Emergency Response in Lebanon

Thanks to your generosity, we have activated the Emergency Action Fund to assist our local partner Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East & North Africa (JRS MENA) provide urgent relief efforts across the region.

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is dire. Since 23 September 2024, Lebanon has faced widescale devastation following intensified bombings that have displaced over 1.2 million people. With over 10,000 attacks on Lebanon since the conflict began, over 2,400 lives have been lost, uprooting entire communities. Families are seeking shelter in temporary facilities, including Jesuit schools and Jesuit-run centres. The country’s ongoing economic crisis, combined with escalating violence, is severely affecting the lives of vulnerable families, especially women and children. 

JRS continues to scale up its humanitarian response in Lebanon to address the urgent needs of those affected by the escalating conflict. Our teams are working tirelessly to provide essential services, including shelter, food, hygiene essentials and psycho-social support activities to vulnerable populations, particularly displaced persons.

Prices for essential goods and supplies have soared, increasing by more than 50% in some regions. Winter is fast approaching, and many displaced families are living in inadequate conditions, heightening the urgency for winter supplies.

JRS MENA, which has its head office in Beirut, mobilised emergency relief rapidly.

"Immediately in response to the escalation of violence here in Lebanon, JRS was in the shelters all throughout the country, assisting the displaced. It is with your support, your encouragement and, your solidarity that we are able to provide the essential services that are needed in the midst of a war,” said Fr Daniel Corrou SJ, Regional Director of JRS MENA.

Already over 10,700 displaced people have been reached with shelter, food baskets, hygiene kits, bedding materials, and providing essential winter kits to prepare displaced families living in shelters and on the streets for the harsh months ahead.

Additionally, JRS MENA is offering protection services, prioritising vulnerable individuals, and delivering psychosocial support for children and families dealing with the trauma of conflict and displacement.

"The Jesuit Church here in Downtown Beirut, was built 150 years ago and has always been a refuge, a place of welcome. We have 60 people here now. Whatever their background, whatever their nationality or religion, it is their home,” said Fr Daniel.

You can support the Jesuit network’s response in Lebanon by donating to our Emergency Action Fund to provide life-saving support to those affected by this crisis.