Imagine a Christmas where the joy of the season is overshadowed by the harsh realities of war and survival. This is the reality for Christians in Gaza, where the simple act of celebrating Christmas has become an act of defiance and hope. For the first time in two years, the Holy Family Church in Gaza City has lit its Christmas tree, a beacon of light amidst the darkness. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement and relief. People are happy to be alive. But the scars of the recent conflict are still fresh. The decorations couldn't hide the pain of a community still reeling from the effects of the war. The celebrations were kept modest, limited to a prayer service and intimate family gatherings, but the ringing of the church bells brought immense joy to the people.
One of the people is Dmitri Boulos, a 58-year-old man who, along with his family, was displaced from his home due to the heavy shelling. He recalls the immense fear and grief, and the feeling that nothing had any taste. He hopes this Christmas will bring an end to the suffering and lift the restrictions on Gaza. He's trying to make his children feel that what’s coming will be better, even though the reality is extremely hard.
The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic parish in Gaza, has become a symbol of resilience. Even during the war, the late Pope Francis called the parish almost daily, maintaining a direct connection to the besieged community.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Christian population in Gaza has significantly decreased in recent years. Before the war, there were around 1,000 Christians in Gaza, a sharp decline from the 3,000 registered in 2007. The attacks during the war targeted several Christian places of worship, including the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius and the Anglican St Philip’s Church. These attacks, despite assurances from Israel that places of worship would be spared, have left many traumatized and struggling to rebuild their lives.
Nowzand Terzi, standing outside the Holy Family Church, shared her grief, having lost her home and, tragically, her daughter due to the war. Her voice choked with emotion, she wished for peace and safety for everyone in Gaza. This wish echoes across the Gaza Strip, where nearly two million people are facing ongoing challenges, including attacks, ceasefire violations, and a lack of basic necessities.
More than 288,000 families are enduring a shelter crisis, and over 80 percent of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Edward Sabah, an 18-year-old, recounts the bombing of the Saint Porphyrius Church, where he and his family sought shelter. The church was bombed on October 19, 2023, killing 18 people. Despite the hardships, he, like many others, holds onto hope and dreams of completing his education.
And this is the part most people miss... This Christmas, despite the trauma, has brought a sense of relief to many Christians in Gaza. Janet Massadm, a 32-year-old woman, decided to celebrate Christmas for the first time in two years. She hopes for a better future, for the war to end, and for Gaza to be rebuilt.
What do you think? Do you believe that the international community is doing enough to support the people of Gaza? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
