Situation
The latest escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas started in early July. Israel launched bombs and raids into Gaza to retaliate against rocket fire from Gaza by Hamas. To date, over 500 people have been killed and over 3,000 injured in Gaza. And the death toll is on the rise. More than a quarter million people are crammed into 90 schools that have become designated UN shelters. The UN said that more than s 83,000 people have been displaced in Gaza and that the figure is rising.
Our Response
CHARIS has been in contact with Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Jerusalem on the ground situation in Gaza. Caritas Jerusalem has been providing healthcare through its medical centre in Jerusalem, providing food baskets, blankets and hygiene kits.
Caritas Internationalis has made an international appeal for emergency funds of Euro 1.1 million on behalf of Caritas Jerusalem. CHARIS is sending S$50,000 to this fund. In addition, CHARIS contributed $10,000 to MUIS Harmony Centre in solidarity of their interfaith fundraising efforts..
The archdiocese is not conducting a fundraising appeal for Gaza at this time. However, those who wish to donate can do so through CHARIS, which will channel the funds to the local Catholic organisations helping out on the ground in the Middle East. You can send a crossed cheque payable to "Humanitarian Aid Fund" with your name and contact information to CHARIS at 55 Waterloo Street, #07-02, Catholic Centre, Singapore
187954. You may indicate "Middle East" or other purpose on the back of the cheque. Please contact Albert Lim at 63374119 or info@charis-singapore.org for further information.
CHARIS will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and provide updates on the situation from our various Caritas counterparts on the ground needs.
Let us pray in solidarity especially for all those affected by the conflicts. God be with them in this time of their need.
Gaza has seen conflicts for the past 10 years, with 3 wars in last 8 years. People there generally live in poor conditions. Water is scarce, several humanitarian organisations provide food and ongoing support to the residents.
