Supporters of the charity, Friends of the Holy Land, gathered in the Cathedral this week to hear from Father Mahmoud Abusada, Director of the School of Joy in Bethlehem.
Father Abusada was born in Bethlehem and now runs the School of Joy, which is a special needs school in Beit Sahour, serving children from around the Bethlehem area. This school is one project supported by the Friends of the Holy Land, an ecumenical charity supporting the Christian communities of the Holy Land.
Those gathered took part in a small act of worship led by Robert Jones, during which Father Abusada spoke about the current situation in Bethlehem and the increased need for the school since the war in Gaza.
He said: “On 7 October 2023, everything changed for the worse across the Holy Land. 80% of Christians in the area depend on tourists and pilgrims – there is currently no work and no money to buy the expensive food and medication which is imported in to us.
“The School of Joy was established 25 years ago and before the war we had 60 students from all faiths – children with disabilities and those who struggle with education and are not accepted by state schools. However, there are many children in our area suffering from trauma due to the war and the school now has 91 children, but we have no money to employ more teachers (and many of our graduates have emigrated).”
“The need is greater than you imagine. We really need your prayers, solidarity and support. Friends of the Holy Land is the only charity working in the Holy Land – please support them and continue to pray for peace.”
After the service, there was a chance for those present to talk more to Father Abusada over refreshments.
To get involved with one of the Friends of the Holy Land groups in the Diocese, please contact Sue Oliver on sueoliver778@gmail.com.
You can also support Friends of the Holy Land via their website.
