A Christmas wish in Gaza

Filled with mixed emotions, the Christian community in Gaza City celebrated Christmas at the Holy Family Church in the city's old neighborhood. The celebrations carried a unique character, reflecting the suffering of Gaza's residents due to the ongoing war for over a year.

During the celebration, the Holy Family Church became a symbol of human resilience, having served as a refuge for displaced families fleeing destruction throughout the war. Among these families is Mousa Eyad's, who has been living in the church for over a year.

Mousa Eyad, 40, shared his thoughts, " The world must think carefully about how humanity can live in peace and love. The world has suffered the horrors of wars, and most recently the Palestinian people who have been enduring a war for over a year. This has made me empathize with every person who has lived under military machinery, the sound of shells, and gunfire.”

Eyad continued, “This is a cry from Gaza, from the heart of suffering, from the Holy Family Church, calling on the wise around the world and international leadership to declare: Enough wars and bloodshed. Humanity must live in peace, and we must all strive for peace to prevail on the land of peace and across the world."

Meanwhile, Michael Eyad, one of the Mass attendees, expressed his sorrow, "I cannot feel joy during this holiday. My son has emigrated, and my homes were destroyed in the war. This is a prayer to express our faith, but it is not a celebration of the holiday."

The celebration concluded with the Mass, during which participants prayed for peace and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Holy Family Church in Gaza stands as a testament to human resilience, transforming the holiday celebration into a message of hope and love amid the ongoing hardships of war.