16.05.2024
‘The sun will shine again in Gaza’ – Jerusalem Majma Hears from Al Ahli Director
Archbishop Michael Jackson has been attending the Majma – or Synod – of the Diocese of Jerusalem which is being held in Amman, Jordan. He is there at the invitation of Archbishop Hosam Naoum as part of the link of friendship between Dublin and Glendalough and the Diocese of Jerusalem.
You can read about the first day of the Majma here.
The second day of the Majma was devoted to presentation of material relating to diocesan finances and property. The second matter is complicated by there being diocesan, parochial and institutional properties along with the need to implement what we call: Total Return.
The centrepiece of the morning was a video presentation by Suhaila Tarazi, Director of the diocese’s Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City.
“Suhaila’s witness is as powerful as ever it has been,” Archbishop Jackson said. “Al Ahli has transferred its operation to Rafah and receives 200 patients daily. Doctors work by the light of their mobile phones because of the dearth of electricity supply. Her concluding words are so powerful: ‘we offer appreciation for all your prayers and we believe there is a better tomorrow and the sun will shine again in Gaza to bring justice to Gaza and this hospital will be a symbol of Gaza in its Christian witness.’”
In the afternoon the Majma transferred to the Theodor Schneller School in Amman. Dr Schneller established his school for orphan children in Jerusalem and it transferred to Amman in 1948.Today it is a thriving skills centre. The original school concept has developed the high school concept to include Kindergarten (two years) and years 11 and 12.Along with Maths, Science, German, Music the curriculum includes a BTech in vocational Engineering and IT. Those attending the Majma met students and staff during and worshipped in Christ Church, the School Chapel, saying Evensong and later with a Youth Group of the diocese.