The war in the Middle East is hitting our member churches and their institutions in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Israel with full force. Schools must close and people are fleeing. In this situation, church buildings are becoming shelters for displaced persons. Amid violence, uncertainty, and political instability, our member churches are tirelessly providing help – and they urgently need our support. 

What our brothers and sisters are currently experiencing

Lebanon – Closures, displacement, and humanitarian need

The Johann Ludwig Schneller School was forced to close because the roads surrounding the campus are no longer considered safe. Many families have fled north, and the streets in northern Beirut are now crowded with cars where people sleep because they can find no other shelter. 
The National Evangelical Church in Beirut (NECB) has opened its former school building as a refuge for displaced families. The Near East School of Theology (NEST) has also prepared by stocking essential supplies such as food and water.

Jordan – Tense calm and constant alert

Although Jordan has also been affected by drone and rocket attacks, the Theodor Schneller School has so far remained open. Airraid sirens have become part of daily life, and debris from intercepted rockets continues to fall in residential areas. While the EMS volunteers in Jordan have returned to Germany, the communities in which they had their placements do not have this option.

Palestine and Israel – Daily life under fire

People are living under ongoing rocket fire, resulting in both injuries and fatalities. The Archbishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, Hosam Naoum, urgently calls for prayers for the protection of all civilians, especially for mothers, children, and the elderly.

Churches as “sanctuaries of Christian love”

Despite all the burdens, our member churches remain places of comfort and reconciliation. Archbishop Naoum writes: “We must remain bridge builders; the Church must keep the doors of reconciliation open.”

Our urgent appeal

Pray with us

- for peace and an end to all violence
- for protection and strength for our member churches, their congregations, and volunteers
- for all who are fleeing or grieving the loss of loved ones
- for political leaders who must make decisions of farreaching consequence

Donate

Your support is urgently needed so that we can continue to:

- provide safe shelter for displaced people
- supply food, water, and other urgently needed relief items
- care for, protect, and accompany children and young people

Every contribution to the EMS Emergency Relief Fund – whether large or small – directly supports people in crisis and emergency situations, as is now the case in the Middle East.

“Pray for us.” 

These are the words with which our brothers and sisters in the Middle East conclude their reports. Let us answer this call – with our prayers, our solidarity, and by sharing what we can give.

Donation account
Evangelische Bank eG
IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24
BIC: GENODEF1EK1
Purpose of payment: EMS-Nothilfe