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{{Infobox church
{{Infobox church
| name = Gaza Baptist Church
| name = Gaza Baptist Church
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| image = Gaza Baptist Church.jpg
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| location = [[Gaza City]], [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]]
| location = [[Gaza City]], [[Gaza Strip]], [[State of Palestine]]
| country = [[Palestinian Territories]]
| country = [[State of Palestine|Palestine]]
| denomination = [[Baptists|Baptist]], [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]]
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The '''Gaza Baptist Church''' is a [[Baptists|Baptist]] church in [[Gaza City]], [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], [[Palestinian Territories]].<ref name='Alford 2007-10-08'>{{cite news |first=Deann |last=Alford |title=Christian Bookstore Manager Martyred in Gaza City |date=2007-10-08 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/octoberweb-only/141-12.0.html |work=Christianity Today |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='Haaretz 2007-10-07'>{{cite news |title=Palestinian Christian activist stabbed to death in Gaza |date=2007-10-07 |work=[[Haaretz]] |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/palestinian-christian-activist-stabbed-to-death-in-gaza-1.230592 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='Silver 2007-10-08'>{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Silver |title=Gaza's Christian bookseller killed |date=2007-10-08 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gazas-christian-bookseller-killed-396283.html |work=The Independent |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> The Church is one of only three Christian churches in the Gaza Strip, and the only one that is [[Protestant]] and [[evangelical]].
The '''Gaza Baptist Church''' is a [[Baptists|Baptist]] church in [[Gaza City]], [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]], in the [[State of Palestine]].<ref name='Alford 2007-10-08'>{{cite news |first=Deann |last=Alford |title=Christian Bookstore Manager Martyred in Gaza City |date=2007-10-08 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/octoberweb-only/141-12.0.html |work=Christianity Today |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='Haaretz 2007-10-07'>{{cite news |title=Palestinian Christian activist stabbed to death in Gaza |date=2007-10-07 |work=[[Haaretz]] |url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/palestinian-christian-activist-stabbed-to-death-in-gaza-1.230592 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='Silver 2007-10-08'>{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Silver |title=Gaza's Christian bookseller killed |date=2007-10-08 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gazas-christian-bookseller-killed-396283.html |work=The Independent |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> The church was partially destroyed during Israeli bombings in 2008, after which the church's pastor, and many of the congregation, subsequently fled the [[Gaza Strip]].<ref name='Alford 2007-10-08'/><ref name='Haaretz 2007-10-07'/><ref name='Silver 2007-10-08'/><ref name=":0">Baptist press, [https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/gaza-baptist-churchs-building-sustains-damage-in-israeli-air-strike/ Gaza Baptist Church’s building sustains damage in Israeli air strike], baptistpress.com, USA, January 5, 2009 </ref>


The Gaza Baptist Church is one of only three [[Christianity|Christian churches]] in the Gaza Strip, and the only one that is [[Protestantism|Protestant]] and [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]] – the two remaining Christian churches in the [[Gaza Strip]] are the [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Holy Family Church, Gaza|Church of the Holy Family]] and the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] [[Church of Saint Porphyrius]].
The Gaza Baptist Church and its congregation of about 200 have been adversely affected by ongoing violence and chaos related to the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]. Several church members have become casualties of violence between warring Palestinian factions, and after the murder of a Church leader by unidentified militants in 2007, a number of others were advised by the Gaza authorities to leave Gaza for their own safety. As a result of this situation and of ongoing Israeli travel restrictions, the Church's leadership, including its pastor, still lives in exile, and is only occasionally able to return.


The Gaza Baptist Church had a congregation of about 200 worshippers, as of 2008. Having been adversely affected by ongoing violence related to the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], and as a result of this situation and of ongoing Israeli travel restrictions, the Church's leadership, including its pastor, still lives in exile. The church, however, continues to meet, sometimes online when the regional conflict requires.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaylor |first1=Brian |title=‘People Living in Fear,’ Says Baptist Minister from Gaza |url=https://wordandway.org/2023/10/08/people-living-in-fear-says-baptist-minister-from-gaza/ |website=World & Way |access-date=15 October 2023}}</ref>
==Church description and activities==

