The work of Caritas in the Holy Land

Christianity ‘I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’ John 13:34

Islam ‘Not one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself.’ 40 Hadith of an-Nawawi 13

Judaism ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Leviticus 19:18

The last 64 years…

Caritas in the Holy Land Caritas is present in more than 200 countries, and territories around the world, including the Holy Land. As in every other nation, Caritas is based in the local Church and responds to local circumstances and situations, helping the poor and oppressed. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is fortunate to have the ability to contribute to community development in a place that is part of our religious history, a place where peace and justice are urgently needed.

How is Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand helping? Humanitarian Relief from Gaza War relief 2009 Gaza Health Clinic 2011

Primary Health Services in Palestine Funds from the New Zealand Aid Programme are now helping to improve primary health services for local communities in the West Bank and Gaza.

Aboud Medical Clinic

Health Programme - West Bank Restricted movement of people has led to inaccessibility to quality health care, especially in rural areas. A home visit, from nurses based at Aboud Clinic.

Gaza A military blockade, which has lasted 3 years, and has included many bombings into Gaza, has created a crushed economy and led to a humanitarian disaster. A high level of poverty, food insecurity and water issues, have all led to critical health problems.

Gaza Mobile Clinic A mobile health clinic is able to reach women in different parts of Gaza to deliver specialist and other health services.

The Separation Wall The Wall is built on the border of Israel and the West Bank. Israel has built it for security, from potential terrorist activity.

Restrictions The feeling of injustice and humiliation is in every heart. Caritas Jerusalem

Peter Bray, Bethlehem University The restrictions are getting worse... they are happy to talk and talk… while settlements expand and the Wall continues to be built. Peter Bray, Vice Chancellor

The future… My hope is that somehow beyond my understanding the Spirit is at work and peace will come. And when it does, what will Palestine need? It will need educated and resourceful leaders. What we are doing (here) is crucial; it is the process of nation building. Peter Bray

Rabbis for Human Rights The most important thing is to break down stereotypes. There have been plenty of peace plans since the 2 nd intifada (2001) but since then Israelis and Palestinians have been walking around in a collective depression Rabbi Arik Ascherman

EAPPI – The Accompaniment Programme We have 32 pairs of eyes on the ground, at any one time, for 3 months at a time. We are not people still riding on donkeys, we are educated, we deserve a nice life. We are resisting by existing. Pauline Nunu. Director of EAPPI

Christian Churches respond I implore all men and women of good will to renew their commitment to building a world where all are free to profess their religion or faith, and to express their love of God with all their heart, with all their soul and with all their mind. Pope Benedict 2011 Message for World Day of Peace

Kairos Palestine Document This document is the Christian Palestinians’ word to the world about what is happening in Palestine….(it) requests the international community to stand by the Palestinian people who have faced oppression, displacement, suffering and clear apartheid for more than six decades. Kairos Palestine: a moment of truth. Launched Dec 2009, Bethlehem, Palestine

Hope (samoud) My dream is of a better life, for me, my children, my grandchildren. I hope that they will open their eyes and not see any more checkpoints, that they can have opportunities to go anywhere, to have chances in life. Nameer, student at Bethlehem University

Lord make me an instrument of your peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. St Francis prayer (edited)

Send us your peace Send us your peace oh Lord, which is perfect and everlasting, That our souls may radiate peace. Send your peace oh Lord, That our lives may become a divine vision, and in your light all darkness may vanish Send your peace oh Lord, Our father and mother, that we your children on earth may all unite in one family. Sufi Peace Prayer (edited)

A vision of unity Two peoples, one land, Three faiths, one root, one earth, One mother, one future, one destiny, One broken heart, One God. We pray to You: Grant us a vision of unity. May we see the many in the one and the one in the many. May you, Life of All the Worlds, Source of all Amazing Differences Help us see clearly. Guide us firmly toward each other, Toward peace. Amen Rabbi Sheila Weinberg (edited)

Acknowledgements Photos: Elizabeth Sullivan, Tara D’Sousa, Caritas Internationalis Bethlehem University: Peter Bray FSC, students Rabbis for Human Rights: Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme for Palestinians and Israeli: Pauline Nunu The children of Jerusalem: of Muslim, Jewish, Christian faiths