A missile attack in Gaza today claimed the home of the Medical Director of the al Ahli Arab Hospital run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. He was unhurt and continues his incredible work at the hospital treating the wounded and maimed.
The Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza is well used to dealing with crises.
Founded in 1882, it is the oldest hospital in the region, its name translating as The Arab People’s Hospital. It is run by the Anglican Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Its eighty-bed facility, and its free community clinic are havens of peace and hope in a very troubled area at all times; and it treats more than 45,000 people each year.
Video - Remember Ahli Arab Hospital and Gaza
In the present crisis, whilst it continues treating the maimed and wounded at the hospital as the bombs continue to rain down all around, today the home of its Medical Director, Dr Maher Ayyad was hit by a missile, and effectively destroyed. Fortunately Dr. Ayyad was working in the hospital at the time and so was not injured, but his house is now uninhabitable as are those of a reported 187,000 civilians in Gaza today, following Israeli missile attacks against more than a thousand targets over the past three days.
Prayers are asked for Dr Ayyad and all who are doing humanitarian work on both sides of the border in these appalling circumstances.
And a prayer from the Archbishop in the present situation
O God of all justice and peace,
we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land.
Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land.
While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children – for to all of us you are our Heavenly Father.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
