Something Positive to Do

I received this press release today from Episcopal Relief and Development. I expect several of you received it, too. It gives us something positive we can do to ease the suffering in Gaza. One of the wonderful things about ERD is that they have connections all over the world. They even have ways of getting money into nations/provinces that "officially" don't accept money from the Episcopal Church. I commend this to you.


Episcopal Relief & Development Supports Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza

Since the recent upsurge on December 27th, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has left more than 550 people dead, and 2,500 injured. Episcopal Relief & Development's partner, the Ahli Arab Hospital, reports devastating civilian casualties and a rising death toll in Gaza City.

During this time of crisis, Episcopal Relief & Development remains in close contact with its partner the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Episcopal Relief & Development has responded to an urgent appeal from the Diocese by sending initial emergency funds to the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.

"We continue to monitor the needs of the Diocese of Jerusalem and are preparing to send additional emergency funds. Please pray for the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Ahi Arab Hospital as they risk their own lives to provide lifesaving emergency care to people injured in the ongoing conflict" said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & development.

Ahli Arab Hospital, located at the heart of Gaza City, has treated more than 100 injured civilians since the beginning of the December attacks. The hospital continues to provide essential emergency health care to injured civilians. Ahli Arab Hospital has not turned anyone away despite increasingly dire conditions. The staff and volunteers at the hospital desperately need medicine and emergency supplies to continue their life saving work.

"We join Episcopalians around the world in a prayer for peace," said Radtke. Read the Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Shori's statement here.

A bulletin insert is available online at www.er-d.org/BulletinInsertsCT/. To help people impacted by the conflict in Gaza, please donate to Episcopal Relief & Development's "Middle East Fund" online at www.er-d.org, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development, "Middle East Fund" PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.