MALTESER INTERNATIONAL

Bringing Help and Hope to the People of Gaza

As Secretary General of Malteser International (MI), Clemens Graf von Mirbach-Harff has witnessed firsthand the suffering caused by conflict and unrest in the Middle East, including overseeing the Order of Malta’s humanitarian relief work in war-torn Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. But nothing prepared him for the damage and devastation in Gaza wrought by the Israel-Hamas War, an ever-worsening crisis that has displaced more than 2 million Palestinians, killed nearly 50,000 people, and left millions of civilians on the brink of starvation and life-threatening disease.

“In the first days after the October 7, 2023 attacks, Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, asked the Order of Malta to help him provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza,” Clemens explains. “From the beginning, the situation has been incredibly complicated and the risk to aid workers is immense. However, our faith-driven partnership has proven to be the glue between Christian, Muslim, and Jewish denominations and religious beliefs that has enabled us to provide life-saving food and medical aid to Gaza’s suffering population.”

In collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and coordination with the Order of Malta, Malteser International has supported the delivery of more than 300 tons of fresh and non-perishable food and hygiene supplies to a new distribution Center established near the Patriarchate’s compound in northern Gaza. As of

February 2025, more than 40,000 Gazans have benefited from the Order’s work in the region. Clemens and his Jerusalem-based team are now mobilizing efforts to provide critical medical care in the Gaza Strip as well.

“There are three key ingredients that enable us to do God’s work in Gaza and around the world,” Clemens says. “The first is strong faith in the Holy Family and a belief in good over evil; the second is trust in our partners; and the third is love and hope for the people who are suffering. We are a candle in the dark, bringing daylight where there often isn’t any,” he adds. “Cynicism is our biggest enemy. Our faith and love keep the flame burning.”

How To Help

The humanitarian crisis and political situation in Gaza is changing by the day. Malteser International’s ongoing emergency relief efforts in Gaza depend on the generosity of donors from around the world. Every $1 contributed provides $10 in life-saving aid. To learn more about MI’s work and how to help, please visit www.orderofmaltarelief.org.

It is God's will and our privilege to provide aid to the suffering people of Gaza. These days are filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension as we pray for a permanent end to the hostilities and hope for humanitarian relief, and spiritual healing for all those affected. We are grateful for our collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which enables us to provide this aid.

- A JERUSALEM-BASED AID WORKER ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE AID RELIEF MISSION

“We aspire to a world where all individuals – particularly those in need and those who are displaced –live a life of health and dignity.”

Malteser International was founded in Germany in 1956 as the official relief organization for the Sovereign Order of Malta to further its mission to serve the poor and the sick. MI’s mission is to improve the health and living conditions of suffering and displaced people worldwide, providing aid to people in need in more than 35 countries regardless of gender, political belief, origin, or faith. Christian values and the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence form the basis of MI’s work, which is made possible by a global network of local, national and international partner organizations, donors, and volunteers.