Archbishop of Dublin calls attacks on Ahli Hospital an ‘affront to human dignity’
[Church of Ireland] The Anglican Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. Michael Jackson, on Aug. 19 issued a statement in which he expressed his “shock and sadness” at the Aug. 17 attacks on Ahli Hospital in Gaza City and said they were “an affront to human dignity.”
His statement in full is below.
It is with shock and sadness that we in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough learn of the latest attack on the Al–Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. Such an attack on a place of sanctuary for those who are ill and injured is an affront to human dignity for everyone who holds with the sacredness of life. We stand in prayerful solidarity with those who work in the hospital and those who seek treatment there. Need and compassion connect us across the world.
The United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough has a special relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem and Al Ahli Arab Hospital. Just over a year ago we welcomed Archbishop Hosam and his clergy to Dublin on retreat. This bond of Christian friendship was more recently expressed in our diocesan Shine a Light Appeal. This appeal raised crucial funds to rebuild Al Ahli Arab Hospital, the oldest and only Christian hospital in Gaza, and to assist with the healthcare outreach of the Diocese of Jerusalem. We continue to thank all who have given generously.
I encourage you all to hold the people who work and seek treatment in the hospital in your prayers as they once again seek to rebuild and regroup in the face of the ongoing threats and unimaginable hardships.
In these dioceses we will continue to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ and assist in any way possible.
