Emergency Aid – Crisis in Lebanon

Members of the Xavier Network mobilize emergency aid in response to the crisis in Lebanon.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to mass displacement in Lebanon and emergency aid is needed urgently. Around the world, members of the Xavier Network are mobilizing support for the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Lebanon. 

Your support is crucial.

According to the UN and Lebanese authorities over a million people, including some JRS staff,  have been forced to flee their homes due to the escalating conflict. 

At this time, JRS Lebanon is shifting its focus and resources to provide emergency aid and shelter. Teams have been distributing basic hygiene items, mattresses, and food in the shelters near the JRS Lebanon centers located in safer regions. Additionally, JRS has set up a space to accommodate displaced people, including migrants.. By Friday, September 27, JRS was caring for 3,428 displaced individuals who had taken shelter in Bar Elias, the Arrupe Migrant Center, Qabelias Elementary School, and other areas.

Our friends and partners on the ground are in urgent need of support for this endeavor in the short term and will need continued aid as the situation develops in the long term.

To make a donation:

 

Further Context

For more than a year, Lebanon has been plunged into a serious socioeconomic and political crisis, as well as increasing tension along its borders, especially in the south.

Since September 23, Lebanon has been experiencing a critical moment following devastating bombings in cities such as Saida, Nabatieh, the Bekaa Valley, and in some neighborhoods of Beirut. The conflict has already claimed more than 1,200 lives, including over 50 children and 94 women, and has left more than 5,278 people injured, according to Lebanese authorities.

This has led to a massive displacement towards areas considered safer. Around 201,000 people are displaced within the country, many seeking refuge in over 390 temporary facilities, such as public schools. At the same time, hundreds of people, both Lebanese and Syrians, are fleeing to Syria to escape the bombings.

Since 2013, JRS Lebanon has provided education, psychosocial care, housing, and livelihood services, assisting thousands of both Lebanese citizens and refugees residing in different areas of the country. Their team has deep roots in the community and remains committed to accompanying and caring for their neighbors during this dangerous and rapidly changing time. In a recent statement, JRS said “We will continue to walk by their sides.  Many of the Syrian refugees and migrant workers whom we have assisted over the years are feeling extremely helpless, lost and trapped in the current situation.  Especially children, who have already lived through situations of profound distress are in urgent need of psychosocial support.  JRS Lebanon will do everything possible to keep accompanying those in need.”

Fr Daniel Corrou, SJ, JRS-MENA Regional Director, continues to work with his team to provide aid and shelter to thousands of displaced people, who have fled from southern Lebanon. Fr. Dan said in a letter to colleagues that the JRS team in Lebanon “will need support for this in the short-term and long-term.”

The situation in Lebanon is extremely concerning and continues to change rapidly. Alongside JRS, volunteers from the migrant community and Jesuit schools in the area, we are working tirelessly to provide humanitarian assistance to the thousands of displaced people. The international community is closely observing, and the humanitarian efforts of JRS staff, immigrant community volunteers, and Jesuit schools are already intensifying to address the needs of those displaced and affected by this crisis.