Israel continues to kill and starve civilians in Gaza. Among the casualties during Israel’s attacks last week in North Gaza was Chef Mahmoud Almadhoun, a beloved Palestinian chef and the founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen. Chef Almadhoun was known for feeding the hungry. In the presence of famine and starvation, he crafted new dishes that served over 3,000 people and patients daily near the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Prior to his death by an Israeli sniper, he was reported saying, “We will keep serving our community, remembering that when all else has failed the Palestinians, the land did not.”
Oh Lord, we witness death everywhere. Like the Psalmist, our souls are in deep anguish, and we cry out “how long, Lord, how long?” (Psalm 6:3) Divine Creator, who multiplies loaves and fishes (Mark 6:41), we ask you to hear the cries of the people of Gaza and sustain them in the face of mass starvation and genocide. We pray for all souls killed in Gaza. Among those lost, we remember Chef Mahmoud Almadhoun, a servant of his people who fed the hungry and nurtured hope. Holy Spirit, strengthen those who remain, comfort those who grieve, and restore the land and its people to peace.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer