Please take a moment to read and reflect upon the message below from CEO of the LPJ, Sami El-Yousef, where he outlines all the pivotal spiritual and material good that has been provided to the unfortunate individuals and families caught amidst the conflict.
As we approach the one-year mark!
“As we approach the one-year mark of 7 October 2023, it is hard to believe that not only the war in Gaza is still ongoing, but that a new front in Lebanon is quickly advancing to an all-out war promising that an already bleeding region is destined to a regional war with more destruction and loss of innocent human life. If all the money being spend on weapons was directed to building and development, our region would be in a much better place. The people on the ground are ready for peace, but unfortunately failed leadership on all sides will not allow, at least for now, the wish of the masses for a life characterized by justice, equality, respect, coexistence and freedom for all who call our region home.
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“As we approach the one-year mark, it has become clear that the Church always rises during conflicts and wars and ends up being at the forefront of being among and with the people sharing their suffering and comforting them not only spiritually, but with material support. Since the beginning of the war, there has not been a stone not turned to provide all means of survival for our brothers and sisters in Gaza including shelter, food, water, medicine, and personal needs, let alone a modest remedial education, all done under fire and immediate risk to our heroes in Gaza who put their lives in immediate danger to be of help. On the West Bank, again every effort was made to initially at the beginning of the war to provide food coupons, cash assistance, tuition support, rental support, utility bills support, and medical support. As the war continued, and the loss of jobs became extended, major job creation, empowerment and capacity building and income generation programs were launched to give people hope and allow them to make an income in a dignified way. In total, close to 13,000 people have benefited from the various schemes, and every effort will be made to continue these schemes as long as needed.”