Gaza - On October 7th, the Israel-Palestine conflict started. Suhail Abodawood, an 18 year old living in Gaza shared with Vatican news on his experience during the war and the everlasting trauma that the conflict has caused.

Suhail said he left his home and went to the Parish, the Holy Family Church (Catholic Church) as soon as the realisation came that they are facing a serious and uncertain situation. He says he decided to seek refuge in the Church because he knew that they were safe and secure in the Lord’s hands, Jesus Christ.

“I am praying and fasting in the Church right now,” said Suhail, “and I strongly believe that is the right time to develop and improve my vocation in this sad and tough condition, by praying the Rosary and attending the daily Holy Mass and meditating with great faith and that God will rescue us from the war.”

“I pray in the church every day, and every time I pray, I hear loud sounds of rockets bombing in a place not far from the church. But when I embrace my faith, everything that interrupts me disappears.”

“As Saint Carlo Acutis once said”, reminded the teenager: “Heaven has been waiting for us forever.” 

“We are waiting for our salvation with a big heart, and we always know that Christian hope is the strongest hope ever.”

“Our Lord Jesus will rescue us from these tough days, and we believe that as long as we are with Jesus with our hearts, we will be always in a safe place and lasting security”, concluded the traumatized, but hopeful teen.