” The war on Gaza revealed that Palestine’s struggle is not only against occupation, but against a global system that normalizes oppression as if it were natural. Our message today is to redefine humanity — to believe that liberation begins with awareness, and that Palestine will redefine the very meaning of freedom for the world. “

– Elias Deis, HLT Executive Director

Reflecting on the Second Year of the War on Gaza

A Statement by Holy Land Trust

As we mark two years since the war on Gaza, we pause to reflect not only on the devastating loss of life, but also on what this war reveals about the state of our shared humanity.

The events of October 7, 2023 were not isolated; they were a response to seventy-five years of systemic injustice, displacement, and oppression experienced by the Palestinian people. Yet, they also signaled the beginning of a global awakening — a shift in collective consciousness calling for an end to imperialism, colonialism, and all systems that normalize domination, exploitation, and inequality.

What continues to unfold in Gaza is not only a war against its people — it is a war against the very essence of human dignity. Palestine today stands as a mirror for the world, exposing how silence in the face of atrocity legitimizes violence and embeds cruelty into the fabric of our global order.

When governments fail to act decisively, when human rights institutions remain powerless, and when societies watch genocide live on their screens in silence, a dangerous message is sent: that violence can persist without consequence, that compassion can be optional, and that justice can be postponed indefinitely.

This crisis extends beyond Gaza. From Sudan to Ukraine, from Africa to Latin America, we witness the same global system striving to convince us that war, poverty, and human suffering are “normal.” They are not.

It is our moral duty — as individuals and as communities — to challenge this normalization and to reclaim our collective responsibility toward justice, dignity, and peace.

At Holy Land Trust, we believe that true transformation begins with awareness — by confronting pain rather than denying it, and by turning trauma into understanding, empathy, and courageous action. Gaza reminds us that hope is resistance, and that silence is complicity.

Together, we rise — for Gaza, for Palestine, for humanity. Because one day, Palestine will free us all.

Holy Land Trust is leading the development of the first Trauma-Informed Care Methodology for the Palestinian context . As part of this process, we invite you to join a two-day inner journey that combines personal transformation with collective co-creation .

Retreat highlights:

Holy Land Trust continues its work empowering communities, fostering resilience, and transforming trauma into hope. As part of strengthening our presence, we are planning to own a permanent office in Bethlehem – a space where our programs, dialogue sessions, and community activities can grow.

Owning an office is a critical step, but we cannot do it without your financial support . Your contribution will help us establish a permanent base for our work, expand our initiatives, and continue advocating, empowering, and transforming lives across Palestine.

Together, we can make this vision a reality and ensure that we continue to stand strong for the communities we serve.

This office will be a home for our programs, a safe space for youth and families, and a hub for dialogue and learning. By supporting us, you are standing with the Palestinian community and helping transform trauma into hope.

Lara Nassar Mitri,

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

We chose “Growth” for October to symbolize resilience — despite ongoing challenges, we continue expanding our impact, nurturing hope, empowering communities, and transforming trauma into hope, strength and renewal.

Holy Land Trust

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