"As the situation in Lebanon continues to unfold, it remains incredibly challenging to assess the full extent of the crisis. Yesterday marked the beginning of a renewed attack by Israel, and it appears that this escalation will persist for some time. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict leaves us anxious, as we grapple with the lack of clear information regarding its effects on the population.
Our Marist community is deeply affected by the ongoing violence, which has caused significant destruction and distress. Many families are facing severe hardships, and the sound of sirens and explosions has become a distressing backdrop to their daily lives. It is heartbreaking to witness the fear and uncertainty experienced by children and their families, who are caught in the crossfire of this conflict.
For now, we cannot determine the immediate impact on our community or the extent of the damages. It is crucial that once the hostilities subside, we take the time to evaluate the situation thoroughly. We must assess the needs of our people and explore how we can offer our support effectively. Our Marist institutions are working tirelessly to provide shelter and assistance to those in need, but the scale of the crisis is overwhelming.
Communication remains vital during these troubling times, and we will stay in touch with our network to ensure we are prepared for any intervention necessary. The conditions on the ground are still quite unclear, and there is a palpable sense of unease regarding whether we will be able to reopen our center in the coming days. I believe it might be wise to wait a little longer; perhaps by the next days, we will have more information to guide our next steps.
The borders are now heavily congested, and hospitals in Damascus are receiving numerous wounded individuals. The situation is increasingly chaotic, with many people fleeing their homes and seeking safety. I hope to navigate these difficulties and support our community as best as I can during this tumultuous time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this violence, and we remain committed to being a source of hope and support.
We are closely monitoring the escalating crisis in Lebanon, where the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is inflicting unimaginable suffering on the population, especially children. In recent days, intense clashes have led to widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure, particularly in the southern regions and the capital, Beirut. Tragically, we have seen countless children lose their lives, and thousands more have sustained injuries. The heartbreaking toll on these innocent lives serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace and compassion in the region, as families are left to grieve amidst the chaos."
Words of Br. Juan Carlos in Lebanon.
The Marist schools, including those in Beirut, have been forced to suspend classes due to their proximity to the conflict zones. The Lebanese Ministry of Education has announced the closure of all schools and universities until further notice for safety reasons. While our Marist institutions have been affected by these closures, we are grateful that they have not suffered direct damage thus far.
Our socio-educational initiative, the Fratelli Project, has also paused its activities. However, the Brothers have chosen to remain on-site. The community, made up of both Marist and Lasallian Brothers, has been working together since 2016 to support vulnerable and refugee populations in Lebanon. The Fratelli Project is the closest of our programs to the conflict zone, and a detailed evacuation plan is in place should the Brothers need to leave for their safety. The bombardments continue daily, and the roads are congested as many people flee the violence. Some are seeking refuge in schools, while others have migrated to Syria.
The situation remains volatile, and it is difficult to predict how it will unfold. We remain committed to supporting our schools, students, and staff during these uncertain times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the violence, and we hope for a swift return to peace.
Our socio-educational initiative, the Fratelli Project, has also paused its activities. However, the Brothers have chosen to remain on-site. The community, made up of both Marist and Lasallian Brothers, has been working together since 2016 to support vulnerable and refugee populations in Lebanon. The Fratelli Project is the closest of our programs to the conflict zone, and a detailed evacuation plan is in place should the Brothers need to leave for their safety. The bombardments continue daily, and the roads are congested as many people flee the violence. Some are seeking refuge in schools, while others have migrated to Syria.
The situation remains volatile, and it is difficult to predict how it will unfold. We remain committed to supporting our schools, students, and staff during these uncertain times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the violence, and we hope for a swift return to peace.
