We have been receiving direct reports from YMCA leaders in the region that the YMCA in Gaza is sheltering many in need and that the YMCA building and buildings nearby have been damaged and destroyed, resulting in innocent lives lost. This situation is immoral and must stop, in order to protect the civilians in the area.

Guided by our core values of Peace and Justice, we stand in solidarity with the vulnerable. We strongly support the YMCA World Council Freedom Resolution as well as the recent UN Security Resolution, which calls for “urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days to enable, consistent with international humanitarian law, the full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners.”

We also directly support those in the region as they seek to preserve their lives and the lives of those around them, and we support YMCA efforts worldwide which aim to provide help and relief in any way we can. Please see the links below for more information.

YMCA World Council Freedom Resolution

East Jerusalem YMCA Urgent Appeal

YMCA World Posting on 14/11/23

YMCA Ireland Statement on 28/11/23