As the war in the Middle East expands, the Salesians of Don Bosco have temporarily turned their closed schools into centers for civilians displaced by the bombardments in Lebanon.
By LiCAS News
Renewed violence in the Middle East has forced the closure of Salesian schools and displaced families across parts of Lebanon, as Church communities mobilize to shelter civilians fleeing bombardment.
In a report by Agenzia iNfo Salesiana, Fr. Simon Zakerian, Superior of the Salesian Province of the Adolescent Jesus of the Middle East (MOR), said, “The Middle East is facing a new and dramatic emergency.”
Fr. Zakerian warned that civilians remain the most vulnerable as tensions escalate. “Once again, the civilian population of the region’s countries will be the hardest hit, especially the most vulnerable, such as women and children,” he said.
“After the attacks, our schools in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon had to close again to ensure the safety of children and young people,” he added.
In Lebanon, growing regional tensions linked to the wider conflict involving Iran have intensified an already fragile humanitarian situation.
Thousands of people have reportedly been displaced, while Israeli military incursions have heightened fears of further escalation.
The south of the country, particularly the Nabatiyyeh region, has endured intense bombing in recent hours, forcing many families to flee their homes overnight in search of safety.
Salesian communities have responded by opening their facilities to displaced civilians. The “Don Bosco – El Houssoun” center in Jbeil, about 30 kilometers north of Beirut, is currently hosting around 120 people from roughly 30 families, including about 50 children and 10 elderly people in vulnerable conditions.
“We are certain that this number will increase in the coming hours and days,” the Salesian community said. “We must ensure basic conditions for all these people: warm clothing, food, water … and that’s what we’re focusing on.”
Many of the displaced families endured long journeys to reach safety. Some traveled for up to 16 hours to cover a distance of just 110 kilometers due to heavy traffic caused by a mass exodus from bombed areas.
Classrooms at the center have been quickly converted into reception spaces with mattresses, blankets, and humanitarian aid kits, while Salesians, staff, and volunteers organize assistance for the families.
Fr. Zakerian also warned of growing shortages in the West Bank.
“We are also concerned about the lack of fuel in the West Bank, as many families have no way to heat or cook, including our communities, such as that of Cremisan,” he said.
Despite the worsening situation, Salesian communities said they remain committed to assisting those affected by the crisis.
“We are once again facing a complicated situation, but our entire network, made up of Salesians, staff who work with us, volunteers… we are ready to help the communities in Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel as quickly as possible,” Zakerian said.
The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, Spain, known as “Misiones Salesianas,” is coordinating with the Salesian network in the Middle East to mobilize humanitarian aid.
“It’s not just about providing a blanket or bread, but about bringing hope to those who are now living in such a difficult situation,” said Fr. Luis Manuel Moral, director of Misiones Salesianas.
He also echoed the appeal of Pope Leo XIV to pursue peace, calling on parties to seek “a way to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss” and urging them to lay down weapons and pursue dialogue.
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