Christians in Lebanon face challenges, aid continues amid conflict aftermath

Christian Communities in Lebanon Endure Hardships Amidst Post-Conflict Challenges

In the wake of recent hostilities involving Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanese Christians continue to face significant challenges. The fighting led to an Israeli military action in southern Lebanon, causing widespread disruption.

Since a ceasefire was established more than six months ago, many families from the affected southern regions have migrated to Beirut, hoping to find better living conditions and economic stability.

According to Sister Gerard Merhej, who oversees the Antonine Sisters’ School in Debel, the local community has dramatically decreased in size since the conflict erupted. The number of students attending her school has dropped from 400 to 200.

Sister Merhej highlighted that those who departed were often the more educated. For those who stayed, the situation remains dire, particularly for agricultural workers, as many fields have been devastated by the conflict.

Meanwhile, Sister Maya El Beaino of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary has decided to stay in Ain Ebel to continue her vital work in supporting the community.

“Our mission is to go to the peripheries and accompany those in need,” she expressed. Her order maintains a school that transitioned to online education during the hostilities.

Recalling the challenges faced, she said, “When there was an airstrike near the home of one of the pupils, all of them could hear [the explosions].” She added that the shared experience of adversity fostered a strong sense of unity among students despite being physically separated, “[They] had a sense that they were all in it together, even though they were physically apart.”

Sister El Beaino also observed that the war has led to a significant exodus from the region, with mainly the elderly choosing to stay. “Only the elderly stayed. They would rather die at home than leave,” she noted.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is actively distributing medicine and other essential supplies to those in dire need in these troubled areas.