Churches in Lebanon Open Doors to Refugees Amid Intensifying Airstrikes: ‘It’s Affecting Everyone,’ Says Charity Coordinator

As the airstrikes across southern Lebanon intensify, churches are becoming a sanctuary for thousands of displaced people fleeing the violence. While the ongoing bombardment is intended to target the Islamist militia Hezbollah, civilians, including Lebanon’s Christian population, are suffering in the crossfire. Local communities, particularly churches, have stepped up to offer much-needed shelter and support to those escaping the destruction.

According to Marielle Boutros, project coordinator at the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in Lebanon, the situation has grown dire. “People are now living in church halls, so they will need food, sanitary products, mattresses, blankets – and if it continues, we will need heating for winter, though of course, we hope it will not last that long,” she explained.

Churches as Shelters of Hope

The region of southern Lebanon, where much of the current bombardment is concentrated, has a significant Christian population. Many residents have been forced to flee, taking refuge in churches that have opened their doors to provide a semblance of safety amidst the chaos. Boutros reported that “all south Lebanon is being targeted,” leaving Christian families particularly vulnerable as they seek shelter outside their homes.

“These are not purely Shia or Hezbollah areas,” Boutros stressed. “We have a lot of Christian families living there. Some have lost their houses, and they are moving now from the south to other places in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and the north to find safety.”

A Community Under Fire

While the airstrikes are primarily focused on Hezbollah strongholds, their impact is being felt across the country. Parts of Beirut, a city where Hezbollah enjoys considerable support, have also come under fire. Boutros noted that the continuous sound of military aircraft and drones overhead has cast a pall of fear over the city. “Beirut is not a big city, so if a part of Beirut is targeted, all Beirut will feel it,” she said.

The violence has raised concerns of yet another wave of emigration from Lebanon’s Christian community, a worrying trend that has been ongoing for decades. Boutros fears the current conflict could accelerate this exodus, further eroding the Christian presence in the region.

Humanitarian Aid and Support

Lebanon’s Health Minister, Firass Abiad, confirmed that at least 558 people have died in the attacks as of Monday, September 23, including 50 children. The scale of the devastation has placed immense pressure on aid organizations and local churches, which are now working together to support those who have been displaced.

ACN, which has been active in Lebanon for many years, is ramping up its efforts in response to this new wave of displacement. “We are working with local Church partners to look at ways of helping the thousands who have become displaced since the bombardment began,” said Boutros. The charity has already supported over 300 projects in the country, including providing emergency aid in response to the ongoing low-scale conflict in southern Lebanon since last October.

In addition to shelter, churches and aid organizations are addressing other urgent needs. Boutros noted that schools supported by ACN are transitioning to online learning in an effort to maintain education amid the chaos. “The schools are closed, but this is temporary, and they are now moving to online teaching,” she said.

Prayers for Peace

As the conflict rages on, Boutros called for prayers, urging ACN’s friends and benefactors to join in asking for peace. “Pray for peace to finally come to Lebanon and the entire region, and for a just end to the current conflict,” she said.

With the winter months approaching, the prospect of prolonged displacement looms large for those taking refuge in churches. The need for food, supplies, and heating is growing by the day, and while local communities and charities like ACN are doing their best to provide, the situation remains critical.

For now, Lebanon’s churches stand as beacons of hope, offering sanctuary to those whose lives have been torn apart by the violence. As the world watches and waits, the people of Lebanon are left praying that the storm will soon pass.