Due to the massive destruction in the Bekaa Valley and in southern Lebanon, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)’s emergency relief projects remain very significant for the country.
“With the appointment of a new president, hope returned to Lebanon,” reports Marielle Boutros, project coordinator of the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Lebanon. “The war was hell for us. Every Christian here has thought about leaving the country. Many people are still struggling with great difficulties, and the situation is anything but simple; often there is no longer enough money at the end of the month for food. But at least there is hope that things are improving.”
Until the situation in Lebanon improves, however, patience is required. For many, the war stole the very basis of their subsistence: “Many people have lost their jobs, and in the south, the fields—including those of many Christians—have suffered lasting destruction from phosphorus bombs. ACN emergency relief projects will therefore continue to be crucial for months after the ceasefire,” stresses Ms. Boutros. “For example, support for Catholic schools is essential because many families cannot afford to pay tuition fees for their children and money is also lacking for teachers’ salaries.”
Many houses were also destroyed, including in the Bekaa Valley, where there will continue to be an urgent need for ACN’s relief projects. Countless houses were bombed, making it impossible for many internally displaced people to return home. In addition, many people are still afraid of the sporadic air strikes in southern Lebanon and the lingering uncertainty about the situation. ACN contacts from the Maronite Catholic Diocese of Sidone stress that “the border villages in the south are still in a state of unrest. Peace has not yet been restored there, and there are still sporadic air strikes.”
Meanwhile, Marielle Boutros explains that all eyes are set on January 26—the deadline reaffirmed by President Joseph Aoun on January 18 for Israel to withdraw its army from the south of Lebanon, as per the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement in November. “A lot hangs on this date*,” she explains. “Until then, no one will begin to rebuild or repair their home. Nobody is going to build something which could be destroyed again. Let’s keep hoping and praying that peace returns to our country.”
*As of January 28, the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended until February 18, and Israeli forces are still in the south of the country.
