The Middle East Humanitarian Appeal

Today marks the start a two-week Period of Joint Action to raise vital funds for the escalating humanitarian crisis across the Middle East.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is co-ordinating the appeal, combines the efforts of its 15 members - all leading UK charities, including Christian Aid - to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of humanitarian crisis overseas. Right now, millions of people across Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region are in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care.

The Welsh Government will be donating £100,000 to the appeal and Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, was at the launch in Cardiff Bay today (October 17th).

Many individuals and churches have already donated to the crisis in Gaza. Just five weeks ago, Christian Aid relaunched its own Christian Aid Gaza Appeal and the response to that has far exceeded expectations.

The DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal is now an opportunity to thank people for their incredible response so far, to invite them once again to support if they can, and to raise as much public awareness as we can.

How can you help?

• Sharing about the appeal: reshare our posts on X DEC X English and DEC X Cymraeg and CA Wales Facebook
• Please use the attached social media assets/banners on your pages and newsletters
• Share this link where people can donate to the DEC appeal: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/dec-middle-east-humanitarian-appeal

What can churches do?

• Share about the appeal: reshare our posts on X DEC X English and DEC X Cymraeg and CA Wales Facebook
• Help raise awareness: by printing out and displaying this simple black and white poster outside your church and in the community: caid.org.uk/DECMiddleEastResources
• Hold a collection: Welsh and English emergency appeal envelopes are available to order here: caid.org.uk/DECMiddleEastResources or call 08080 005 005
• Pray: If have an opportunity to hold a moment of reflection for the crisis, you might find the below prayer points useful:

Pray for:

• Those displaced by the conflict, remembering that women travelling with children are among the most vulnerable in the world
• Those who have lost loved ones to the violence, and for all who have been injured and those who have suffered trauma
• Medical staff and volunteers, those who are trained professionals and those who have stepped in to help, often with limited resources. May there be places of safety where people can heal
• Humanitarian aid workers as they seek to provide lifesaving resources to communities in crisis
• Those who have lost livelihoods due to the instability, knowing that it may be years before they can rebuild
• Faith leaders and communities across the Middle East who are working to serve their neighbours and bring comfort to those who suffer
• All who have the power to bring an end to violence that they may pursue the ways of peace
• Children being born into conflict that through the forging of peace and the transformational power of love, they may be able to grow up safe from harm

To find out more about how Christian Aid and its partners are responding and to give , visit: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/dec-middle-east-humanitarian-appeal