September 5, 2025
News
Light for Lost Childhood: Caritas joined a silent act of solidarity
On Thursday, 4 September 2025, the centre of Prague transformed into a space of quiet remembrance and human solidarity. A commemorative procession and subsequent benefit concert entitled Light for Lost Childhood in Palestine and Israel attracted hundreds of people who came to express compassion for child victims. The event emerged from the collaboration of numerous initiatives and humanitarian and non-profit organisations. The spiritual dimension was shaped by catholic priest Tomáš Halík and pastor Mikuláš Vymětal of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, who were closely involved in the event’s realisation.
Pain that knows no borders
The commemorative procession began shortly after four o’clock at the evangelical church U Salvátora near Old Town Square, where attendees could light a candle, write a message, or quietly reflect on the child victims. The gathering was welcomed by pastor Tomáš Trusina, and the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren was also represented by pastor David Šorm. Readings were delivered in Czech, Arabic, and Hebrew. The silent procession then moved through Old Town Square towards the Church of the Most Holy Saviour. Without banners, flags, or other symbols, a single message was conveyed – the pain of children knows no borders or religious differences. Many participants wore white clothing as a symbol of unity and peace and carried photographs of Palestinian and Israeli children who had lost their lives. The procession concluded with a prayer led by catholic priest and professor Tomáš Halík, accompanied by several songs performed by the children’s choir Rolnička.
Our conscience compels us to express solidarity. We walked in silence, because words cannot express it. The cycle of violence must be broken,
said Tomáš Halík during his address.
Together on one stage: music, humanity, and the desire for peace
The programme continued with an evening benefit concert for Gaza at Lucerna Music Bar, where artists such as Tomáš Klus, Klára Vytisková, Katarzia, Emma Smetana, Jordan Haj, Hugo Toxxx, Dáša Zázvůrková and others shared the stage. Musical performances were accompanied by words from representatives of participating organisations, Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos and Nakba survivor Jamal Fatah, Charter 77 signatory Anna Šabatová, political scientist and expert on Islam Zora Hesová, and Palestinian designer and activist Yara Abu Aataya, who shared personal testimony about life in Gaza. The programme also included video messages from Bassam Aramin and Rami Elhanan – a Palestinian and an Israeli who both lost their daughters and were united by grief and a longing for peace. Messages were also sent by physician and author Gabor Maté, who escaped the Holocaust as a child, and Israeli historian Ilan Pappé.
Caritas Czech Republic was represented at the benefit concert by its Secretary General, Jakub Líčka, who expressed gratitude not only to all attendees for their participation and contributions to the Caritas for Gaza collection, but also to Tamara and Tomáš Klus for their initiative and to the humanitarian workers who tirelessly assist in Gaza. “Humanitarian aid is extremely demanding in any conflict. However, the situation in Gaza is even more complex. Despite their own exhaustion and often very difficult family circumstances, these individuals continue to work and help for as long as they can,” stated Jakub Líčka.
A total of 251,234 CZK was raised for Caritas Czech Republic’s humanitarian activities in the Gaza Strip thanks to the benefit concert. The Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren also contributed an additional 250,000 CZK to the fundraising campaign, significantly supporting the cause.
The event was supported by civic initiatives and non-profit organisations that have long emphasised the importance of upholding international law and the rights of civilians. Among the participating organisations, in addition to Caritas Czech Republic, were Médecins Sans Frontières, People in Need, Amnesty International, Organisation for Aid to Refugees (OPU), World Without Wars and Violence, stopgenocidevgaze, Diaconia of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, Mluvme o tom, NO to Silence, Sdružení Přátelé Palestiny, Against Dehumanisation, Židovský hlas solidarity, Initiative for a Critical Academia, Palestinský klub, Ne naším jménem! - Za spravedlivý mír na Blízkém Východě, International Solidarity Movement (ISM Czech Republic), Solidarita s Palestinou Olomouc, Plzeň4Palestine, Dekolonizujte Palestinu, and HumantoHuman. The collaboration was formed with the understanding that the suffering of children transcends differences among people.
We are grateful to all who walked in silence, bearing light for those whose time was tragically cut short.
How does Caritas help in Gaza?
Caritas Czech Republic is one of the few organisations with a direct team operating in Gaza. In cooperation with local partners – Caritas Jerusalem and the organisation SAWA – we provide essential healthcare, distribute medicines, offer crisis intervention combined with case-based social work, and train local staff. Through crisis intervention and case-based social work, we respond both rapidly and sustainably to the needs of residents – from securing shelter, food, and legal support to re-establishing contact and monitoring their situations.
