The following update and appeal appears on the website of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). Note that IOCC provides assistance without taking sides in the conflicts that generate humanitarian crises around the planet. Note also that IOCC partners with the local Orthodox Church (i.e., the Patriarchate of Jerusalem) while providing care equally to Palestinian Muslims and Christians.
A Palestinian boy carrying a baby stands at a site of Israeli strikes in Rafah, southern Gaza, on December 4.
Mohammed Salem/Reuters
Photo Credit: CNN
UPDATE: CONFLICT IN GAZA
Responding to Urgent Needs
Since 1997, the largest, most impactful activities of IOCC’s programmatic footprint in the Holy Land have taken place in Gaza. Special focus has been on helping women-headed households improve their food-growing and income-earning abilities, and on connecting young adults with vocational training and job experience. Our long presence in Gaza has fostered deep relationships and effective humanitarian partnerships, so IOCC can deliver aid expediently when new needs arise.
Since conflict began in October 2023, IOCC has remained in close communication with partners and staff on the ground, including our Church partner in Gaza. As the situation changes and develops, IOCC teams across the Middle East are working closely with our US-based team to determine the most urgent needs and to find ways we can best assist. IOCC remains committed to ongoing service in the Holy Land and has already provided the following aid in response to the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
EMERGENCY FOOD, WATER, AND SUPPLIES
To assist displaced people, including hundreds sheltering in church buildings, IOCC provided emergency food and water, and hygiene items. IOCC has also supplied fresh meat and produce as available, plus shelf-stable food staples like flour and cooking oil, and disposable plates, utensils, and cups. Hot daily meals for displaced people provide additional nourishment amid tremendous hardship, while plastic sheeting covers windows and helps insulate damaged buildings against the weather.
HELP FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN
To ensure that infants and youngsters have more of the food they need even amid great chaos, IOCC has provided baby formula and potable water to families affected by this conflict. Parents and caregivers have also received diapers to help keep their littles ones clean and healthy.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
IOCC is working to provide medicine to displaced people with chronic conditions, helping the elderly and ill manage their health amid upheaval. Medication for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions are among the supplies delivered.
The impacts of this conflict will be deeply felt and long-lasting. Long-term needs will include rebuilding and providing emotional and spiritual care. IOCC remains committed to humanitarian work in the Holy Land, to our staff there, and especially to the thousands of people already helped by IOCC’s long-term work in the region. To support this work with a gift, click below:
ORTHODOXY IN DIALOGUE 