Thanks to generous gifts to a recent United Thank Offering matching challenge, the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem will receive more than $187,000 to help meet immediate needs and ease suffering in the Holy Land.

In partnership with the upcoming Good Friday Offering, the United Thank Offering invited gifts during November and December—promising a match up to $100,000—to help sustain outreach efforts in the diocese, which operates across several countries or territories and includes churches, schools, medical facilities, and other ministries.  

The church’s Good Friday Offering, in its 102nd year, also goes toward Episcopal and Anglican siblings in Jerusalem and the Middle East. This year’s offering includes an online concert of sacred music, which will be livestreamed on The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page and website at 3 p.m. ET March 29.

“We are extremely grateful for the ministry of the United Thank Offering, as it has supported our service to Christ here in the Holy Land for many years—particularly since Oct. 7,” said Archbishop Hosam Naoum, bishop of the diocese, referring to the start of recent conflict in the region.

“The staff and volunteers of our Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza have worked around the clock to alleviate the suffering of hundreds of patients brought through its gates each week,” Naoum said. “Please continue to pray and advocate on behalf of all those who suffer throughout the Holy Land, even as we seek a just and lasting peace in the very land where our Lord Jesus Christ took up his cross for our sake.”

United Thank Offering Board President Sherri Dietrich said the challenge grant goal of $100,000 was the highest goal the board has set, surpassing a 2019 challenge of $60,000.

“We knew many people wanted to do something to help Israel and Palestine but didn’t know what to do,” she said. “We are very happy to have received many donations from new donors, as well as offerings from faithful United Thank Offering participants.”

She noted the generous response to the grant challenge is “overwhelming.”

“I know the Diocese of Jerusalem and the people who benefit from this grant will be so grateful for your gifts, as is the United Thank Offering Board,” she said.

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