To the Family of Caritas Lebanon
Greetings of love and fraternity in the Lord Jesus,
A ceasefire has been declared, but the war has not been stopped.
A truce was announced, but peace was not proclaimed.
The shelling ceased, but the threats remain.
While some have returned to their villages, others are still displaced.
Are the lands that were occupied and the homes that were destroyed still ours?
Are there new plans we haven’t been informed about?
Is this the game of the powerful, where the innocent pay the price?
Hundreds of questions arise, but who has the answers?
Thus, as you have always been ready and completely responsible in Caritas Lebanon, just like many other associations, during the past period, we need you to remain prepared for any potential disturbance. We must stay vigilant and ready to serve our people by all means possible.
We must evaluate the past phase, each from their position in their region, division, or department, and then collectively as one entity.
We raise our voices to all donors, partners, and all international organizations: We need you still. While many families have returned to their homes, their needs persist and their burdens have increased. We continue to assist them with the resources we received in the past.
At the outset, we had set strategies for the future, focusing on development and progress. However, with the outbreak of war and the continuation of crises—particularly the economic ones—we found ourselves compelled to pause our aspirations. We have strived and continue to strive to ensure that our people remain alive and that they do not perish from hunger or lack of medicine. We have provided for their needs, and by the grace of God, we succeeded.
We have heard of some donor organizations’ readiness to continue supporting and assisting. Yet, the question remains: Will this be the case with all partners and donors? And while this is our concern, our faith remains even greater in Divine Providence, which has never and will never abandon us. God was with us in the past, embraces us in the present, and will remain with us in the future.
Let us stay prepared and ready at all times.
Father Michel Abboud
President of Caritas Lebanon
Nov 30, 2024