In a heartbreaking incident, former U.S. Congressman Justin Amash revealed that several of his relatives lost their lives earlier this week due to an Israeli airstrike on Gaza. The strike targeted the historic St. Pherapius Orthodox Church, the oldest church in Gaza that still stands.
Viola and Yara picture were killed at Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza-Source: X
Amash, who was the first Palestinian-American member of Congress, took to social media to express his grief. He posted on Twitter, “I have now confirmed that many of my relatives were killed in the St. Pherapius Orthodox Church in Gaza, where they sought refuge when part of the complex was destroyed due to an Israeli airstrike.”
I was really worried about this. 😔 With great sadness, I have now confirmed that several of my relatives (including Viola and Yara pictured here) were killed at Saint Porphyrius Orthodox Church in Gaza, where they had been sheltering, when part of the complex was destroyed as… pic.twitter.com/w5k1xEeTgF
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) October 20, 2023
He continued, “The Palestinian Christian community has suffered greatly, and our family is in profound pain. May God protect all Israelis and Palestinians enduring hardships, regardless of their religion or beliefs.”
The St. Pherapius Church, located adjacent to a mosque in the old town of Gaza, was built over the tomb of Saint Pherapius, a monk and bishop from the 5th century. It is a symbol of cultural and religious significance, bridging the history of Gaza’s Christian community.
The church, along with the nearby Al-Ahli Arab Hospital (Baptist Hospital), faced a devastating attack on Tuesday evening, as reported by Hamas authorities, resulting in the tragic loss of 471 lives.
| Location | St. Pherapius Orthodox Church, Gaza |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 17-October-2023 |
| Casualties | 471 |
| Significance | Oldest standing church in Gaza |
| Historical Importance | Built above Saint Pherapius’s tomb |
| Congressman’s Grief | Justin Amash expresses sorrow for his relatives’ loss |
| Community Resilience | Prayers for peace and unity in a time of suffering |
This incident adds to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, as tensions in the region continue to escalate. The loss of such a historic and culturally important landmark is a stark reminder of the human toll of conflict in the area.
