Last December, the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem (West Bank) declared that they would not be celebrating Christmas because of the ongoing war and destruction in Gaza and the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.  They installed a creche scene depicting the Christ child in a destroyed home in Gaza. Pastor Munther Isaac, gave an extraordinary sermon on the crisis in Gaza which can be heard at this link.  The full text of the sermon can be accessed here. 

Homewood Friends Peace and Social Justice Committee has placed an installation in our lobby, depicting “Jesus in the Rubble – Remember the Children of Gaza”.   A full year later, we are reminded that Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer unthinkable conditions with the ongoing bombardment.  A ceasefire remains elusive. 

Friends are encouraged to continue to advocate for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.

Resources:

• Baltimore Yearly Meeting Minute (endorsed by Homewood on 8/11/24)
• American Friends Service Committee
• Friends Committee on National Legislation

We thank our friends at Viva House, Willa Bickham and Brendan Walsh, for providing us with the materials to create this moving display.