Help us respond to the deepening crisis in Lebanon

Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) is responding to an appeal from its partner, Jesuit Refugee Service-Middle East and North Africa (JRS MENA)* for support in its relief efforts among refugee, migrant and vulnerable local communities displaced by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.

The escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has displaced more than a million people or a fifth of Lebanon's population, according to both the UN and Lebanese authorities.

JRS needs your help to provide humanitarian assistance to an already vulnerable population still suffering the hardships of a prolonged economic crisis. Please give generously now.

JRS-MENA, whose regional office is in Beirut, has begun distributing basic hygiene kits and mattresses to evacuees. It has also been distributing food in shelters located in safer areas and has provided temporary shelters and services to internally displaced migrants, vulnerable citizens, and JRS staff, who were among those who were forced to flee their homes.

“We will need support for this in the short-term and long-term,” said Fr Daniel Corrou, SJ, JRS-MENA Regional Director.

In the coming weeks and months, JRS will continue to provide emergency relief, as well as emergency cash assistance, temporary shelter materials such as mattresses and pillows, and psychosocial support. It also plans to provide non-formal education activities in child-friendly spaces within collective shelters, school buildings and other safe spaces.

The need for temporary shelter and emergency supplies “is increasing by the hour,” said JRS. Tens of thousands are fleeing southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and other areas following a week of intense clashes between Hezbollah and Israel, according to a JRS report.

“The scale and urgency of health and humanitarian needs will increase,” in the coming days as civilians experience forced displacement, trauma, disrupted access to health care, food insecurity, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation, JRS said.

“Many of the Syrian refugees and migrant workers whom we have assisted over the years are feeling extremely helpless, lost and trapped in the current situation,” said JRS. “Children, who have already lived through situations of profound distress, are in urgent need of psychosocial support.”

*JRS MENA is currently present in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, and offers a range of services, including child and adult education, psychosocial support, emergency assistance, accompaniment, and advocacy for refugee rights.

Please donate to Canadian Jesuits International to support JRS MENA as they help the people of Lebanon during this difficult time.

Thank you for your generous donation.

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