The Order of Malta gathered the leaders of southern Lebanon’s border villages in a meeting in Beirut during Holy Week, promising the leaders continuous humanitarian aid as the Hezbollah-Israel conflict threatens their livelihoods. The meeting came shortly after Israel threatened to occupy southern Lebanon.
The Sovereign Order of Malta is a lay religious order of the Catholic Church established in 1113 dedicated to humanitarian aid. A subject of international law, it is active in over 130 countries and has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union. It also has permanent observer status at the United Nations.
Vatican News reported that Marwan Sehnaoui, the president of the Order of Malta in Lebanon, called the journey to Beirut “an act of courage,” welcoming the mayors and other leaders from Rmeich, Aïn Ebel, Qwazah, Yaroun, Alma al-Shaab, Jdeidet Marjayoun, and Qlayaa.
At the meeting, the Order announced a mobilization of resources and advocacy actions. After Easter, a committee of experts will be established to collaborate with local leaders in creating a long-term plan to ensure autonomy for these communities.
“You can consider us your ambassadors, determined to carry your voice and your needs wherever we go,” Sehnaoui told the leaders.
The organization is working on improving medical-social centers by equipping them with better care and facilities so that these centers can serve residents, especially the elderly and disabled.
The organization also plans to create specialized educational projects to rebuild these villages and secure employment for residents.
The Order of Malta has been present in Lebanon since 1953 and increasingly active in southern Lebanon since 1980. It promised to continue its efforts in medical, social, humanitarian, and agricultural fields “at all costs.” Last month, one of the order’s volunteers was killed in a bombing in the south.