A Devastating Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon

The war in the Middle East marks its first month with a devastating impact on Lebanon. According to field data, the conflict has already caused over 1,200 deaths and more than 17,000 injuries in a country that was already extremely fragile, with around 1.9 million refugees and 30% of the population living below the poverty line even before this new offensive by Israel. Adding to this alarming situation, more than one million people have been displaced in just a few weeks, many forced to flee their homes due to bombings in the south of the country and in the suburbs of Beirut.

Stories Behind the Numbers

Behind these figures are real human stories. Lucian, a 15-year-old Iraqi refugee welcomed by Salesian missionaries, describes his daily life: “The explosions are very intense. I can barely sleep at night, especially when the sirens go off.” The proximity of attacks and constant uncertainty have completely disrupted the lives of minors. “We live each day in fear, wondering what will happen next,” explains Florina, also a student.

Education Disrupted and Trauma Renewed

The impact is not only emotional. The war has interrupted education, limiting access to the internet, eliminating safe spaces for study, and creating deep demotivation. “Sometimes I feel that all my efforts may be lost,” admits another Salesian student. Many of these young people are already refugees who had fled previous conflicts, meaning the current situation is reactivating or worsening past traumas.

Reinventing Education as a Safe Haven

Faced with widespread insecurity, Salesian houses have had to reinvent themselves. Centers such as “Angels of Peace” in Beirut have suspended in-person classes and implemented daily online education systems, combined with psychosocial support. These lessons go beyond learning; maintaining an educational routine has become an essential tool to protect minors from the psychological impact of war. “This digital classroom is the only refuge they have left,” explains a teacher. At the same time, centers have strengthened emergency measures, including evacuation plans, crisis teams, daily security monitoring, and communication systems with families. However, some centers have had to suspend educational activities entirely to provide shelter, leaving minors without schooling for weeks.

Shelter for Displaced Families

The Salesian response also focuses on welcoming displaced people. In the Salesian house of Al Houssoun, for example, dozens of internally displaced families—mostly from the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon—are currently being sheltered. These families include newborns and elderly people whose homes have been damaged by bombings. The number of hosted families has remained stable since the beginning of the conflict, as the center cannot accept new arrivals despite receiving requests almost daily. The massive influx has placed significant pressure on already impoverished communities, with many families opening their homes and sharing scarce resources while bearing a heavy emotional burden.

Solidarity in Action

Every day, at least one hot meal is provided, along with basic food supplies, hygiene products, healthcare, heating, and accompaniment for the hosted families, in a context marked by cold weather and limited resources. This hospitality is not without challenges. Most of the hosted families belong to the Shiite community, adding complexity in a deeply fragmented social and political context. Nevertheless, the Salesian community insists that their response must not be shaped by divisions, but by the urgent need to protect people. “We are living a constant struggle between our humanity and fear,” explains a worker who has welcomed another family into her home.

Concrete actions restore dignity. One displaced mother arrived with her newborn without resources or access to medical care. Thanks to Salesian mediation, the baby received free treatment. “They thought they had lost everything, but they regained something essential: hope,” explains the person responsible for hospitality at the Salesian house.

Educators as Anchors of Stability

In this context, educators have taken on a role that goes beyond teaching. “We are not only teachers; we are emotional support, points of reference, and a source of stability,” say members of the Salesian educational community. Despite fear, uncertainty, and material difficulties—such as rising fuel costs and lack of basic resources—Salesian works continue to operate, adapting daily to an ever-changing situation.

A Mission Across the Middle East

Beyond Lebanon, the situation across the Middle East reflects a prolonged and complex crisis. Salesian presences in the region highlight that war destroys not only infrastructure but also the social fabric and future prospects of thousands of young people. In territories such as Palestine, mobility restrictions, recurring violence, and lack of opportunities are severely limiting access to education and employment, pushing many families into extreme conditions. Father Simon Zakerian, Superior of the Salesians in the Middle East, emphasizes “the importance of maintaining the educational and pastoral mission as a sign of hope amid the crisis. Salesian presences continue to accompany children, young people, and families not only through material aid, but also by creating spaces for welcome, dialogue, and rebuilding a sense of community.”

An Ongoing Emergency and Continued Aid

The situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, and needs grow daily. Increasing displacement, destruction of homes, and the inability of many families to return highlight a prolonged crisis. Salesian works continue to provide food, shelter, education, and psychological support to thousands of people, especially minors and youth.

Hope Beyond Fear

Amid this complexity, Salesians in the Middle East reaffirm the ultimate meaning of their mission: to welcome all in need without distinction and to sustain hope even in the most difficult contexts. “We do not act based on political divisions, but on a deeper conviction: that love must prevail over fear, unity over division, and peace over violence,” explain the Sons of Don Bosco. Today, more than ever, help is urgently needed. Supporting Misiones Salesianas and its “Middle East Emergency” campaign means helping ensure that these children do not lose their education, emotional stability, and future.

For further information please visit: www.misionessalesianas.org