In consultation with partners on the ground, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made a very tough but prudent decision to evacuate YAGM personnel, including the 5 Young Adults in Global Mission from the Holy Land and the country coordinators. We are relieved to share that everyone is safe.

The images coming out of the news are heartbreaking and we extend our prayers to the Palestinian and Israeli people who have lost loved ones and are living in fear and uncertainty. We are deeply troubled by the escalating conflict and the impact it has on civilians.  

The ELCA has longstanding relationships with many partners in the region, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Augusta Victoria Hospital, which is operated by the Lutheran World Federation. For the last 30 years, the ELCA has had a presence of mission personnel, including a Young Adults in Global Mission program in Jerusalem and the West Bank. We did not take lightly the decision to evacuate our staff, and at the same time will always put their safety first.

We pray for peace and justice.