The Lighthouse Shines in December in the Midst of War

The tragedy and trauma of the ongoing war in Gaza has been devastating, especially for the children. Like all schools in Gaza, the Lighthouse School has been closed since October 7th, 2023 and our staff and students have been in constant danger and displaced numerous times. Many of our staff members have taken refuge in one of the two churches in the neighborhood of the school. Unlike most school buildings in Gaza, the Lighthouse School has only suffered minimal damage. During the months of June, July and August when the neighborhood was relatively quiet and safe, Lighthouse staff members and volunteers cleaned the grounds and inside the buildings, hoping the war would end soon and the children would return to their classrooms. Unfortunately that has not happened, but the month of December has seen children return. Numerous children’s programs have been hosted this month and the sounds of laughter and children playing have been heard again at the Lighthouse for the first time since October 7th, 2023.

Lighthouse staff have volunteered and helped to initiate and lead these outreaches in the community under extreme conditions. Hearing the sounds of laughter and play and seeing children back at the school has been a joy as we end a year that has brought such devastation and darkness to Gaza. Programs for the children in the churches and programs for the Lighthouse students and children in the neighborhood have brought a little joy and happiness and provided much needed medical care and food assistance.

On Christmas morning the sights and sounds of children from the Orthodox Church filled the entrance to the Lighthouse School, singing and celebrating the birth of Jesus as they decorated the tree. We are hopeful that the New Year will bring an end to the war, and children all over Gaza will return to their classrooms. Until then the Lighthouse School will continue to serve the needs in our community and bring help and hope to those who are suffering.