Christian Communities Face Displacement and Ongoing Challenges in Southern Lebanon
Christian communities in southern Lebanon are grappling with significant displacement and persistent difficulties amidst intensifying clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. While many residents initially sought to remain in their homes despite Israeli evacuation warnings, a drone strike on March 8 prompted the evacuation of villagers from Alma al-Shaab. Those displaced are now finding refuge in northern Beirut suburbs, while others who chose to stay in southern towns report continued hardships and security concerns, including the partial withdrawal of the Lebanese army from the region.
Demographics and Initial Resistance
Christians comprise approximately one-third of Lebanon's estimated 5.5 million population, representing 12 distinct sects and the largest proportion of Christians in any Arab nation. In southern Lebanon, residents of villages like Alma al-Shaab initially resisted evacuation warnings issued by Israel amidst the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Many of these villagers, having experienced displacement in previous conflicts, sought refuge within their local churches as Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes, Israeli troops advanced, and Hezbollah continued rocket fire towards Israel.
Tragedy Prompts Evacuation
On March 8, Sami Ghafari, 70, a villager sheltering in the Alma al-Shaab church, was killed by an Israeli drone strike while tending his garden. This tragic incident led the remaining villagers, including Ghafari's brother, to evacuate their homes. United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers facilitated their relocation to the northern suburbs of Beirut.
Ghafari's brother, speaking from St Anthony’s Church in Jdeideh, a northern Beirut suburb, stated that while they had wanted to stay, "it was always possible that one of us could be targeted or killed at any moment." He further remarked, "Everyone is tired, and we see that war brings nothing but destruction, death and displacement."
Traditions Disrupted, Faith Endures
Displaced Christians were unable to observe traditional Holy Saturday customs, such as visiting the graves of loved ones, instead reflecting on these traditions from afar.
Nabila Farah, among the last to leave Alma al-Shaab, expressed missing "the smell of home, the lovely traditions and customs, the sounds of the bells of three churches ringing," noting that the Easter atmosphere felt different away from her village.
Meanwhile, some Christian communities have chosen to remain in southern Lebanese cities like Tyre. Priest Marius Khairallah, based in Tyre, stated that he and his congregants were staying "not out of stubbornness, but out of a sense of mission, to remain alongside their fellow faithful, as witnesses." He acknowledged that a significant number of parishioners had been displaced or were absent, yet churches continued to open their doors and prayers were offered, "even with fewer voices."
Voices of Faith Amidst Conflict
Patriarch Beshara al-Rai of Lebanon’s Maronite Church, in his annual Easter homily, attributed the conflict's repercussions to both Hezbollah and Israel.
He stated, "The country is going through a critical situation due to Iranian interference through Hezbollah and Israeli aggression. Our hearts bleed for the victims of the conflict imposed on Lebanon."
Reverend Dori Fayyad, the main priest at St Antony’s Church, addressed the profound impact of the war on southern Lebanese Christians during his Good Friday sermon.
He told the congregation, "Today, you understand what the cross means, not as an idea, not as a concept, but because you are going through it." Fayyad described the churches in these villages as "silent witnesses to suffering and to faith," noting that prayers were recited in Arabic and Syriac.
Mounting Security Concerns
Concerns are present among Christians in the area following the Lebanese army's withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon. This development is perceived as potentially increasing their exposure to Israeli forces moving deeper into the territory.