The Latin Patriarchate School in Gaza has reopened for 1,005 students after nearly three years of disrupted education, restoring formal classes at what the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem described as the territory’s only operating Christian educational institution.
The school opened the 2026-27 academic year to students from kindergarten through Grade 12, with 77 teachers returning to work, according to the patriarchate.
During the war, the Holy Family Parish compound sheltered displaced families while continuing to provide education to children staying there. As some families returned home or found other housing in spring 2026, the school was able to welcome more students.
“This place, which sheltered displaced people during the war, is returning today to its educational mission,” said Father Gabriel Romanelli, who supervises the school.
Romanelli said, “We hope that this space will be a place where love, healing, and mutual respect among members of the community can grow.”
The reopening, which included the establishment of a kindergarten building, was made possible with support from donors and partners, the patriarchate said.
Classes have resumed despite shortages of furniture, stationery and basic educational materials.
The school is also preparing extracurricular activities to provide psychological support for students and teachers returning after years of disrupted education.
Describing the first day of classes, Romanelli said, “Today, we saw tears of joy in the eyes of the children, and the parents as they saw their children in school after three years.”
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, had repeatedly stressed the importance of restoring access to education during his pastoral visits to Gaza.
“Without providing education to children, how can there be hope?” Pizzaballa said.
The reopening comes as Gaza continues to face widespread destruction and severe humanitarian needs.
The United Nations said most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people are still living in tent shelters among ruined buildings, while essential supplies remain restricted.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that shortages of machinery, fuel and spare parts are hampering search and rescue operations, building repairs and efforts to relocate people from flood-prone areas ahead of winter.
The Latin Patriarchate said it continues to maintain its presence alongside the community in Gaza through pastoral care, education and other services.
