The event took place at St Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey and was an opportunity “to engage in meaningful dialogue, hear from those working in the Middle East, and reflect together on the pursuit of peace and justice.” as said by William Bell, Christian Aid’s Head of Middle East Policy and Advocacy.
The Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough, the Bishop of Kingston was among the speakers in attendance, alongside people from Christian Aid’s partners in the Middle East to offer people a chance to hear firsthand accounts of the situation.
Bishop Martin said, “It was excellent to partner with Christian Aid for this event. The Diocese of Southwark has a covenant agreement with the Diocese of Jerusalem designed to strengthen ties with the Anglican churches in the Holy Land. When I visited last year, I saw firsthand the incredible work the Church is doing across the diocese against the backdrop of war and occupation. A key message was ‘do not forget us’. This event played a small part in ensuring this does not happen.”
The conflict in the Middle East has taken a devastating toll on the lives of people who have seen death and destruction on a scale of vast proportions. More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, many of those children. With homes and infrastructure flattened, nearly two million people have been displaced, forced to face extreme hunger and disease in overcrowded shelters. While a ceasefire is currently in place, residents of refugee camps in the occupied West Bank have now been displaced as Israeli tanks move into the area.
Christian Aid continues to work through local partners in the Middle East to provide medical relief, food, shelter, sanitation and cash and psychological support to almost one million people affected by the most recent violence.
To find out more, visit: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/just-peace-campaign
