Easter in Lebanon: A Time of Reflection Amidst Conflict

This year, Easter celebrations among Lebanese Christians were marked by a somber reflection on the ongoing conflict affecting southern Lebanon. Jenny Yazbek al-Jamal, a worshiper at St. Antoine Church in Beirut, expressed solidarity with those in the south, stating, “I feel like one of them,” as she prayed for the people displaced by the violence. The church service was attended by many, with some worshipers left standing outside due to the crowd. Placards bearing the names of Christian villages, such as Ain Ebel, Rmeich, and Debl, which have been cut off or are under fire, were displayed prominently.

The atmosphere was punctuated by the sound of Israeli fighter jets flying overhead, a stark reminder of the ongoing hostilities. Marina Awad, another attendee, 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.” Dori Ghrayeb, a parishioner, highlighted the dire conditions in border villages, noting the lack of food, water, and medical care.

The Maronite Patriarchate expressed “deep disappointment” over the cancellation of a humanitarian convoy intended to deliver essential supplies to the village of Debl, which was called off for security reasons. This convoy, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and two Christian charities, was meant to provide 40 tonnes of medicine and basic supplies to residents isolated by the conflict.

Rev. Maroun Ghafari, who has been displaced from his village of Alma al-Shaab, now preaches in a Beirut suburb. He recounted the tragic loss of his brother, who was killed by an Israeli drone strike, prompting the remaining villagers to flee. Ghafari stated, “Everyone is tired, and we see that war brings nothing but destruction, death, and displacement.”

Despite the challenges, many residents of southern Lebanon remain resolute in their desire to stay. In Qlayaa, a village near the front lines, worshipers celebrated Easter amidst the sounds of war. Daniel Nicolas, a local resident, reflected on the continuous cycle of conflict, saying, “I’ve lived 45 years like this. All the time, war, war, war.” The mayor of Qlayaa, Hanna Daher, emphasized their determination to remain, stating, “We are going to stay here until our last breath.”

The sentiment of resilience is echoed by many who feel abandoned by both the Lebanese army and the international community. As one worshiper noted, “Nobody cared about us. Only Jesus.” The need for a humanitarian corridor has become increasingly urgent, as residents face dwindling supplies and the threat of being cut off entirely.

Patriarch Beshara al-Rai of the Maronite Church condemned both Hezbollah and Israeli actions, attributing the suffering in Lebanon to “Iranian interference through Hezbollah and Israeli aggression.” He expressed deep concern for the victims of the ongoing conflict.

• “This has to stop,” — Marina Awad, Worshiper

• “We wanted to stay, but it was always possible that one of us could be targeted or killed at any moment,” — Rev. Maroun Ghafari

• “We live in great pain because we don't know what the future holds for us but we are going to stay here until our last breath.” — Hanna Daher, Mayor of Qlayaa

• “If there are people without a land, it's not a homeland any more.” — Shahin Hana Shahin, Resident of Qlayaa

As the conflict continues, the resilience and faith of the Christian communities in southern Lebanon remain a poignant reminder of the human spirit amidst adversity.