Gaza Catholic school reopens for 1,000 pupils after nearly three years of war

Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, announced the reopening of the school on Tuesday, 15th September, marking a small step toward normalcy for the community amid ongoing conflict. The school, which has been closed for nearly three years since the Hamas attacks on 7th October 2023, now welcomes around 1,000 pupils. The re-opening comes as the death toll in Gaza rises to 73,789.

The priest expressed hope that the school’s reopening would serve as “a light in the darkness” for the local community, which has endured immense suffering. He emphasized the challenges faced by the region, noting that “the needs in Gaza are enormous.” The school, located within the only Roman Catholic Church in Gaza, has been transformed into a safe environment for children, despite the widespread destruction across the territory.

Before the war, five Christian schools operated in Gaza, including three Catholic, one Orthodox, and one Evangelical. Christian pupils were distributed among these institutions. Now, for the first time, all Christian students in Gaza will attend the same school, Holy Family School. The school will serve not only the local parish but also the broader community, with the majority of students being Muslim.

George Akroush, Director of the Project Development Office of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, stated that approximately 130 Christian pupils will study at the school, making up about 13 percent of the student body. He highlighted that this consolidation creates a stronger sense of community and demonstrates the Church’s commitment to supporting those affected by the conflict.

The school has also become a place of refuge for many internally displaced persons. Up to 450 people had previously sought shelter there during Israeli bombardments following the Hamas attacks. As displaced families return to their homes, the school continues to provide a space for stability and education.

Father Romanelli emphasized the parish’s dedication to restoring a sense of normalcy, even in the face of widespread devastation. Every Sunday, he leads parishioners to the beach in Gaza City, where rubble fills the water, symbolizing the broader destruction across the region. The priest and his community remain committed to offering hope and support to those enduring the war’s aftermath.

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