VOICED : Crumbling Gaza monastery in danger

The Saint Hilarion Monastery in Gaza, named after a 4th-century Christian hermit, faces deterioration due to insufficient funds for preservation. Efforts are underway to secure $2 million for restoration. The site, rich in history, offers educational tours about Romans, pre-Byzantine Christians, and Umayyads. It includes various historical structures like baptismal fonts and a church. Recently, the site was proposed for UNESCO's World Heritage List and added to the World Monuments Fund's watchlist of threatened monuments.

What is the main reason for the deterioration of the Saint Hilarion Monastery?

• Vandalism

• Over-tourism

• Lack of funds for preservation

• Natural disasters

Which groups are taught about at the Saint Hilarion Monastery?

• The Greeks, Egyptians, and Persians

• The Romans, pre-Byzantine Christians, and the Umayyads

• The Ottomans, Byzantines, and Crusaders

• The Babylonians, Assyrians, and Sumerians

What is one of the main goals of visiting the Saint Hilarion Monastery for students?

• To learn about modern architecture

• To experience a change from their school routine

• To practice religious rituals

• To participate in archaeological digs

What are some of the features found in the Saint Hilarion Monastery complex?

• A fortress and a lighthouse

• A library and a museum

• Baptismal fonts, a church, and living quarters

• A theater and a marketplace

What recent actions have been taken to preserve the Saint Hilarion Monastery?

• It was submitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List and added to the World Monuments Fund's watchlist

• It was added to a list of protected natural parks

• It was closed to the public

• It was converted into a museum