This year the Diocese of Chichester Harvest Appeal is for Friends of the Holy Land. The reason for this charitable focus will be plain to all of us who have been following the news since the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza and beyond. Friends of the Holy Land is a UK-based, non-political, ecumenical Christian charity with a deep commitment to sustaining a hopeful future for Palestinian Christians. Rooted in the mission of supporting the Christian presence in the land of Christ’s birth, the charity also works with compassion across religious lines, providing humanitarian help to people of all faiths. 

The funds raised through this year’s appeal will go directly to support families facing severe deprivation. Access to food, healthcare, housing, and education is increasingly limited, as Palestinian communities suffer from the ongoing impact of war, political instability and economic breakdown. Friends of the Holy Land partners with trusted local churches and organisations to provide emergency aid, food, medical care, schooling, and job opportunities. Their work is not only a lifeline to individuals and families; it is a powerful witness to Christ’s love in action—bridging divides, building peace, and sustaining hope.

In Gaza City and the surrounding areas, where conditions have become desperate, £25 can provide a hygiene kit for a displaced family, and £50 can deliver food to last a week. This emergency care is being given in addition to the long-term work of providing education, supporting employment, and advocating for the region’s Christian community. 

Thank you so much for being part of this effort to see over £10,000 raised to help people in severe need. 

To read more about current updates in Gaza, click here.

To see more about our work, click here to read our recent edition of Giving Hope.

For a taste of a number of our projects in the Holy Land, these videos highlight some of the ways that your donations will support Christians in the Holy Land including students at the Salesian College, our job creation scheme and the ladies of St Martha's House in Bethlehem.