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Image credit: Adel Hana, Haartez

Dear Friends,

We write to you today with a heavy heart and an urgent appeal for emergency aid to Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.

Like you, all of us at AFEDJ awoke to the horrible news of extreme violence in Gaza as a result of an attack on Israel by Hamas. Early this morning, we received a heartbreaking update written directly by Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. Even amidst the horrific exchange of rocket fire, Ahli Hospital is determined to stand by its mission to keep their doors open 24/7 to serve the wounded and suffering, of which there are many. And they need your help.

At the time of this writing, hundreds are reported dead, and thousands are wounded in a situation that is escalating by the minute. This is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. 

For Ahli Hospital to be able to extend emergency medical services to those casualties caught in the crossfire of war, they are in urgent need of resources. Please read Suhalia's message below and give generously. Suhaila and the staff of Ahli Hospital have the will and unwavering resolve to stage an emergency response under rocket fire; may God give them the grace, power, and means to do so, with your help.



Below is the letter sent this morning from Director Suhaila Tarazi, who describes the latest situation from Gaza:

Emergency Update from Suhaila Tarazi: October 7, 2023, Ahli Hospital, Gaza City

On October 7, 2023 at 6:30 a.m., the people of Gaza woke up scared, their worst fears realized. Official channels confirmed that Palestinian militant groups had fired thousands of rockets towards Israel. Clashes occurred in the border towns. Israel's military has since retaliated on the Gaza Strip. The situation is critical, and the consequences for people in Gaza are dire, particularly in the health sector.

The Ministry of Health has triggered an emergency situation and asked all health-service providers to increase their emergency response capacity. Life in Gaza is paralyzed, with all institutions and private sectors closed, affecting the people's access to basic needs, particularly health.

Ahli Arab Hospital is committed to continuing to provide 24/7 health services for all people in need of medical care. The role of Ahli Hospital will be highly significant in saving lives during this awful emergency.

In order to ensure that Ahli is able to respond, we are in urgent need of medications and other resources for an emergency response. This is an appeal for emergency aid. Please give what you can, We cannot respond effectively without you. We are in desperate need of medicines, supplies, extra staff, fuel for our generators, and other resources. Your donations are critical right now - please give what you can.

Please pray with us that this wave of violence will be stopped, as there are no winners in wars.

Suhaila Tarazi

Director, Ahli Hospital

Your donation is crucial. Please give to Ahli hospital today.

A LITANY FOR THE RESTORATION OF PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND

God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel in these perilous and dangerous times.

For all who are fearful for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm.

For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing.

For all who have died, we pray they find rest.

For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort.

For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms, for the strength to put the grievances and wrongs suffered by their people to rest, and for the conviction to embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all of your children.

God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your great love and protection, no stone that can sound the well of your deep mercy.

God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land will be spared a future of sustained violence and unrest and that a recognition of the humanity of all people will prevail.

We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.



– American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM

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