The Bishop of St Asaph has joined with all the bishops of The Church in Wales to urge congregations across Wales to support a Christmas Appeal to help those affected by the war in the Holy Land.

The Appeal, launched by the charity Friends of the Holy Land, is raising money to support Christian projects and humanitarian aid in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. It has already received a donation of £5,000 from the Church in Wales’ Overseas Mission Fund.

Donations will:

• Help local Christians show the love of Jesus in practical ways by supporting the basic needs of people of all faiths who are sheltering in churches in Gaza.
• Pay for essential medical equipment and supplies to help ill and injured people at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, which is managed by the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem.
• Enable ongoing projects to continue in the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and Israel through this turbulent period and beyond.

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, said: “Our fellow Christians, living in the birthplace of our faith, are crying out to us now for help and support as their lives are pulled apart by war. Their cry is not just for themselves but for the humanitarian work they carry out for people of all faiths in the region.

“It’s a cry, I am sure, many of our churches have already responded to through, perhaps, other charities. But if you are yet to respond or choose an appeal, we urge you to support Friends of the Holy Land and make it your Advent or Christmas Appeal. Please support it generously, with donations and with your prayers, so that the light of Christ, the Prince of Peace, may penetrate through these dark days.”

Brendan Metcalfe, CEO of Friends of the Holy Land, said: “The Holy Land’s Christians have been a light, both spiritually and practically, in the region for thousands of years. They follow Jesus where he walked and love their neighbours by providing the vast majority of hospitals, quality schools, universities and social care in the Palestinian territories. We can’t let that light go out in our generation.”

Donate

• You can donate directly to Friends of the Holy Land Christmas Appeal.
• If you are a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to Gift Aid your contribution to boost your donation by 25%. For those who wish their donations to be restricted to support the Al-Ahli Arab hospital, please put the note “Al-Ahli” when making your gift.
• You can call the office of Friends of the Holy Land on 01926 512980 to donate over the phone or if you need any help in making a donation.

Pray

The Bishops have issued prayers for peace in Israel and Gaza which you can read or download here:

• Prayers for Israel and Gaza

Share

Resources, such as leaflets, posters and social media graphics, can be downloaded here:

• Resources

For more information, see:

https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/news-and-events/churches-urged-to-support-christmas-appeal-for-the-holy-land/

neu Gymraeg: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/cy/news-and-events/churches-urged-to-support-christmas-appeal-for-the-holy-land/