who were using Ahli’s “safe sanctuary” as shelter and refuge.
AFEDJ acknowledges the sensitive nature of the details at the heart of this tragedy and the difficulty inherent in reporting on the events during this dark period of heightened emotions. As a non-political, non-sectarian organization, AFEDJ stands by our humanitarian mission and laments this catastrophe that has resulted in the loss of many innocent, civilian lives and caused untold suffering.
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Whether the bombing was a result of accident, failure, or targeted intention does not change the outcome for the victims of this atrocity. Ahli Hospital Director Suhaila Tarazi told AFEDJ “there are no winners in war" just eleven days ago when this conflict began. The carnage and scorched ground at Ahli Hospital serves as a haunting testament to her statement. With heavy hearts, AFEDJ joins the multitudes around the world grieving over this horrendous, senseless tragedy. | |
The unconscionable, merciless attack that claimed so many civilian lives occurred on the the same day that Archbishop Hosam Naoum, along with the Patriarchs and Heads of 13 Churches, set apart as a day of global fasting and prayer for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.
Only hours before the fateful bombing, the children who sought safe shelter at Ahli gathered together in the hospital's courtyard (pictured) to sing for peace (“Salaam”) in a moving moment of solidarity and joy amidst the darkness. Just hours later, many were likely killed in the bombing that took the lives of hundreds of innocents, an attack deemed “a crime against humanity” by Archbishop Hosam.
For current updates on Ahli Hospital or any of the many institutions that served by AFEDJ in the areas of crisis during this time of conflict, please check our website regularly and click on the banner that says: “Press Resources.” We will provide updates as they become available.
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Important Resources:
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Press Conference with Archbishop Hosam and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem on Ahli Hospital Tragedy
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT from Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem Mourning Civilian Victims of the Massacre in Gaza and Extending Solidarity to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Secure donations to support Ahli Hospital may be made online or by check to AFEDJ, 25 Old Kings Highway North, Suite 13, Darien, CT, 06820. AFEDJ ensures that 100% of designated funds go directly to the specified institution. Also, please, PLEASE continue to pray for peace.
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ABOUT AHLI HOSPITAL
Founded in 1882, Ahli was a Baptist Medical Mission from 1954 to 1982, at which time operations were taken over by the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem (1982-present). Ahli Arab Hospital is the oldest hospital and the only Christian hospital in Gaza. A humanitarian organization of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem in the center of Gaza City, Ahli is a haven of peace and hope in one of the world’s most troubled areas. Ahli adopts a rights-based approach and provides healthcare regardless of faith, gender, social class or political affiliation. In Arabic, its name means “The Arab People’s Hospital.”
Much more than "just a hospital,” Ahli is a community resource. People from all backgrounds seek Ahli for refuge. When Gazans are desperate for care, sanctuary, aid, or even help with purchasing school supplies for their children, they turn to Ahli knowing that they will be greeted with compassion and empathy. Ahli Hospital extends their ministry of healing beyond their doors, educating and empowering women, providing free transportation for the poor to receive care, and psychosocial support for traumatized children affected by war on the border towns. Exemplifying what it means to “live the Gospel,” Ahli is a sacred sanctuary, a beacon of hope, and a pillar of the community. Ahli is deeply respected throughout Gaza for the compassion, attention, and care they offer to Gaza’s most vulnerable.
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Bearing Witness Session 2: Healing: Life in Gaza
Hear directly from Ahli Hospital leaders, Suhaila Tarazi and Dr. Maher Ayyad as they tell the hospital’s story and discuss the important community role Ahli Hospital holds in this heartfelt video, filmed on location in Gaza City. Find more Ahli Hospital “Bearing Witness” videos here.
Contact Program Director Diana Branton at [email protected] to learn how to share Bearing Witness with your community. Learn More about Bearing Witness here.
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UPDATE ON OUR INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS AROUND THE DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM
AFEDJ has checked in with all of our other institutional partners in areas of concern, and at the time of this writing, everyone is as safe as they can be given the current conditions. Please continue to keep everyone in your prayers.
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ARCHBISHOP HOSAM NAOUM CANCELS SCHEDULED 10/22 WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL VISIT
Understandably, Archbishop Hosam must be with his diocese during these extremely difficult, heartbreaking times.
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GOOD NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS: HEART TO HEART AT JERUSALEM PRINCESS BASMA CENTRE
Leadership at JPBC gave AFEDJ an update on Mohammed from Gaza, the first child ever assessed at the new satellite clinic at Ahli by JPBC staff. Mohammed completed his three week treatment at JPBC and had left just before the conflict broke out to travel back home to Gaza with his grandmother, who'd accompanied him.
However, Mohammed and his grandmother were still in Jerusalem when Hamas launched the attack on Israel, and because they couldn't return to Gaza, Mohammed and his grandmother returned to the Jerusalem Princess Basma Center where Mohammed now resides and receives ongoing treatment. As a result, they have the privilege of the undivided attention of JPBC's staff, and were spared from the airstrikes in Gaza.
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BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
Join the Olive Tree Circle, our new community of monthly donors committed to sustaining the vital ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem. Learn More
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WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST
Donations designated for "where the need is greatest"enables AFEDJ to meet urgent needs and respond to emerging opportunities. Learn More
DESIGNATED GIFTS
100% of designated donations go directly to the institution you specify. Learn More
GIVE THROUGH THE MAIL
Send your donation by check to: AFEDJ, 25 Old King’s Hwy No., Suite 13, Darien, CT 06820
MATCHING GIFTS
Many companies match their employees’ charitable contributions. Consider matching funds to double your gift. Email Executive Director Eileen Spencer to learn more.
GIVE A GIFT IN HONOR OF or IN MEMORY OF
Whether you donate online or by mail, AFEDJ recognizes gifts offered in honor of or in memory of a friend or family member by sending the recipient a special card in the mail. If you would like a card sent, please make sure to include the recipient’s name and address when you make your donation. Give in honor of someone special.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
Do you have a donor advised fund? Why not consider AFEDJ as a beneficiary of your generosity? Contact Executive Director Eileen Spencer to learn more.
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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM
www.afedj.org
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AFEDJ offers a safe, secure channel to make gifts to support the work of the humanitarian institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. | | | | |
