Lebanon: Salesians continue to care for those displaced by war even after ceasefire

Aim to create safe spaces, education for children

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries remain committed to providing for those impacted by war in Lebanon even after the truce agreement made on Nov. 27. Father Alejandro León, one of the Salesian missionaries working on the coordination of Salesian operations for the emergency in the Middle East, says there is reason for hope and joy but still much work to be done.

He explained, “Despite the declared 60-day ceasefire, the consequences of the war and the bombing will be with us for a long time. The south of the country is devastated by the bombing and most of the people who have had to leave their homes have no place to return. Villages, cities and even neighborhoods in Beirut no longer exist.”

Fr. León continued, “The impact of the war is also having an impact on the country’s economy, leaving many people in a very vulnerable position, especially those who were already in difficult situations. Lebanon is facing a very weak socio-economic scenario.”

Salesians will continue to take care of the more than 100 displaced people in the El Houssoun center and the 300 families in vulnerable situations. Fr. León added, “We cannot leave all these people who are suffering on their own. We must create safe spaces for children, continue to offer them support and assistance regarding what they need and, above all, maintain access to education, to avoid losing another generation on the way. Education, in fact, is also suffering because many families cannot afford to send their children to school.”

In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid has opened its Middle East Emergency campaign to help Salesians in Lebanon continue to take care of the displaced and the most vulnerable families.

Salesians have been in the Middle East since 1926. In Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, Salesians provide education and support for thousands of youth through schools and vocational training centers that offer future opportunities. There are also numerous initiatives and projects to welcome and support refugees and those displaced that have been suffering from armed conflicts for the past several years.