The church was founded in the 1950s.<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'>{{cite journal |title=Gaza's sturdy but small Christian population confronts Islamic militancy and the Israeli blockade |journal=WORLD Magazine |date=2007-05-08 |first=Mindy |last=Belz |volume=25 |issue=9 |url=http://www.worldmag.com/articles/16649 |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> It is pastored by Hanna Massad.<ref name='Alford 2005-06-17'>{{cite journal |title=Love in the Land of Enmity |journal=Christianity Today |date=2005-06-17 |first=Deann |last=Alford |volume=49 |issue=7 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/july/9.44.html |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref>
== History ==
⚫
The church was founded in 1954.<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'>{{cite journal |title=Gaza's sturdy but small Christian population confronts Islamic militancy and the Israeli blockade |journal=WORLD Magazine |date=2007-05-08 |first=Mindy |last=Belz |volume=25 |issue=9 |url=http://www.worldmag.com/articles/16649 |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> It is pastored by Hanna Massad, who lives in exile in Jordan since the church was damaged by a nearby bomb blast during an airstrike on Hamas targets by Israeli forces in December 2008. Windows were blown out at the church when Israeli aircraft attacked a Hamas-controlled building across the street.<ref name='Alford 2005-06-17'>{{cite journal |title=Love in the Land of Enmity |journal=Christianity Today |date=2005-06-17 |first=Deann |last=Alford |volume=49 |issue=7 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/july/9.44.html |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='Allen 2009-01-06'>{{cite news|first=Bob |last=Allen |title=Gaza Baptist Church caught in crossfire |date=2009-01-06 |url=http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/3749/103/ |work=Associated Baptist Press |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514235544/http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/3749/103/ |archive-date=2011-05-14}}</ref><ref name='Kelly 2009-01-05'>{{cite news|first=Mark |last=Kelly |title=Gaza Baptist Church's building sustains damage in Israeli air strike |date=2009-01-05 |url=http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=29605 |work=Baptist Press |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320033026/http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=29605 |archive-date=2012-03-20}}</ref>


The church, which has historically ministered to approximately 150–250 of Gaza's 2,500 Christians, is one of only three Christian churches in the Gaza Strip.<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'>{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Jansezian |title=Gaza's forgotten Christians |date=2007-06-10 |url=http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=132&view=item&idx=1413 |work=Israel Today Magazine |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612121320/http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=132&view=item&idx=1413 |archive-date=2010-06-12 }}</ref><ref name='Asharq Alawsat 2007-10-20'>{{cite news |first=Mounir |last=Abu Rizk |title=Christians in Gaza: An Integral Part of Society |date=2007-10-20 |url=http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3&id=10613 |work=Asharq Alawsat |access-date=2010-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820200232/http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3 |archive-date=2010-08-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Among [[Church of Saint Porphyrius]] and [[Holy Family Church, Gaza|Gaza Latin Church]] on Zeitoun Street, Gaza Baptist Church is the only [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] church in all of Gaza.<ref name='Asharq Alawsat 2007-10-20'/><ref name='BBC 2005-12-21'>{{cite news |title=Middle East Christians: Gaza pastor |date=2005-12-21 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4514822.stm |work=BBC News |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> The church opened Gaza's first public Christian library in 2006.<ref name='Blake 2006-11-23'/>
The church, which has historically ministered to approximately 150–250 of Gaza's 2,500 Christians, is one of only three Christian churches in the Gaza Strip.<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'>{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Jansezian |title=Gaza's forgotten Christians |date=2007-06-10 |url=http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=132&view=item&idx=1413 |work=Israel Today Magazine |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612121320/http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=132&view=item&idx=1413 |archive-date=2010-06-12 }}</ref><ref name='Asharq Alawsat 2007-10-20'>{{cite news |first=Mounir |last=Abu Rizk |title=Christians in Gaza: An Integral Part of Society |date=2007-10-20 |url=http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3&id=10613 |work=Asharq Alawsat |access-date=2010-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820200232/http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3 |archive-date=2010-08-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Among [[Church of Saint Porphyrius]] and [[Holy Family Church, Gaza|Gaza Latin Church]] on Zeitoun Street, Gaza Baptist Church is the only [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] church in all of Gaza.<ref name='Asharq Alawsat 2007-10-20'/><ref name='BBC 2005-12-21'>{{cite news |title=Middle East Christians: Gaza pastor |date=2005-12-21 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4514822.stm |work=BBC News |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> The church opened Gaza's first public Christian library in 2006.<ref name='Blake 2006-11-23'/>


The church's building is six stories tall.<ref name='MNN 2007-02-07'>{{cite news |title=Gaza Baptist Church seized by Fatah |date=2007-02-07 |url=http://www.mnnonline.org/article/9569 |work=Mission Network News |access-date=2010-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727091933/http://www.mnnonline.org/article/9569 |archive-date=2011-07-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first two floors are a dedicated public library, which serves both Christian and non-Christian books.<ref name='BNL 2006-11-22'>{{cite news |title=Embattled Christians In Gaza Open Library Amid Violence |date=2006-11-22 |url=http://www.bosnewslife.com/2584-2584-embattled-christians-in-gaza-open-library-ami |work=BosNewsLife |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> The fourth floor is used for outreach, the fifth floor is a lodge for guest workers from abroad, and the sixth floor is used as a worship hall.<ref name='Blake 2006-11-23'>{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Blake |title=First Christian Public Library Opens in Gaza |date=2006-11-23 |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/first.christian.public.library.opens.in.gaza/8454.htm |work=Christianity Today |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref>
The church's building is six stories tall.<ref name='MNN 2007-02-07'>{{cite news |title=Gaza Baptist Church seized by Fatah |date=2007-02-07 |url=http://www.mnnonline.org/article/9569 |work=Mission Network News |access-date=2010-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727091933/http://www.mnnonline.org/article/9569 |archive-date=2011-07-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first two floors are a dedicated public library, which serves both Christian and non-Christian books.<ref name='BNL 2006-11-22'>{{cite news |title=Embattled Christians In Gaza Open Library Amid Violence |date=2006-11-22 |url=http://www.bosnewslife.com/2584-2584-embattled-christians-in-gaza-open-library-ami |work=BosNewsLife |access-date=2010-09-20 |archive-date=2011-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721201814/http://www.bosnewslife.com/2584-2584-embattled-christians-in-gaza-open-library-ami |url-status=dead }}</ref> The fourth floor is used for outreach, the fifth floor is a lodge for guest workers from abroad, and the sixth floor is used as a worship hall.<ref name='Blake 2006-11-23'>{{cite news |first=Daniel |last=Blake |title=First Christian Public Library Opens in Gaza |date=2006-11-23 |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/first.christian.public.library.opens.in.gaza/8454.htm |work=Christianity Today |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref>


Gaza's Christian minority has traditionally enjoyed good relations with the territory's larger Muslim majority.<ref name='AP 2007-12-23'/> Prior to the breakdown of law and order in 2007, the Church ran youth programs, a library, and medical clinics. As of May 2010 it was still running a school for about 250 students, many of whom are Muslim.<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/>
Gaza's Christian minority had traditionally enjoyed good relations with the territory's larger Muslim majority. Prior to the breakdown of law and order in 2007, the Church ran youth programs, a library, and medical clinics. It also ran a school for about 250 students, many of whom were Muslim.<ref name='AP 2007-12-23'/><ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/>


⚫
===Arson attacks and collateral damage in bombing raid===
==Recent history==
On or before February 2007, the Church's public library was subjected to arson attacks on three separate occasions.<ref name='MNN 2007-02-07'/> During an Israeli air raid in December 2008, the building was damaged by a nearby bomb blast. Windows were blown out at the church when Israeli aircraft attacked a Hamas-controlled building across the street.<ref name='Allen 2009-01-06'/><ref name='Kelly 2009-01-05'/>

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===Collateral damage in bombing raid===
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On or before February 2007, the Church's public library was subjected to arson attacks on three separate occasions.<ref name='MNN 2007-02-07'/> During an Israeli air raid in December 2008, the building was damaged by a nearby bomb blast.<ref name='Allen 2009-01-06'>{{cite news|first=Bob |last=Allen |title=Gaza Baptist Church caught in crossfire |date=2009-01-06 |url=http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/3749/103/ |work=Associated Baptist Press |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514235544/http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/3749/103/ |archive-date=2011-05-14}}</ref><ref name='Kelly 2009-01-05'>{{cite news|first=Mark |last=Kelly |title=Gaza Baptist Church's building sustains damage in Israeli air strike |date=2009-01-05 |url=http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=29605 |work=Baptist Press |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320033026/http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=29605 |archive-date=2012-03-20}}</ref>


===Fatah–Hamas conflict===
===Fatah–Hamas conflict===
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Because of its height, unusual in this mostly low-rise city, the Gaza Baptist Church building was repeatedly commandeered by [[Fatah]] and [[Hamas]] troops as an [[observation post]] during the [[Fatah–Hamas conflict]].<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'/> This resulted in several of Gaza Baptist Church's staff being caught in crossfire. In one instance, a church librarian was hit by gunfire during a firefight between opposing factions.<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'/> On a similar occasion, the church bus driver, a 22-year-old newlywed, was killed.<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'/> The Church was raided and temporarily seized by Fatah police in February 2007.<ref name='Alford 2007-02-07'>{{cite news |first=Deann |last=Alford |title=Fatah Police Seize Gaza Baptist Church |date=2007-02-07 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/februaryweb-only/106-34.0.html |work=Christianity Today |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref>
Because of its height, unusual in this mostly low-rise city, the Gaza Baptist Church building was repeatedly commandeered by [[Fatah]] and [[Hamas]] troops as an [[observation post]] during the [[Fatah–Hamas conflict]].<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'/> This resulted in several of Gaza Baptist Church's staff being caught in crossfire. In one instance, a church librarian was hit by gunfire during a firefight between opposing factions.<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'/> On a similar occasion, the church bus driver, a 22-year-old newlywed, was killed.<ref name='Jansezian 2007-06-10'/> The Church was raided and temporarily seized by Fatah police in February 2007.<ref name='Alford 2007-02-07'>{{cite news |first=Deann |last=Alford |title=Fatah Police Seize Gaza Baptist Church |date=2007-02-07 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/februaryweb-only/106-34.0.html |work=Christianity Today |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref>


===Death of church leader===
===Murder of church leader===
In October 2007, one of Gaza Baptist Church's leaders, Rami Ayyad, was kidnapped, publicly beaten, and murdered by unidentified militants.<ref name="Alford 2007-10-08" /><ref name='Sudilovsky 2007-10-11'>{{cite news |first=Judith |last=Sudilovsky |title=Gaza Christians express unease after killing of prominent Christian |date=2007-10-11 |url=http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=25646 |work=Catholic News Service |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010032606/http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=25646 |archive-date=2012-10-10 }}</ref><ref name='Hendricks 2007-10-09'>{{cite news |first=Shawn |last=Hendricks |title=Slain Baptist in Gaza had gentle but bold witness |date=2007-10-09 |url=http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=26573 |work=Baptist Press |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306034400/http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=26573 |archive-date=2012-03-06 }}</ref><ref name='Klein 2007-10-11'>{{cite news |first=Aaron |last=Klein |title=Christian Bookstore Owner Was Tortured Before His Death |date=2007-10-11 |url=http://www.nysun.com/foreign/christian-bookstore-owner-was-tortured-before-his/64354/ |work=The New York Sun |access-date=2010-09-21 |quote=The owner of a Christian bookstore in the Gaza Strip who was found dead this weekend was publicly beaten by Islamic gunmen accusing him of spreading Christianity, witnesses and Palestinian Arab security officials said.}}</ref><ref name="ormestad">Ormestad, Catrin: [http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/magazine/i-know-how-to-make-you-a-muslim-1.232309 "'I know how to make you a Muslim'"], ''Haaretz'', 2007-11-01.</ref> Ayyad had been the manager of Gaza's only Christian bookstore, [[The Teacher's Bookshop]].<ref name='AP 2007-12-23'>{{cite news |title=After murder, Gaza's Christians keep low profile |date=2007-12-23 |work=[[NBC News]] |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22380080 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='JP 2007-10-07'>{{cite news |title=Palestinian Christian activist found dead in Gaza City |date=2007-10-07 |url=http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=77449 |work=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> Following Ayyad's death, Gaza authorities advised Pastor Massad to relocate in order to ensure the safety of himself and his family.<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/> As a result of the violence, regular attendance at the church was adversely affected in following months.<ref name='Weber 2008-03-10'>{{cite journal |title=A dwindling Christian population battles fear and economic hardship |journal=Christianity Today |date=2008-03-10 |first=Jeremy |last=Weber |volume=52 |issue=4 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/april/3.14.html |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='Smith 2008-01-29'>{{cite news|first=James A. Sr. |last=Smith |title=An urgent call for prayer; Gaza Christians 'desperate' |date=2008-01-29 |url=http://www.gofbw.com/news.asp?ID=8340 |work=Florida Baptist Witness |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307100821/http://www.gofbw.com/news.asp?ID=8340 |archive-date=2012-03-07}}</ref>
In October 2007, one of Gaza Baptist Church's leaders, [[Killing of Rami Ayyad|Rami Ayyad]], was kidnapped, publicly beaten, and murdered by unidentified militants.<ref name="Alford 2007-10-08" /><ref name='Sudilovsky 2007-10-11'>{{cite news |first=Judith |last=Sudilovsky |title=Gaza Christians express unease after killing of prominent Christian |date=2007-10-11 |url=http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=25646 |work=Catholic News Service |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010032606/http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=25646 |archive-date=2012-10-10 }}</ref><ref name='Hendricks 2007-10-09'>{{cite news |first=Shawn |last=Hendricks |title=Slain Baptist in Gaza had gentle but bold witness |date=2007-10-09 |url=http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=26573 |work=Baptist Press |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306034400/http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=26573 |archive-date=2012-03-06 }}</ref><ref name='Klein 2007-10-11'>{{cite news |first=Aaron |last=Klein |title=Christian Bookstore Owner Was Tortured Before His Death |date=2007-10-11 |url=http://www.nysun.com/foreign/christian-bookstore-owner-was-tortured-before-his/64354/ |work=The New York Sun |access-date=2010-09-21 |quote=The owner of a Christian bookstore in the Gaza Strip who was found dead this weekend was publicly beaten by Islamic gunmen accusing him of spreading Christianity, witnesses and Palestinian Arab security officials said.}}</ref><ref name="ormestad">Ormestad, Catrin: [http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/magazine/i-know-how-to-make-you-a-muslim-1.232309 "'I know how to make you a Muslim'"], ''Haaretz'', 2007-11-01.</ref> Ayyad had been the manager of Gaza's only Christian bookstore, The Teacher's Bookshop.<ref name='AP 2007-12-23'>{{cite news |title=After murder, Gaza's Christians keep low profile |date=2007-12-23 |work=[[NBC News]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22380080 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='JP 2007-10-07'>{{cite news |title=Palestinian Christian activist found dead in Gaza City |date=2007-10-07 |url=http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=77449 |work=The Jerusalem Post |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref> Following Ayyad's death, Gaza authorities advised Pastor Massad to relocate in order to ensure the safety of himself and his family.<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/> As a result of the violence, regular attendance at the church was adversely affected in following months.<ref name='Weber 2008-03-10'>{{cite journal |title=A dwindling Christian population battles fear and economic hardship |journal=Christianity Today |date=2008-03-10 |first=Jeremy |last=Weber |volume=52 |issue=4 |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/april/3.14.html |access-date=2010-09-20}}</ref><ref name='Smith 2008-01-29'>{{cite news|first=James A. Sr. |last=Smith |title=An urgent call for prayer; Gaza Christians 'desperate' |date=2008-01-29 |url=http://www.gofbw.com/news.asp?ID=8340 |work=Florida Baptist Witness |access-date=2010-09-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307100821/http://www.gofbw.com/news.asp?ID=8340 |archive-date=2012-03-07}}</ref>


===Israeli blockade and travel restrictions===
===Church damage in Israeli bombings, separation of families, and Israeli blockade===
After the murder of Ayyad, seven of the Church's leaders, including its pastor Hanna Massad, followed the advice of authorities and left Gaza. Massad moved with his family to [[Jordan]] and five of the other six moved to the [[West Bank]] near [[Bethlehem]]. Since then, with rare exceptions, only Massad has been allowed to return by the Israeli authorities. The five who moved to Bethlehem have been prohibited from leaving the area, as a result of which, some have not seen family members for years.<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/>
The church sustained damage during Israeli bombings in 2008.<ref name=":0" /> Afterwards, seven of the Church's leaders, including its pastor Hanna Massad, left Gaza. Massad moved with his family to [[Jordan]], and five of the other six moved to the [[West Bank]], near [[Bethlehem]]. Since then, with rare exceptions, only Massad has been allowed to return by the Israeli authorities. The five who moved to Bethlehem have been prohibited from leaving the area, as a result of which, some have not seen family members for years.<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/>


The [[2007–present blockade of the Gaza Strip|Israeli blockade]] of Gaza, according to Massad, has led to "[a] lot of desperation and hopelessness among the people ... more poverty and more suffering".<ref name=abp_7jun2010>[http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/5213/53/ "American Baptist leader says Gaza flotilla reveals need for Mideast peace"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611074119/http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/5213/53 |date=2010-06-11 }}, Bob Allen, Associated Baptist Press, 2010-06-07.</ref> The cost of living has increased and medical equipment is in short supply. However, most agree that the Israeli travel restrictions are even more difficult to endure. Massad summarized the plight of Palestinian Christians as like living "between two fires. Muslim persecution and Israeli occupation."<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/>
The [[2007–present blockade of the Gaza Strip|Israeli blockade]] of Gaza, according to Massad in 2010, has led to "[a] lot of desperation and hopelessness among the people ... more poverty and more suffering".<ref name=abp_7jun2010>[http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/5213/53/ "American Baptist leader says Gaza flotilla reveals need for Mideast peace"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611074119/http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/5213/53 |date=2010-06-11 }}, Bob Allen, Associated Baptist Press, 2010-06-07.</ref> The cost of living has increased and medical equipment is in short supply. However, most agree that the Israeli travel restrictions are even more difficult to endure. Massad summarized the plight of Palestinian Christians as like living "between two fires. Muslim persecution and Israeli occupation."<ref name='Belz 2007-05-08'/>

===Israel–Hamas war===
During the [[Israel–Hamas war]], the church was once again damaged during aerial bombings in 2023. The church's pastor, Hanna Massad, continued food delivery services despite the situation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Staff |first= |title=Gaza Baptists no longer have the energy to suffer |url=https://www.baptiststandard.com/news/world/gaza-baptists-no-longer-have-the-energy-to-suffer/ |newspaper=Baptist Standard |date=2024-10-02 |access-date=2024-10-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Staff |first= |title=Lone Baptist church in Gaza hard hit in war, future uncertain |url=https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/lone-baptist-church-in-gaza-hard-hit-in-war-future-uncertain/ |newspaper=Baptist Press |date=2023-10-01 |access-date=2024-10-02 }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 115: Line 116:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|35em}}


{{Gaza City}}
{{Gaza City}}

{{coord missing|Gaza Strip}}
{{coord missing|Gaza Strip}}

[[Category:Churches in the Gaza Strip]]
[[Category:Churches in the Gaza Strip]]
[[Category:Baptist churches]]
[[Category:Former Baptist churches]]
[[Category:20th-century Baptist churches]]
[[Category:20th-century Baptist churches]]
[[Category:Destroyed churches]]
[[Category:Attacks on churches in the State of Palestine]]
[[Category:Church bombings]]
[[Category:Building bombings in the Gaza Strip]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures in Gaza City]]
[[Category:Arson in the State of Palestine]]
[[Category:Arson in 2007]]
[[Category:Churches destroyed by arson]]
[[Category:Churches destroyed by arson]]
[[Category:2008 building bombings]]
[[Category:Attacks on libraries]]
[[Category:Churches completed in 1954]]
[[Category:Gaza City in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]

Latest revision as of 17:06, 2 October 2024

Gaza Baptist Church
LocationGaza City, Gaza Strip, State of Palestine
CountryPalestine
DenominationBaptist, Evangelical

The Gaza Baptist Church is a Baptist church in Gaza City, Gaza, in the State of Palestine.[1][2][3] The church was partially destroyed during Israeli bombings in 2008, after which the church's pastor, and many of the congregation, subsequently fled the Gaza Strip.[1][2][3][4]

The Gaza Baptist Church is one of only three Christian churches in the Gaza Strip, and the only one that is Protestant and evangelical – the two remaining Christian churches in the Gaza Strip are the Catholic Church of the Holy Family and the Eastern Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius.

The Gaza Baptist Church had a congregation of about 200 worshippers, as of 2008. Having been adversely affected by ongoing violence related to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and as a result of this situation and of ongoing Israeli travel restrictions, the Church's leadership, including its pastor, still lives in exile. The church, however, continues to meet, sometimes online when the regional conflict requires.[5]

History

[edit]

The church was founded in 1954.[6] It is pastored by Hanna Massad, who lives in exile in Jordan since the church was damaged by a nearby bomb blast during an airstrike on Hamas targets by Israeli forces in December 2008. Windows were blown out at the church when Israeli aircraft attacked a Hamas-controlled building across the street.[7][8][9]

The church, which has historically ministered to approximately 150–250 of Gaza's 2,500 Christians, is one of only three Christian churches in the Gaza Strip.[10][11] Among Church of Saint Porphyrius and Gaza Latin Church on Zeitoun Street, Gaza Baptist Church is the only Evangelical church in all of Gaza.[11][12] The church opened Gaza's first public Christian library in 2006.[13]

The church's building is six stories tall.[14] The first two floors are a dedicated public library, which serves both Christian and non-Christian books.[15] The fourth floor is used for outreach, the fifth floor is a lodge for guest workers from abroad, and the sixth floor is used as a worship hall.[13]

Gaza's Christian minority had traditionally enjoyed good relations with the territory's larger Muslim majority. Prior to the breakdown of law and order in 2007, the Church ran youth programs, a library, and medical clinics. It also ran a school for about 250 students, many of whom were Muslim.[16][6]

Arson attacks and collateral damage in bombing raid

[edit]

On or before February 2007, the Church's public library was subjected to arson attacks on three separate occasions.[14] During an Israeli air raid in December 2008, the building was damaged by a nearby bomb blast. Windows were blown out at the church when Israeli aircraft attacked a Hamas-controlled building across the street.[8][9]

Fatah–Hamas conflict

[edit]
Main article: Fatah–Hamas conflict

Because of its height, unusual in this mostly low-rise city, the Gaza Baptist Church building was repeatedly commandeered by Fatah and Hamas troops as an observation post during the Fatah–Hamas conflict.[10] This resulted in several of Gaza Baptist Church's staff being caught in crossfire. In one instance, a church librarian was hit by gunfire during a firefight between opposing factions.[10] On a similar occasion, the church bus driver, a 22-year-old newlywed, was killed.[10] The Church was raided and temporarily seized by Fatah police in February 2007.[17]

Murder of church leader

[edit]

In October 2007, one of Gaza Baptist Church's leaders, Rami Ayyad, was kidnapped, publicly beaten, and murdered by unidentified militants.[1][18][19][20][21] Ayyad had been the manager of Gaza's only Christian bookstore, The Teacher's Bookshop.[16][22] Following Ayyad's death, Gaza authorities advised Pastor Massad to relocate in order to ensure the safety of himself and his family.[6] As a result of the violence, regular attendance at the church was adversely affected in following months.[23][24]

Church damage in Israeli bombings, separation of families, and Israeli blockade

[edit]

The church sustained damage during Israeli bombings in 2008.[4] Afterwards, seven of the Church's leaders, including its pastor Hanna Massad, left Gaza. Massad moved with his family to Jordan, and five of the other six moved to the West Bank, near Bethlehem. Since then, with rare exceptions, only Massad has been allowed to return by the Israeli authorities. The five who moved to Bethlehem have been prohibited from leaving the area, as a result of which, some have not seen family members for years.[6]

The Israeli blockade of Gaza, according to Massad in 2010, has led to "[a] lot of desperation and hopelessness among the people ... more poverty and more suffering".[25] The cost of living has increased and medical equipment is in short supply. However, most agree that the Israeli travel restrictions are even more difficult to endure. Massad summarized the plight of Palestinian Christians as like living "between two fires. Muslim persecution and Israeli occupation."[6]

Israel–Hamas war

[edit]

During the Israel–Hamas war, the church was once again damaged during aerial bombings in 2023. The church's pastor, Hanna Massad, continued food delivery services despite the situation.[26][27]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Alford, Deann (2007-10-08). "Christian Bookstore Manager Martyred in Gaza City". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  2. ^ a b "Palestinian Christian activist stabbed to death in Gaza". Haaretz. Associated Press. 2007-10-07. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  3. ^ a b Silver, Eric (2007-10-08). "Gaza's Christian bookseller killed". The Independent. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  4. ^ a b Baptist press, Gaza Baptist Church’s building sustains damage in Israeli air strike, baptistpress.com, USA, January 5, 2009
  5. ^ Kaylor, Brian. "'People Living in Fear,' Says Baptist Minister from Gaza". World & Way. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e Belz, Mindy (2007-05-08). "Gaza's sturdy but small Christian population confronts Islamic militancy and the Israeli blockade". WORLD Magazine. 25 (9). Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  7. ^ Alford, Deann (2005-06-17). "Love in the Land of Enmity". Christianity Today. 49 (7). Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  8. ^ a b Allen, Bob (2009-01-06). "Gaza Baptist Church caught in crossfire". Associated Baptist Press. Archived from the original on 2011-05-14. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  9. ^ a b Kelly, Mark (2009-01-05). "Gaza Baptist Church's building sustains damage in Israeli air strike". Baptist Press. Archived from the original on 2012-03-20. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  10. ^ a b c d Jansezian, Nicole (2007-06-10). "Gaza's forgotten Christians". Israel Today Magazine. Archived from the original on 2010-06-12. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  11. ^ a b Abu Rizk, Mounir (2007-10-20). "Christians in Gaza: An Integral Part of Society". Asharq Alawsat. Archived from the original on 2010-08-20. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  12. ^ "Middle East Christians: Gaza pastor". BBC News. 2005-12-21. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  13. ^ a b Blake, Daniel (2006-11-23). "First Christian Public Library Opens in Gaza". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  14. ^ a b "Gaza Baptist Church seized by Fatah". Mission Network News. 2007-02-07. Archived from the original on 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  15. ^ "Embattled Christians In Gaza Open Library Amid Violence". BosNewsLife. 2006-11-22. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  16. ^ a b "After murder, Gaza's Christians keep low profile". NBC News. Associated Press. 2007-12-23. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  17. ^ Alford, Deann (2007-02-07). "Fatah Police Seize Gaza Baptist Church". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  18. ^ Sudilovsky, Judith (2007-10-11). "Gaza Christians express unease after killing of prominent Christian". Catholic News Service. Archived from the original on 2012-10-10. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  19. ^ Hendricks, Shawn (2007-10-09). "Slain Baptist in Gaza had gentle but bold witness". Baptist Press. Archived from the original on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  20. ^ Klein, Aaron (2007-10-11). "Christian Bookstore Owner Was Tortured Before His Death". The New York Sun. Retrieved 2010-09-21. The owner of a Christian bookstore in the Gaza Strip who was found dead this weekend was publicly beaten by Islamic gunmen accusing him of spreading Christianity, witnesses and Palestinian Arab security officials said.
  21. ^ Ormestad, Catrin: "'I know how to make you a Muslim'", Haaretz, 2007-11-01.
  22. ^ "Palestinian Christian activist found dead in Gaza City". The Jerusalem Post. 2007-10-07. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  23. ^ Weber, Jeremy (2008-03-10). "A dwindling Christian population battles fear and economic hardship". Christianity Today. 52 (4). Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  24. ^ Smith, James A. Sr. (2008-01-29). "An urgent call for prayer; Gaza Christians 'desperate'". Florida Baptist Witness. Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  25. ^ "American Baptist leader says Gaza flotilla reveals need for Mideast peace" Archived 2010-06-11 at the Wayback Machine, Bob Allen, Associated Baptist Press, 2010-06-07.
  26. ^ Staff (2024-10-02). "Gaza Baptists no longer have the energy to suffer". Baptist Standard. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  27. ^ Staff (2023-10-01). "Lone Baptist church in Gaza hard hit in war, future uncertain". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2024-10-02.

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