A Christmas Unlike Any Other in Gaza
For the first time in two years, Christmas lights have returned to Gaza City. Inside the Holy Family Church — Gaza’s only Catholic parish — a Christmas tree was lit once again, offering a rare moment of warmth and hope after prolonged devastation caused by war.
The celebration was modest. There were no large festivities, only prayers and small family gatherings. Yet, for many worshippers, simply being alive to witness Christmas Eve was reason enough for gratitude.
Joy Shadowed by the Reality of War
The glow of decorations could not erase the scars left by relentless conflict. The church limited celebrations out of respect for those lost, but the ringing bells brought comfort to a community deeply wounded by displacement, fear, and grief.
Despite the cautious atmosphere, the sound of prayer and shared faith filled the hall with emotional relief — a reminder that resilience still lives in Gaza.
Displacement, Loss, and Endurance
Among the worshippers was Dmitri Boulos, a 58-year-old father who was displaced with his family after Israeli shelling struck near their home. Seeking refuge in the church did not guarantee safety — the building was hit more than once during the war.
He recalled the emptiness of daily life during the conflict, where fear overshadowed even the most basic human emotions. Still, he hopes this Christmas marks the beginning of relief and an end to Gaza’s suffering.
A Shrinking Christian Community
Before the war, Gaza was home to about 1,000 Christians. Today, only a few hundred remain — a dramatic decline from the 3,000 registered in 2007.
Christian churches, including Saint Porphyrius and St Philip’s Anglican Church, were targeted during the conflict, despite serving as shelters for displaced families. Though Holy Family Church was not officially listed in evacuation zones, many inside continue to live with fear and trauma.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Beyond the church walls, Gaza faces a severe humanitarian emergency. More than 80% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, forcing mass displacement. Over 288,000 families currently suffer from a shelter crisis, worsened by restrictions on aid, food, and medical supplies.
Winter storms have added another layer of hardship, particularly for children and elderly people living in unsafe conditions.
Young Voices, Strong Hope
Eighteen-year-old Edward Sabah knows war too well. He survived an attack on Saint Porphyrius Church that killed 18 people. Despite losing his home and spending over a year displaced, he still dreams of finishing high school and building a future.
This Christmas, he helped decorate the church — a small but powerful act of defiance against despair.
Choosing Hope Over Despair
For many Gazans, celebrating Christmas this year was not about joy alone — it was an act of survival. Janet Massadm, displaced with her family, chose to dress up and mark the occasion despite emotional exhaustion.
“We are tired of grief and fear,” she said. “But we must try to create moments of happiness.”
Across Gaza, Christians and Muslims alike continue to cling to their land, identity, and hope — believing that peace, rebuilding, and reunification with loved ones are still possible.
Final Thought
Christmas in Gaza this year was quiet, fragile, and deeply emotional — but it carried a powerful message: even in the darkest times, humanity refuses to disappear.