Church in Need: School fees covered for 800 children in the Holy Land!

Church in Need: School fees covered for 800 children in the Holy Land!

In an important initiative to support the Christian minority in the Holy Land, the papal aid agency ACN (ACN) has launched a project. This project is carried out in close collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and finances the school fees of 800 Christian children attending Catholic schools in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. How EWTN reports, the Catholic Church is the largest denominational school authority in this region and educates more than 20,000 children and young people at its schools.

Amid the challenges facing the Christian community in the Holy Land, this initiative shows the importance of education in times of crisis. The schools not only promote respectful interaction among different faith communities, but are also crucial to ensuring that Christian families can stay in the Holy Land. The high unemployment rate among Christians in the West Bank, which stands at an alarming 72 percent, poses financial hurdles for many families. Due to the high pressure, many families can no longer afford their school fees.

Debt relief as a glimmer of hope

In this context, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, has decided on debt relief for all families who have not been able to pay their school fees until the 2024/25 school year. This decision, made as part of Pope Francis' Holy Year, offers many families a much-needed glimmer of hope Vatican News highlights.

Cardinal Pizzaballa has emphasized that education represents a bridge between different religions and that debt relief acts as a sign of mercy and responsibility in difficult times. This could also help to strengthen the affected families' trust and confidence in a peaceful future.

A shared commitment to education

Catholic schools in the Holy Land are not only open to Christians; Children of other religions also have the opportunity to attend these schools. The Latin Patriarchate runs a total of 44 schools in the region, which makes a valuable contribution to intercultural understanding. It is also clear that without comprehensive support, not only schools but also Christian life in the Holy Land would be at risk.

The willingness to help from individuals and organizations, including ACN, is seen as a powerful signal of solidarity and support for Christians in the Holy Land. Together we must ensure that education remains secure for future generations and that the hope for peace and stability in this region does not expire.