
On May 28, 2024, an article detailing the history, significance, and recent destruction of Gaza’s Great Omari Mosque was published in The New York Times. Titled ‘Gaza’s historic heart, now in ruins,’ it was written by Bora Erden, Graham Bowley, and Tala Safie and features quotes by U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield President, Patty Gerstenblith, and Blue Shield President, Peter Stone.
As the article states, the mosque was destroyed in an airstrike by the Israeli military in December. The important building is one of 43 religious or historic sites damaged in Gaza since October 7th, according to the latest assessment of damage by UNESCO. The article, featuring vivid images, a video, and historic photographs, can be accessed online here.
Image of the Great Omari Mosque in 2022, by Dan Palraz, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Latest News & Alerts
May 13, 2026
Our 2026 Annual Conference will take place on September 17, 2026 at American University in Washington D.C. Please save the date! More information coming soon.
April 29, 2026
On Wednesday, May 6th, Laurie Rush, Secretary of the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield, and Brian I. Daniels, President of the Archaeological Institute of America and USCBS Board member, will present a webinar on the [...]
March 28, 2026
A recent Hyperallergic article on the threats to Iranian cultural heritage includes comments by both Cori Wegener, founder of the U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield (USCBS) and current USCBS Board member, and Brian Daniels, Director [...]


