Lebanese Christians Observe Easter Amid Ongoing Conflict in Southern Villages

On April 5, 2026, Lebanese Maronite Christians gathered for Easter services in Beirut, dedicating their celebrations to the people in southern Lebanon affected by ongoing conflict. Jenny Yazbek al-Jamal, a choir leader at St. Antoine Church in Jdeideh, expressed a deep connection to the region, stating, “I feel like one of them,” referring to her family living in the war-torn area. The church was filled to capacity, with many worshippers standing outside, highlighting the community's solidarity during these challenging times.

The situation in southern Lebanon remains dire, with many villages, including Ain Ebel, Rmeich, and Debl, caught in the crossfire between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah. Worshippers at the Easter service voiced their concerns about the ongoing violence, with al-Jamal noting the disruption caused by Israeli fighter jets flying over Beirut, stating, “Even during our religious holidays, jets fly over us and break the sound barrier just to scare us.” Another parishioner, Marina Awad, lamented the plight of those forced to abandon their homes, saying, “It’s truly very sad to know people had to abandon homes built over a lifetime, unsure if they will ever return.”

The Maronite Patriarchate expressed “deep disappointment” over the cancellation of a humanitarian convoy intended to deliver essential supplies to the border village of Debl. This convoy, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and two Christian charities, was meant to provide 40 tonnes of medicine and basic necessities to residents cut off from the rest of the country. The cancellation was attributed to security concerns, further exacerbating the crisis faced by local communities.

Amidst the turmoil, there is a strong call for peace among the local population. Dori Ghrayeb, a 65-year-old worshipper, highlighted the severe conditions in border villages, stating, “No food, no water, no bread, no medicine, and no medical care.” Both Ghrayeb and al-Jamal emphasized the need for an end to the conflict, with Ghrayeb declaring, “I am for peace; the war must stop so that we can sit at the same table.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire for stability and reconciliation in a region deeply affected by violence.

As Lebanese Christians marked Easter, their prayers and reflections were not only for their own community but also for all those suffering in the south. The ongoing conflict has left many feeling abandoned and in desperate need of support, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.