An extraordinary event in Rome combining art, music, and testimony to raise awareness and solidarity with the Palestinian people
On November 30, an extraordinary event took place at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul’s Within the Walls in Rome, a gathering that successfully combined art and spirituality, transforming the church into a space of memory, compassion, and courageous testimony to the truth.
Coinciding with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29), the event brought together prayer, poetry, and music in a moment of reflection on human suffering, conveyed through the series of my drawings displayed along the nave of the church.
Throughout the month of November, Christ Died in Gaza was exhibited in the central nave of St. Paul’s Within the Walls, offering visitors the opportunity to meditate on the ongoing tragedy in Gaza through images that also serve as a profound reflection on the Passion.
After the official greetings from the rector of the church, Jonathan Evans, the afternoon began with a performance by singer Marwa Ahmed and guitarist Giulio Bodini, who interpreted Palestinian songs of great emotional intensity. Immediately afterwards, Conner Drennen (member of the church council) expressed the congregation’s position and read a text of support and protection for the Palestinian people.
Subsequently, Don Andrea Caporale, from the Priests Against Genocide Committee, explained the motivations of the committee and the concrete actions undertaken in response to the destruction and injustices suffered by Palestine. His words highlighted how faith and civic engagement can come together to defend the dignity and life of an oppressed people.
Then it was my turn. I had never spoken from the altar of a church before, especially not from a church I have loved for so many years. I love it because some of the artists who contributed to its decoration were fundamental to my formation: the mosaics by Edward Burne-Jones and George Breck, but above all the decorations by William Morris.
It was Morris who first instilled in me the idea that art cannot exist apart from society and politics. We can be aesthetes, lovers of drawing and beauty, but we are also people who live in this world and share in what happens. And, as such, we can help make this world a better place.
Mona Abuamara, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Italy and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Agencies (FAO, IFAD, WFP), delivered her speech on the occasion of Gianluca Costantini’s exhibition “Christ Died in Gaza” at St. Paul’s Within the Walls in Rome. With a long diplomatic career, including her role as Head of the Palestinian Delegation in Canada and years of experience at the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuamara brings her authority and sensitivity in representing the Palestinian people on the international stage. The speech can be read here.
Later, as a surprise, Chris Hedges — journalist, writer, former U.S. war correspondent, and Pulitzer Prize winner — took the floor to read his famous “Letter to the Children of Gaza.” It was an exceptionally moving and emotional moment: his words, profound and full of humanity, sparked a collective sense of participation and empathy among the audience. Drawing on his field experience, Hedges conveyed not only the facts of the tragedy but also the voices of those who live daily with violence and deprivation, transforming the reading into a genuine act of testimony and solidarity.
Yousef Salman, president of the Palestinian community in Rome, thanked everyone present for attending and explained that, at the end of the event, the artist’s original drawings would be available for purchase. All proceeds will be donated to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), a vital organization providing urgent medical aid, emergency interventions, and humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza and Palestine as a whole. Salman emphasized the importance of this gesture, which transforms art into a tangible means of solidarity, allowing participants to contribute directly to supporting those who live daily under the effects of conflict. He added that the initiative represents a bridge between cultural awareness and humanitarian action, demonstrating how artistic expression and civic engagement can come together to bring aid and hope to the communities most affected.
I also thank Jehad Ferraj, First Secretary at the Embassy of Palestine to the Vatican, for his presence.
All of this was made possible thanks to Rima Alazar. Photos by Rolando’s Photos.
St. Paul’s Within the Walls is a multi-cultural, multi-lingual Episcopal church in the heart of Rome. Built in 1873, it was the first non-Roman Catholic church within the city walls. We have a rich artistic heritage with the beautiful mosaics by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and George Breck, and a busy music program offering concerts most days throughout the year.
The main focus of our outreach ministry is the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center (JNRC), offering services to refugees and asylum seekers in the Crypt, Mon-Fri 08.30-13.00.
Our Sunday services are open to all, and you are invited to join us before and after the service for coffee and conversation!
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is the official humanitarian organization of Palestine and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The PRCS plays a crucial role in providing medical and health assistance to the population, managing hospitals, clinics, and ambulance services, and offering urgent aid to victims of conflicts, bombings, or other emergencies. Beyond medical care, the organization intervenes directly in crises by distributing food, water, medicine, and essential supplies, supporting refugees and internally displaced persons, and coordinating evacuations in dangerous situations. The PRCS also focuses on training and awareness, educating volunteers and medical staff in first aid, emergency management, and civil protection, as well as promoting public campaigns on health and human rights. Furthermore, it collaborates with other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, the United Nations, and international organizations to ensure effective support for Palestinian communities. In summary, the PRCS serves as a vital reference point for the survival and protection of civilians, especially in the most affected areas such as Gaza and the West Bank, working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and provide humanitarian aid where it is most needed.
