The statement of the nun who was present in the parish in the Gaza Strip when a woman and her daughter were killed by snipers last Saturday: “We injured people among those who took shelter in the church, but we don't know when Help will arrive. Even.” Although it is difficult, we are trying to prepare for Christmas as best we can.
Federico Piana News from the Vatican
From the hell of wartorn Gaza, Sister Nabila Saleh's voice rings out weak and full of pain. The nun from the Congregation of the Rosary of Jerusalem is part of the Holy Family, the only Latin community in the Palestinian city, home to almost the entire Christian community of the Gaza Strip, which has decided to seek refuge there to save their lives. She is heartbroken because she still has in her mind the two women killed by the military in an attack that no one there could have imagined. And because the tanks are now almost at the gates of the church and shots can be heard all around. It is difficult to even go in search of food, food that now becomes just a mirage in the structure.
Killed for no reason
The nun was present when two parishioners were murdered last Saturday. The mother had gone to use the toilet outside the building where the refugees were staying: “She was shot by some snipers who were stationed in the houses behind us. As soon as the daughter saw her mother fall, she went to her to help her. but he was also shot in the head.” Sister Nabila adds a terrible detail: “At that moment it was difficult for us to leave and with difficulty we were able to recover a body while we had to wait a long time to save her.”
Fear of new attacks
In the neighborhood, Sister Nabila explains, orders were given not to go out after 4 p.m. We live in extreme tension: there is no electricity, no drinking water. However, we thank God that there have been no further deaths for the time being and pray that this war ends soon.” The nun and the community she looks after, along with other sisters and the parochial vicar, Father Yusuf, did not expect this , she repeats three times, “because before the start of the war the authorities were warned that almost the entire Christian community was present in the parish.” There are no weapons here and no Muslims.” Now there is an emergency in the drama: “There are among us seven injured that we don't know how to treat.” Father Yusuf asked for help from the Red Cross, but we don't know if and when it will arrive.
Christmas, despite everything
There are also many children among the refugees from the Sagrada Familia, many of whom are disabled and sick. They all feel the desire to prepare for Christmas. Sister Nabila is aware that this year this will not be as successful as in other years: “The birth of Jesus always sparks joy in our hearts, but despite everything we will try to prepare for him as best we can.” For example, when there is some calm, we go to church and pray the rosary, but that is very difficult.”
Appeal to the international community
At the end of the conversation, Sister Nabila's tone becomes stronger and more determined than ever as she calls on the international community to open its eyes “so that they can see the destruction and death of children and innocents. The powerful of this world don't do it.” “I don't talk about justice: that hurts more than war.”