The war in the Holy Land has reached a point of despair that is prompting many Christians to believe it is finally time to leave their ancestral homes. George Akroush, director of the Development Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (LPJ), recently endured a harrowing 32-hour journey to return to his family amid air-raid sirens and missile threats. Even as a veteran of 14 wars, Akroush describes the current conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the USA as the worst experience of his life.
Daily life under the war in the Holy Land
Iranian retaliation strikes have upended life for all residents, with shrapnel raining down on the Old City of Jerusalem—home to many churches, convents, and holy sites. In the north, regions like Galilee and Haifa remain within range of rockets fired from southern Lebanon, ironically threatening many Christian villages situated along the border.
“I try to pretend I’m not afraid in front of the children, but this has been the worst experience of my whole life. We have never faced anything like this”.
Humanitarian aid stopped
The war in the Holy Land has resulted in the total closure of border crossings from the West Bank, cutting off the livelihoods of thousands. This directly impacts Christian institutions in Jerusalem, as 40% of their highly qualified teachers and support staff travel daily from the West Bank.
Furthermore, all urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza has been blocked since Saturday, March 7, 2026. Essential supplies, including antibiotics and hospital spare parts, are no longer reaching those in need. The LPJ has had to halt its plan to reopen a Christian school for 1,000 students because authorities claim «everybody is involved in the war,» closing all communication channels.
Breaking through despair
Despite the conflict, the Church remains a pillar of dignity. Around 200 people still seek refuge at the Catholic compound in Gaza, alongside 50 people with disabilities cared for by the Missionaries of Charity. While those invested in the tourism sector are beginning to despair and seek documents to move to Western countries, ACN continues to support the LPJ through job creation and emergency assistance.
“Patriarch Pizzaballa often describes the mission of the Church in these difficult times as a jackhammer that slowly and persistently strikes hard rock until it begins to crack. Each act of service (…) represents another small break in the rock of despair”.
