Since October 2023, Caritas Jerusalem staff in Gaza have endured displacement, personal loss and constant danger alongside the communities they serve. Among them is Ahmad, a Media and Communications staff member with Caritas Jerusalem, whose life changed overnight when war broke out in Gaza. 

Ahmad and his family were among residents of northern Gaza ordered to evacuate under heavy bombardment. Forced to flee with almost nothing, they sought shelter in Khan Younis, relying on friends’ relatives for a place to stay. 

“We felt like this was unlike any other previous wars… we experienced what it was like to leave our homes, our neighbourhoods, our streets, our friends, our family, and the place where we were born and lived our whole lives,” Ahmad said. 

Weeks stretched into months as food prices soared and access to essentials became increasingly scarce. Disease spread quickly, while medicine and sanitation were limited. The family moved repeatedly as areas they sought refuge became unsafe. 

“I do not recall having a single day without issues due to the spread of diseases and the lack of medicine and sanitation. It was very difficult everywhere we sought shelter”, said Ahmad. 

Their ordeal worsened on December 12, 2023, when the house they were staying in was bombed in the early hours of the morning. Ahmad was buried beneath rubble, suffering a ruptured eardrum. In the chaos, he discovered his brother had survived with devastating injuries, losing one leg and sustaining severe damage to the other. 

Ahmad spent two months at hospital by his brother’s side as he underwent daily surgeries. Conditions were dire, with too few doctors, limited equipment and procedures frequently delayed or cancelled. 

As fighting spread, the family was displaced again from Khan Younis to Rafah, then between camps, empty homes and shelters, each time losing what little they had managed to gather. 

Despite these unimaginable challenges, Ahmad continues to serve his community through his work with Caritas Jerusalem. 

“Thank God we work at Caritas, allowing us to serve people in the most challenging conditions despite the lack of medicine,” he said. “How beautiful it is to see a mother or child come to you for help and to be able to provide them with support in the most difficult circumstances.” 

Through Project Compassion, Caritas is supporting people affected by the conflict by providing psychosocial support to displaced children, contributing towards prosthetics for children who have lost limbs, and helping to supply critical medical resources. 

Find out more about Ahmad and watch his story here: Ahmad's Story 

Those wanting to support Project Compassion, download resources or fundraise can visit https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion   

To donate, look for the Project Compassion donation boxes, visit the website, or call 1800 024 413 toll free.  

Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au