August 25, 2025
News
On Thursday, 4 September 2025, a silent procession entitled Light for Lost Childhood in Palestine and Israel will pass through Prague, honouring the memory of children who have fallen victim to violence and war. A benefit concert at Lucerna Music Bar will follow the procession. The initiative has emerged from a broad coalition of movements, spiritual leaders, individuals, artists, and humanitarian and non-governmental organisations. Caritas Czech Republic is among them, and part of the proceeds from the concert will be allocated to the Caritas for Gaza fundraising campaign.
Remembering in silence and with respect
The procession will take place as a commemorative act – without banners, flags, or speeches. White clothing is welcome as a symbol of unity and peace. This silent march is a gesture of solidarity and respect, through which we, together with other organisers, wish to remember the child victims in both Palestine and Israel. The procession will begin at 16:00 at the Evangelical Church of Salvator (Salvátorská 1, Prague 1) and will continue to the Catholic Church of the Most Holy Saviour (Křížovnické Square 1040/3). Caritas Czech Republic was among the first organisations to be invited to participate.
Caritas Czech Republic is joining this initiative out of a deep conviction that human suffering – especially the suffering of children – deserves our attention, solidarity, and remembrance. We assist in regions affected by conflict. Every day, we witness how war devastates the lives of the most vulnerable – currently most notably in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, Syria, and other locations. We perceive the silent procession as a way to publicly express solidarity with child victims. We wish to highlight that humanitarian aid is not merely a matter of logistics and financial contributions, but above all, a matter of humanity. We believe that even silence can be a powerful and resonant voice, drawing attention to violence and the deaths of the innocent,
says Jakub Líčka, Secretary General of Caritas Czech Republic.
How Caritas assists in the Gaza Strip
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.
In Gaza, suffering is everywhere — but so is resilience. Through Caritas Czech Republic, we help people reclaim their dignity, one step at a time. Locals now recognise Czechia not just by name, but by the healing it brings. Your support means hope in the darkest of days,
says our local colleague Ola, reflecting on how the Czech Republic is perceived in the Gaza Strip. She has shared her personal story, describing her humanitarian work and life in Gaza.
Benefit Concert to Support Caritas
Proceeds from the benefit concert will support the activities of Caritas Czech Republic in the Gaza Strip. Many well-known personalities have confirmed their participation. The event will be hosted by Tomáš Klus. Performing on one stage will be Klára Vytisková, Hugo Toxxx, Katarzia, Berenika Kohoutová, Emma Smetana, Jordan Haj Hossein, Dáša Zázvůrková and many other outstanding artists.
Further details about the procession and benefit concert can be found on the website – svetloprozhasnutadeství.cz
Join us in remembering the child victims in Palestine and Israel. The aim is to create a space for a silent expression of solidarity and respect.
It will be a collective remembrance of children who have lost their lives, as well as those who continue to suffer as a result of ongoing violence,”
say the organisers.
The programme on 4 September will be followed by a lecture by Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, titled “On Fighting for Humanity in the Time of Genocide”, taking place on 5 September at 18:00 at Husův dům (Jungmannova 9). Sdružení Přátelé Palestiny organises the lecture, and contributions are voluntary. Stephen Kapos was born in Budapest and survived the Holocaust as a young boy. Following the Hungarian uprising in 1956, he fled to the United Kingdom. He has dedicated his life to fighting racism, violence, and injustice.
