People in need of shelter, food and other basic necessities

(MissionNewswire) Amid growing violence in the Middle East, Salesians with the Salesian Jesus the Adolescent of the Middle East Province are working to ensure the safety of children in Palestine*, Israel and Lebanon*.

In Lebanon, attacks are causing thousands of displacements and worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. The incursion of Israeli forces into the country has further heightened tensions. The south of the country, particularly the Nabatieh region, has experienced intense bombardments, forcing numerous families to flee their homes in search of safety.

“The Middle East is facing a new and dramatic phase of emergency,” explained Father Simon Zakerian, provincial. “The civilian population will be the hardest hit, especially the most vulnerable, such as women and children. Following the attacks, our schools in Palestine, Israel and Lebanon have once again had to close to ensure the safety of our youth.”

In response, Salesians have reopened their doors to shelter displaced families. At the Don Bosco El Houssoun Center in Jbeil, about 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) north of Beirut, 120 people from approximately 30 families are being hosted, including about 50 children and 10 elderly individuals in vulnerable conditions.

A Salesian from Lebanon said, “We are certain that in the coming hours and days this number will increase. We must guarantee basic necessities for all these people, warm clothing, food and water. This is what we are focusing on.”

Many families arrive after 16 hours of travel to cover just 110 kilometers (about 68 miles), due to massive traffic jams caused by the exodus of people fleeing the bombings. Classrooms were quickly transformed into reception spaces with mattresses, blankets, and basic humanitarian aid kits, while Salesians, staff, and volunteers organize assistance for the families.

The Salesian added, “We are also worried about the lack of fuel in the West Bank, as many families have no way to heat their homes or cook, including our own communities, such as the one in Cremisan.”

Fr. Zakerian concluded, “We find ourselves, again, facing a complicated situation, but our entire network — Salesians, staff members and volunteers — is ready to help communities in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel as quickly as possible.”

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is already working together with the Salesians in the Middle East and the Salesian solidarity network to organize the necessary aid. Father Luis Manuel Moral, director of the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, said, “We are appealing to all citizens to channel their solidarity toward those in need. It is not only about giving a blanket or bread, but about bringing hope to those who are now living in such a difficult situation.”

He added, “Furthermore, we join the words of Pope Leo XIV, who calls on us to ‘seek a way to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,’ and we urge all parties to lay down their weapons and threats and to seek lasting peace through dialogue.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Middle East – “We Are Working to Ensure Aid Arrives as Soon as Possible”

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*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.