The Erasure of Christianity from Gaza
Since October 7th, 2023, over 86,000 have been killed or reported missing in Gaza. Last week another five people were killed in Gaza City: Mary and Maysa Abu Daoud, alongside their neighbors Yasmine and Hulum Boubou, and Bilal Awdeh.
This video shows the funeral of Mary and Maysa - a mother and daughter who were members of St. Porphyrios Church in Gaza.
The emphasis on their deaths among the thousands illustrates and important truth - people of every background are suffering. Whatever else this conflict may be, it is not a religious war.
The Christian community has been an essential presence in Gaza for 2000 years providing education, health and social care to a population regardless of religion.
The number of Christians has HALVED in the last three years - dead or displaced.
This is a crime - one crime among many - and the world's silence is deafening.
The day is coming when our children and grandchildren will learn about all the crimes committed - from 7/10/23 onwards.
The poem is by Shahad Dahlan of Gaza City - learn more about her work here: