Salesians also run youth programs, schools and social centers

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in Lebanon* continue to support youth and their families who are facing insecurity, displacement and deteriorating living conditions. At the beginning of March 2026, the resumption of clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, against a backdrop of growing regional tension, led to the displacement of people in various parts of the country. Families from villages near the border with Israel and from neighborhoods hit by the attacks have sought refuge in El Houssoun, where the Salesians are coordinating relief efforts alongside the local authorities.

Salesians have been supporting 24 families, made up of 116 people, including 42 children and 12 people who are elderly. These families were taken in after fleeing areas affected by bombardments and clashes. Many families arrive having lost their possessions, their means of livelihood and the security of their homes.

A Salesian explained, “We provide comprehensive assistance for two months to the 116 people taken in. The program includes food and water for three meals a day, hygiene products, access to electricity, gas, and the internet, cleaning supplies, first-aid kits, basic medicines, and logistical support. In addition, social and recreational activities have been organized at the oratory for youth, one of the groups most affected by the violence and displacement.”

The 24 families receiving assistance reflect a particularly difficult situation. Most are households comprising several members, including children, elderly people and widows who depend on their extended families to get by. Repeated displacement, the loss of savings, a lack of documents and family separation increase the risks to their safety and have a severe psychological impact.

Salesians in the country also run youth programs, schools and social centers. The Don Bosco Technical Center in Jbeil has 400 Lebanese students, the Angels of Peace School in Beirut is attended by Iraqi and Syrian refugee youth, and El Houssoun Youth Center organizes activities for youth from different communities and promotes intercultural and interfaith dialogue.

In doing all this, Salesians are working alongside technical staff, educators, volunteers and security personnel, always with the aim of supporting displaced families and ensuring they can get through this difficult time with greater protection.

Given their presence in the community and firsthand knowledge of what’s happening on the ground, Salesians are perfectly positioned to provide support during a humanitarian crisis. During the 2024–2025 war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Salesians launched the Salem (Peace) initiative where they assisted displaced people and strengthened their capacity to respond to new crises.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Lebanon – The Salesians step up emergency aid for displaced families

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Lebanon

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.