A Critical Situation in the Middle East
As shared by Fr. Simon Zakerian, Provincial of the Salesian Province of the Middle East (MOR), in a letter addressed to benefactors and friends of the Salesian mission, the situation on the ground is critical. “I am writing to you because the Middle East is going through a new and dramatic phase of emergency. The conflict now directly involves Lebanon, severely affecting civilian populations and once again calling upon our salesian houses to do their part.”
Salesian Centers Reopen to Welcome the Displaced
The recent escalation of the conflict in Lebanon has forced many families to leave their homes in villages near the border and in the outskirts of Beirut, prompting the Salesians to reopen their doors to respond to this emergency. In recent days, about 116 displaced people have arrived at the “Don Bosco – El Houssoun” center, including 42 children and 12 elderly persons. “Our intention is to respond promptly in order to offer initial welcome and warmth in Lebanon and wherever it is needed,” the MOR Provincial testified.
Supporting Families Affected by War
Responding to the appeal launched by Fr. Zakerian, Missão Dom Bosco has committed itself to mobilizing the national community to address this humanitarian emergency. The campaign “Emergência Líbano: acolher e proteger famílias deslocadas pela guerra” (“Lebanon Emergency: welcoming and protecting families displaced by war”) aims to raise funds to directly support the families hosted at the Salesian center in El Houssoun during this period of crisis.
Providing Essential Aid and Protection
The campaign will run for 31 days and seeks to ensure protection, dignity, and support for families forced to flee the war. In particular, the donations will help provide daily meals, drinking water, and essential hygiene supplies; mattresses, blankets, and dignified accommodation; warm clothing and footwear to face the cold; medicines and first-aid kits; as well as psychosocial support and activities for children and young people.
For more information, visit: https://www.salesianos.pt/missaodombosco/
