Sumud - Steadfastness

You may have heard strong responses, claims and counterclaims in the last few weeks. This has led to many polemics - critical and perhaps controversial views - proposing who is right and who is wrong. At the same time, you may have observed some political powers express ambivalent views about the conflict. In some cases, the same country supplies arms to one side and aid to another. It can look like madness.

Most of us are ill-equipped to decide how many sides there are, let alone which one is at fault. For a Christian, things can be simplified. Violence is always wrong. It does not matter which side leads or which responds. Violence is wrong.

The Archbishop of Canterbury recently called for prayer for the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza Strip. It is an Anglican hospital that prioritises the care of traumatised children. It also performs regular surgery, manages a burns unit for children, and offers physiotherapy for victims of the 2014 war. In addition, it provides psychosocial support for adults suffering from trauma, along with a comprehensive breast screening service. Its work is invaluable.

In Arabic, the word sumud is used to describe steadfastness. In the day-to-day conflict that Gazans endure, this hospital has steadfastly committed to helping people. It has been a sanctuary.

Recently, it was ruined by a rocket. Hundreds of people are believed to have died. For those who did not die, their trauma has been exacerbated, their loss deepened, and their hope defied. And so we pray for the victims and perpetrators of violence: may they all be healed. May we all be steadfast in our commitment to peace and rejection of violence. Amen.

If you wish to donate to Al Ahli, anything you give to support the hospital’s recovery will make a difference. So please consider giving here: https://anglicanmissions.org.nz/humanitarian-emergencies/al-ahli-hospital-appeal/