13.11.2023
‘Catastrophic’ Situation in Gaza Hospital Highlights Urgency of D&G Appeal
Donations can be made to: Diocesan Funds of Dublin and Glendalough No 1 A/C Current Account, Bank of Ireland, 2 COLLEGE GREEN DUBLIN 2 IBAN: IE50 BOFI 9000 1769 3548 78, BIC: BOFIIE2D. Cheques may be sent to Diocesan Offices of Dublin and Glendalough, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67. All funds will go directly to our partner Diocese of Jerusalem.
The staff of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City have asked for prayers in a catastrophic situation where they say humanity is falling apart. Giving an update on the hospital today (Monday November 13) from St George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem, Archbishop Hosam Naoum confirmed that Al–Ahli is now the only hospital operating in Gaza City and in the northern section of the Gaza Strip. This information has also been carried by the BBC.
In Dublin and Glendalough, Archbishop Michael Jackson said the news added urgency to our Diocesan appeal for the Diocese of Jerusalem which is ongoing. “Throughout the last number of weeks, we have kept in touch with the Diocese of Jerusalem through our contacts there. We continue to express our sadness for everyone adversely affected by violence and bloodshed in the communities there,” he stated.
He continued: “For 39 days, the human situation in the whole region of Israel–Palestine and in Gaza City in particular has degenerated and continues to do so with alarming speed.
“Last evening we learned that the Ahli Arab Hospital is the only hospital in Gaza City fully functioning. We have supported it generously in the past providing on–call facilities and solar panels as a source of essential power for its work. It is now overstretched to breaking point.
“This news adds urgency to our appeal for generosity of both prayer and giving as we seek to support all efforts of our partner Diocese in bringing relief to those in unthinkable need and trauma.”
Donations can be made to: Diocesan Funds of Dublin and Glendalough No 1 A/C Current Account, Bank of Ireland, 2 COLLEGE GREEN DUBLIN 2 IBAN: IE50 BOFI 9000 1769 3548 78, BIC: BOFIIE2D. Cheques may be sent to Diocesan Offices of Dublin and Glendalough, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67. All funds will go directly to our partner Diocese of Jerusalem.
Without going into politics, Archbishop Naoum, highlighted the situation in the hospitals in Gaza. “Al Ahli is now the only hospital open in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. This has led to huge overload as most of the staff have gone to the south,” he said.
Al–Ahli has been receiving 200 to 400 patients per day. Yesterday they issued a plea to all who can to come to the hospital to help. Archbishop Naoum said people have answered the call and they have used the church and wards to accommodate the patients and those who have come with them. “We are running out of supplies … This hospital with the help of those who are looking after it and the staff are working day and night to alleviate the suffering of those who come to the hospital for help,” he commented.
Suheila Tarzi, the hospital’s director, and Dr Maher Ayyad, clinical director, yesterday appealed to the Archbishop for prayers “in a catastrophic times when they see humanity falling apart” (their words). He asked that people continue to pray for peace, a lasting just peace for Palestinians and Israelis.
