WCC NEWS: Kids Feel Safe Going to School when EAs are Present

Igor Galvão, from Brazil, served as an ecumenical accompanier in Jerusalem’s Old City from 31 August to 7 October. The World Council of Churches (WCC) Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, based on an appeal from local church leaders to create an international presence in the country, accompanies the local people and communities, offering protective presence and witnessing their daily struggles and hopes. Below, Galvão reflects on what he witnessed while in the field, and on the work ahead. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 23 October 2023 What did you learn during your 40 days in the field as an ecumenical accompanier?  Galvão: First, I would like to say that being an ecumenical accompanier was intense: it gave me knowledge that you are not really getting from books. We accompanied the kids on the way to school because that’s when they are pretty much harassed by the security forces, and I talked to the principal of one of the schools as well.   Are you in touch with the principal now? Galvão: I just arrived back here in Brazil, and I am planning to write especially to the principal because he has eyes on every family and every kid. The schools were pretty much closed during this time, and they were supposed to return today—maybe. This is inside Jerusalem’s Old City. They face some big harassment, and I think now with retaliation going on, they must be very fearful. I think this is important for people to understand that kids are not safe going to school.   How do you continue to share the stories of the communities you accompanied? Galvão: It’s a time for advocacy. We have to have our voices heard everywhere and share the stories everywhere. I was very fortunate to already have done a Brazilian TV interview. I have people coming over to me, and saying “let’s do this, let’s do that,”so we are planning to speak in a cultural center. But also if we are able to—and I think this is very important—we can reach online advocacy and reach media advocacy because they can, in turn, reach millions of people.   WCC condemns attack on building adjacent to St Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza (WCC news release 20 October 2023)   WCC calls for urgent humanitarian response in Gaza and UN-Led criminal investigation (WCC news release 19 October 2023)   WCC outraged at news of attack on hospital in Gaza, calls for justice and human dignity (WCC news release 17 October 2023)   WCC calls for immediate ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid for Gaza (WCC news release 15 October 2023)   WCC, Jerusalem Heads of Churches invite all to global prayer day (WCC news release 15 October 2023)   Jerusalem Heads of Churches urge addressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza (WCC news release 13 October 2023)   WCC calls for a new approach to conflict in Palestine and Israel (WCC news release 13 October 2023)   Statement: WCC calls for a new approach to the conflict in Palestine and Israel (13 October 2023)   Church leaders in Holy Land call for de-escalation, respect for human rights (WCC news release 9 October 2023)   Service of Lament for Palestine and Israel: “we solidly believe in the sanctity of life” (WCC news release 12 October 2023)   WCC urgently appeals for immediate ceasefire in Israel and Palestine (WCC news release 7 October 2023) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland