WASHINGTON, May 8, 2026 (WAFA) – More than 300 Christian leaders and clergy members representing dozens of churches and Christian institutions from across the United States gathered in Washington, D.C. to call for the restoration of humanitarian and healthcare funding for Palestinians, particularly in East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, as well as an end to U.S. military support for Israel.
The mobilization included representatives from the Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist churches, in addition to Riverside Church and several American faith-based and human rights organizations, including the Quakers.
During meetings with members of the U.S. Congress, participants urged an end to weapons shipments used against Palestinian civilians, the restoration of funding for UNRWA, and support for hospitals in East Jerusalem, including ensuring access for wounded and sick patients from Gaza.
Agapia Stephanopoulos, an Orthodox nun who served for many years in Jerusalem, warned that developments in Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories pose a serious threat to the Palestinian and Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Christian leaders also highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, particularly the lack of healthcare for children. Mira Solani of Riverside Church in New York said that “children in Gaza are being deprived of the most basic necessities of life and medical care,” describing the ongoing humanitarian situation as “a stain on the conscience of the international community.”
Representatives of churches and Christian organizations called for an end to policies targeting Palestinians, stressing the need to uphold international law, protect civilians, lift the blockade on Gaza, and ensure unrestricted delivery of humanitarian and medical aid.
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