Bishop of Norwich launches new appeal to help hospital in Gaza

The Bishop of Norwich has launched a new appeal for a Christian-led hospital in Gaza helping patients regardless of ethnicity or religion.

At the start of October, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher visited a hospital in Gaza with the Archbishop of Jerusalem whilst he was in the region for the International Commission for Anglican Orthodox Theological Dialogue.

Bishop Graham spent 10 days in Israel and Gaza just as the conflict broke out. He returned home on 11 October.

During the trip, he saw first hand the work and ministry of staff at the Diocese of Jerusalem’s al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza. Founded in 1882, the Christian-led hospital offers health care to all patients, regardless of ethnicity or religion. It is unusual in Gaza as it is an institution not affiliated with any political party.

Just a few days ago, Bishop Graham was speaking, listening to and praying with, the medical staff who now face a dire situation at the centre of the conflict, some of whom no longer have homes to go back to.

Bishop Graham said: "I’m horrified by the situation continuing to escalate in Israel and Gaza. The atrocities by Hamas against Israelis are utterly abhorrent and their crimes are sickening. Of deep concern is the continuation of violence and destruction on all sides and the impending humanitarian impact on innocent Palestinians in Gaza. I was there just last week. The facilities offered at the hospital are of vital importance for health in Gaza and it is known as a haven of peace and hope in the city. The Director, Suhaila Tarazi, told me their mission is one of love."

The hospital treats more than 45,000 patients each year and medical staff are now working flat out treating the injured of the current conflict.

The hospital's director, Suhaila Tarazi, has issued an emergency appeal to support its health services at this time of crisis.

She has been able to communicate with friends and has said: "At this stage, our only hope is in God for a miracle in the midst of this scenery of death. There is no water, no electricity, no food, no fuel reserves and no safe place to shelter. The wards of Ahli are full with injured patients. We are trying to help as much as we can.”

Bishop Graham said: "As we hold together in our prayers Jews, Muslims and Christians in that region and long for peace with justice for all, I am appealing for funds to support the urgent work of the al-Ahli hospital, or if it stops functioning, other medical support for the civilians of Gaza.”

Pictured above are:

Bishop Graham with medical staff at the Hospital

Archbishop Hosam of Jerusalem with medical staff at the Hospital.

Bishop Graham with Suhaila Tarazi, the Director of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital