Unfortunately, on February 15, ACM Gaza suffered a blow in its structure, a bomb attack in your library, and the invasion of unidentified gunmen, who disarmed the guards who ran the place on the day of the incident. Luckily, there were no injuries.

The Secretary General of the World Alliance of YMCAs, Dr. Bart Shaha and comments that criticizes this act of gratuitous violence.

"The YMCAs of the Middle East has always promoted peace in the region and are working to serve all people, regardless of religion. The World Alliance of YMCAs strongly condemns this act of indiscriminate violence on civil society and calls for efforts of all peoples for peace in the region. "

Already the General Secretary of the YMCA Gaza, Ms. Isa Saba, considers the act a consequence of insecurity that settles in the region, besides mentioning that the YMCA is open to anyone, regardless of their nationality and religion.

"Unfortunately not be the first civil society organization to be attacked, I hope it's the last. We are open to Palestinian Arabs, with a history, a language, a common culture. People love this place. "

This terrorist attack was also condemned by the Palestinian president. Since the attack happened, there was a steady stream of people coming to the YMCA Gaza, expressing his sadness and the next day, were set aside as days of solidarity.

The ACM Gaza shows complete repudiation of the violent act, especially taking into account the services provided in the region over the past 55 years. Its programs include working with children in refugee camps, providing spaces for the local community, sports and wellness, and a kindergarten. The work is serious, exemplary and deserves to be respected.

By João Paulo Amorim