Resilience and faith: The struggle of Christians in Gaza

From Gaza, the small Christian community continues to face daily challenges in an environment marked by conflict and instability. Christians in this predominantly Muslim region are a minority who live with restrictions and often under fear of persecution.

The Christian community here is small, made up of approximately 1,000 people in a territory where the majority of the inhabitants profess Islam. This minority has seen a considerable reduction in its numbers due to emigration, motivated in part by the economic difficulties and political tensions that characterize life in Gaza.

Accounts of discrimination and violence are not uncommon. Christian churches and properties have been targeted in the past, increasing the feeling of vulnerability among the faithful. Although freedom of worship is guaranteed by law, in practice Christians here often feel marginalized and excluded from mainstream society.

Despite these challenges, including the war they are experiencing, the faith of this community remains strong. Religious masses and gatherings are held regularly, offering a spiritual refuge and a vital support network. Humanitarian aid initiatives, often led by international Christian organizations, are crucial in providing relief to those most in need, regardless of their religious creed.

Our call is to prayer and action. We ask the international community not to forget the Christians in Gaza, who, although facing great adversity, remain committed to their faith and hope for a better future. Global solidarity is essential to preserve our presence and guarantee our freedom of worship in a place as conflictive as this.

At SIT, we remain firm in our mission to promote peace and understanding between all communities, working every day to build bridges in an environment often divided by hatred and misunderstanding and supporting persecuted Christians around the world.