A young Catholic student from Gaza, Suhail Abo Dawood, was seriously wounded in an Israeli attack on the Holy Family parish. Suhail, who writes for L'Osservatore Romano, is recovering in an Israeli hospital after being transported there for treatment. Despite his injuries, Suhail expresses hope for peace in Gaza, stating that "Love is stronger than war." Suhail's condition has improved after surgery to remove shrapnel and repair internal organ damage. The article highlights Suhail's faith journey and future aspirations, which will be further detailed in a future edition of L'Osservatore Romano.
5 months ago
Suhail Abo Dawood, a 22-year-old Catholic student from Gaza, was seriously wounded in an Israeli strike on the Holy Family parish, Gaza's sole Catholic church, where he and other Christians had sought refuge 1 2. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries for shrapnel injuries, Suhail expresses a message of hope and love from his hospital bed in Ashdod, Israel 1 2.
The Israeli attack occurred on a Thursday morning, striking the compound of the Holy Family parish where Suhail was sheltering 1 2. He sustained severe injuries, including damage to internal organs, necessitating his immediate transfer out of the Gaza Strip 1 2. This transfer to an Israeli hospital in Ashdod was a rare occurrence, made possible only by the severity of his condition and the intervention of Catholic leaders on both sides of the border 1 2.
From his hospital room, Suhail shared his perspective with L’Osservatore Romano, the Holy See’s semi-official newspaper, for which he is a regular contributor 1 2. He stated, "Peace will return to Gaza. Because love is stronger than war," echoing a sentiment from his most recent article 1 2. His mother, Randa, and the parish priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, had prayed for his survival, with his mother expressing gratitude that "God has given him back to us" 1.
Described as a gifted writer and a thoughtful Catholic voice, Suhail is a student of literature 1. His recent writings for L'Osservatore Romano reflect on life within the besieged Holy Family parish compound, where families have lived communally for over 330 days since the war began 1. He highlighted the strong intergenerational bonds, particularly between children and the elderly, sharing food and finding communion even amidst the crisis 1. Suhail also recounted the recent death of a beloved grandmother named Magy, who had endured ten months of war but succumbed to a sudden illness, emphasizing the profound impact of these relationships 1.
How does the Church teach love's role in conflict?
The Catholic Church teaches that love is central to resolving conflict, emphasizing that it extends even to enemies and those who cause harm . This teaching is rooted in the words and example of Jesus Christ, who commanded His followers to "love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you" .
The Church considers this command to love enemies as a hallmark of Jesus' message and a distinctive aspect of Christian life . It is not a spontaneous human reaction, as our natural inclination might be to dismiss or demonize opponents . Instead, it requires a conscious choice to act with active, impartial, and extraordinary benevolence towards those who have hurt us . This "extremism of charity" is the only legitimate kind of Christian extremism .
The love demanded by Jesus knows no boundaries or barriers . It transcends the common sense and legal boundaries of loving only those who are close to us, such as friends, family, or those who share our beliefs . Pope Francis highlights that God's love is unconditional and extends to everyone, even those who reject Him, serving as a prerequisite for the conversion of hearts that tend to judge and divide . To love everyone, including enemies, means choosing not to have enemies and seeing others as brothers and sisters to be loved .
A crucial aspect of love in conflict is forgiveness. Jesus asks His disciples to be always ready to forgive those who have offended them, just as God offers His forgiveness . This readiness to forgive, even "seventy times seven," demonstrates an understanding of one's own need for God's forgiveness . Reconciliation and forgiveness are essential for building peace and moving beyond the cycle of violence and retaliation . The Church teaches that a society cannot build a future on violence or the rule of "an eye for an eye," as violence only creates new and more serious conflicts .
Practically, loving enemies means speaking of them with words of blessing and life, not insult or revenge, to establish new bonds that bring peace . It involves disarming one's heart out of love for Jesus and not worrying about the malice of others . This teaching does not imply indifference to injustice or a lack of love for one's native land, but rather it removes hatred from the heart . Ultimately, love is presented as the force that always brings victory and is never defeated, offering the only path for humanity to avoid destruction .