Dear Friends of CCF,
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have joined religious leaders around the world in calling for today, October 17, to be a day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.
For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “May those who love you prosper! May peace be within your ramparts, prosperity within your towers.” For the sake of my brothers and friends I say, “Peace be with you.” For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God, I pray for your good. (PS 122:6-9)
This day marks 10 days since the terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack on Israel, firing rockets and breaking through defenses that divided Israel and the Gaza Strip. Israel quickly retaliated and declared war. In the days since, thousands of civilians in both Gaza and Israel have died. Around 1 million people have been displaced, and damage to infrastructure has cut off hundreds of thousands more from access to food, water, fuel, and electricity.
Pray
Please join us in praying for the people of the Holy Land.
God of our longing,
Remember those who wait and hope for peace.
Hear our prayer and our lament
for our brothers and sisters in Israel and Palestine.
With them, we share a common story,
set in a common homeland.
Make common also a will to forgive,
to reconcile,
to make a just peace for the sake of the ancestors,
for the sake of the children.
Open ears, eyes and hearts
And make a way toward justice
In our war-torn world.
God all merciful, you dwell in all human hearts
And the Holy Land is wherever you make your home.
Heal these broken places where prophets preached
Where Moses and Jesus kept faith with you.
Be a sure support for those who work toward reconciliation
And make us all, however far away,
Steadfast in their cause.
Amen
From Catholic Relief Services.
Charities Providing On-the-Ground Support
Many charities have stepped in to provide much-needed support to the people of the affected region. If you feel called to share your blessings to help, the following list of organizations may provide a helpful starting point. Each has been screened for alignment with Catholic social teaching.
Catholic Relief Services
Relief for Conflict in the Holy Land
Partnering with Caritas Jerusalem on the ground to provide assistance to families affected by violence in the Holy Land.
World Central Kitchen
Feeding Families Impacted by the Conflict in Gaza and Israel
Working with chefs and residents from impacted communities to meet the changing needs.
Samaritan’s Purse
Support Israel Projects
Working with churches in Israel to equip and support them in ministering to people in their communities affected by terrorist attacks.
Americares
Focused on the Most Urgent Medical Needs of Civilians
Working with longtime partner organization Anera to respond to the need for medicines and medical supplies in Gaza.
If you have a donor advised fund at CCF and would like to direct a grant, you can click here to sign in to DonorSphere.
With gratitude,
Anne Cullen Miller, MBA
President