The current ceasefire presents us with a moment in time

The last four generations of Christians in the Holy Land have grown up either under occupation, with discrimination or limited opportunity due to the prevailing conditions. The violence and fear they have seen and suffered have escalated over the past two years of war in Gaza; directly for those living in Gaza and the West Bank and indirectly for those in Jordan and Israel with families in Gaza and the West Bank. So, most of this vulnerable minority, just 2% of the population are considering their options to leave, either for safety or survival. If we do not step in to help and show solidarity with those remaining courageously to persevere every single day this dwindling community may cease to exist at all. 

Life as a Christian in the Holy Land depends on where you are born. 

Almost 50% of the population of Gaza are children; an 18-year-old teenager in Gaza will have lived through six wars since they were born culminating in the worst devastation over the past two years resulting in the dire, humanitarian crisis, emerging now in the ceasefire.

Economic opportunity and freedom to travel for work, for medical treatment or to visit extended family in the West Bank has always been restricted but have become much worse because of the war. There are over 200 gates and 800 checkpoints restricting trade, employment and travel for any reason at all. Add to this the lack of water supply and the increased violence and crime – life for those living in the West Bank is the worst in living memory. 

In Israel, 90% of Christians in Israel are Arabic. Despite being Israeli citizens and receiving statutory healthcare and social support, they experience discrimination due to being a small minority group. There is ever increasing vandalism of Christian homes churches and sites.

In Jordan's Christians are well integrated into society and enjoy a high level of freedom. Jordan today hosts more displaced people than almost any other country. It has welcomed around 4.5 million refugees – 40% of its residents are refugees. In Jordan FHL focuses on supporting the more vulnerable communities of Christian refugees from Iraq, Syria and other countries.

 

FHL is committed to helping Christians in practical but different ways throughout the West Bank, Israel, Gaza and Jordan depending on their need. Our investment in 2025/2026 will be the greatest in our charity’s history to date.