Photo by Shareef Sarhan for CRS.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) carries out the commitment of the bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, their work aims to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as they work to promote human development, serve Catholics in the U.S. and abroad and put faith into action to help the world’s poorest create lasting change.
CRS has active partnership in over 100 countries around the world, including in the Holy Land, which is currently experiencing exceptional violence and turmoil. Violent conflict in the Holy Land has escalated dramatically since an unprecedented Hamas-led attack on Israel in the early morning of October 7. The deadliest attack in Israel in decades, it was followed by retaliatory strikes on Gaza. The United Nations has reports that in Gaza, more than 300,000 displaced people are sheltering in U.N. schools, public places and with family members. These numbers are expected to increase as hostilities continue. Intense violence is affecting families in all aspects of life across the Holy Land. The scale of humanitarian needs and toll on life remain to be seen over the coming days and weeks. Pope Francis has called on people worldwide “to pray that there be peace in Israel and Palestine.”
CRS has been in the Holy Land since 1961 and has an extensive network of local partners that allows them to respond rapidly and efficiently. CRS is able to draw on their extensive experience and partnerships in the Holy Land, where they have been active for decades and where they responded comprehensively to the needs of those affected by the 2014 war and successive conflicts. Their immediate focus will be to support the needs of families displaced and affected by this crisis as they seek safety, stability and the means to rebuild their lives.
For more information and ways you can help, please see the CRS Emergency Fact Sheet (PDF).