What Will it Take to Resurrect Compassion? Gaza's Golgotha is a Test for Humanity

 Gaza's Golgotha: Resurrecting Compassion this Easter
By Jack Nassar
As Easter approaches, a season heralding hope and renewal, I find myself enveloped by the
haunting echoes of suffering emanating from Gaza. It is a place where history collides with the
present—a modern-day Golgotha. Within the shadow of the Gaza genocide and its unspeakable
horrors, the triumphant hymns of resurrection appear muted, drowned out by the relentless
crucifixion of innocent lives. The once-hallowed echoes of Jerusalem have yielded to the
anguished cries of a people besieged, bombed, and starved.

This sobering reality pierces my soul, challenging the very essence of our Christian faith.

Imagine standing amidst the rubble of a Palestinian Christian family's home in Gaza. The air is
thick with the acrid scent of destruction, and the silence is deafening, broken only by the distant
rumble of bombs. In their eyes, you see a reflection of the agony endured by Jesus on the
cross—an agony felt deeply by the Palestinian people in Gaza as they face genocide, starvation,
persecution, displacement, and despair. It is a crucifixion of a community, a suffering that echoes
the crucifixion of our Savior.
During Holy Week, as Christians worldwide commemorate the passion of Christ, the plight of
Gaza casts a somber shadow over our celebrations. It reminds us that the Easter story is not
confined to the pages of Scripture but continues to unfold in the lives of those who bear the
weight of injustice and oppression. It echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell
you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
In the suffering of Gazans, we encounter the crucified Christ anew, calling us to respond with
unwavering compassion and action.

The parallels between the Easter narrative and the current anguish in Gaza are stark and

unsettling. Families, much like the disciples at Calvary, find themselves grappling with despair

and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope—a hope rooted in the

promise of resurrection, in the triumph of love over hate.

For far too long, the people of Gaza have endured a living hell, anxiously awaiting a Holy
Saturday when they can rise from the depths of despair and celebrate life over death. Their lives
have become a continuous Lenten journey, marked by sacrifice, deprivation, and loss. As we
journey through Holy Week, let us confront the harsh reality of their human suffering and
injustice. Lives are lost, families torn asunder, and communities ravaged by deliberate genocide.
It is a modern-day Via Dolorosa, a path of suffering that demands our attention and action.
Yet, even in the midst of darkness, Jesus'; words in John 16:33 remind us: "In this world, you will
have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." It is in this message of hope and
redemption that we find solace. It is a reminder that the resurrection is not merely an event of the
past but a present reality, beckoning us to join in the work of renewal and restoration.
The ongoing war on Gaza beckons us to embody Jesus' commandment to "love your neighbor as
yourself" (Matthew 22:39). As Christians, we are called to stand in solidarity with the oppressed
and marginalized, championing peace, justice, and reconciliation. The suffering of Gazans
compels us to be peacemakers and agents of healing in a broken world.
This Easter, let us not confine our search for Jesus to the trappings of tradition and familiarity.
Instead, let us venture into the depths of human suffering and injustice, where His presence is
most keenly felt. By recognizing the crucifixion of Jesus in the suffering of the people of Gaza,
we honor His message of love, compassion, and solidarity with the marginalized, bombed,
starved, and oppressed, including the Palestinian Christian people and church.
To fully grasp the urgency of this call, we must understand the cultural context in which the
Palestinian Christian community in Gaza exists. They are a living remnant of the earliest
Christian traditions, tracing their lineage back to the time of Jesus Himself. They have faithfully
carried the torch of Christianity amidst the challenges of occupation, violence, and displacement.
Their presence is a testament to the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.
In the spirit of Easter, let us rise above apathy and indifference, passionately advocating for
peace and justice in Gaza and the rest of Palestine. Beyond the festivities and feasting, let us
embody the true essence of Easter by tirelessly working to end the crucifixion of innocence and
usher in a world where all of God's children can live in dignity and peace.
As we celebrate the resurrection of hope this Easter, may our hearts be stirred with a deep sense
of compassion. May our actions reflect the transformative power of love and compassion. Let us
strive to create a world where the promise of Easter—renewal, resurrection, redemption, and
reconciliation—is realized for all.
In our search for Jesus, let us not only look to the empty tomb but also to the faces of those who
bear the cross anew in Gaza. Let us listen to their stories, their cries for justice, and their
yearning for a life free from oppression.
This Easter, I invite you to join me in taking tangible steps towards making a difference.

Together, let us be a voice for the voiceless and a source of comfort and healing to those who

suffer. Let us embody the compassionate love of Christ and extend our hands in solidarity,

offering a glimmer of hope to those who have been forsaken.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, may His divine love ignite a fire within us—a fire that
burns away indifference, apathy, and complacency. Let us be the Easter people, carrying the
message of hope, compassion, and justice to the darkest corners of our world. By doing so, we
honor the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and participate in the ongoing work of resurrection and
redemption.
Together, let us resurrect compassion this Easter and stand as witnesses to the transformative
power of love. The suffering in Gaza may seem overwhelming, but our collective efforts, fueled
by faith and compassion, can bring about meaningful change. May this Easter be a season of
renewed commitment, action, and unwavering solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized.
In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use
words." Let our actions, borne out of love and compassion, be a testament to the true meaning of
Easter.
Special to Catholic News World by Jack Nassar is a Palestinian Christian based in Ramallah. He holds an MA in political communications from Goldsmiths University in London and possesses expertise across sectors, driving positive change.