June 5, 2025

June 5 Attack at Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza

My dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

 

Please see the following statement from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ).

 

I urge all congregations in the Diocese to share the statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem Condemning the attack on Ahli Hospital, Gaza City.

 

I also urge Episcopalians in the Diocese of Hawaiʻi to join and support American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ).

 

I call your attention to the Episcopal Peace Fellowship  (EPF) and, especially, to the organization’s Palestine Justice Network (PJN). Please read the May 16th article EPF PJN urges church to heed UN warning on Gaza from the Episcopal News Service.

 

Finally, we must not confuse support for our innocent Palestinian siblings and a critique of the government of Israel with any form of Anti-Semitism. The recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, is horrendous and must be condemned. Likewise, Islamophobia and punishing others for divergent opinions must be rejected. The actions of the Israeli government in Palestine and especially Gaza endangering the innocent and must be condemned. As the Disciples of Christ Jesus, we must support the innocent, reject violence, and speak for justice with love. 

 

Jesus Christ promised in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”

 

As one who often turns to St. Francis of Assisi as a model, I am reminded that he taught his followers and companions to use the greeting: “May the Lord give you peace!” St. Francis included the Latin phrase "Pax et bonum” (translates to "peace and all good") in his messages. He also used phrases like "Grace to you and peace from God our Father" and "Go in peace glorifying the Lord by your life.” He knew too well from first-hand experience the horrors of war and the impact on the innocent. Let his greeting be on our lips and in our lives.

May the Lord give us all peace!

+Bob

 

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick

 

Bishop Diocesan 

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

The Episcopal Church in the Hawaiian Islands, Guam and Saipan


This morning, Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, an institution of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, and a long-standing sanctuary for those in need of medical care, was struck again by devastating violence.


At approximately 10:20 a.m. local time, a military drone strike targeted the hospital garden near the diagnostic building, killing five individuals, including three journalists and a father accompanying his son to the surgical unit for treatment. Thirty others were wounded in the assault, including four hospital staff.


In a statement released today, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, calling on military forces to respect the sanctity and protected status of hospitals in Gaza, and urging international leaders to enforce the Fourth Geneva Convention’s provisions safeguarding medical facilities, journalists, and civilians in general. Under immense pressure, medical staff at Ahli hospital continue to care for the wounded, most of them innocent women and children, amid relentless attacks and unimaginable strain.


The statement also urges people around the world to join in prayer and advocacy to help end the deepening crisis, secure the release of all captives, ensure care for the wounded, and begin the long journey of healing and rebuilding what has been lost.


Read the official statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem here. 


At AFEDJ we remain committed to supporting the humanitarian mission of Ahli Hospital: to provide healing and hope to all who seek care, regardless of their religion, political affiliation, or ability to pay.


Despite relentless violence, Ahli endures. This is only possible because of the strength of its people and the unwavering generosity of partners like you. Your gift directed to where the need is greatest ensures that life-saving care continues, even in the midst of unthinkable hardship.


In the face of destruction, your compassion helps keep hope alive. Together, we can stand with Ahli and all those it serves, ensuring that healing and humanity are never out of reach.


Stay Informed! Quick Links to the Diocesan Websites:

Contact Information
Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Specialist
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776