NNA -  On Tuesday, March 31, the President of the Order of Malta Lebanon, Marwan Sehnaoui, accompanied by the Board of Directors, members, staff, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Lebanon, welcomed presidents of municipalities and representatives from southern border villages, including Rmeich, Debel, Ain Ebel, Qawzah, Yaroun, Alma Al Chaeb, Jdeidet Marjayoun, and Qlayaa, … to its center in Ain el Remmaneh.

The gathering served as a reaffirmation of a four-decade-long commitment: the Order of Malta Lebanon is here to stay. It will continue, as it always has, to stand by the most vulnerable populations in southern Lebanon, supporting them in remaining in their homes at a time when many are compelled to leave.

Present in Lebanon since 1953, the Order of Malta has been deeply embedded in the South’s social fabric for more than 40 years. Today, it is not only maintaining its presence, it is strengthening it, standing alongside communities that embody resilience and perseverance.

Following an opening prayer led by the Order’s chaplains and a presentation by the Managing Director, highlighting its historic presence in the South, Sehnaoui addressed attendees, stating:

"Your pain is ours. Your courage moves us. When one part of Lebanon suffers, the entire nation bleeds". He expressed gratitude to participants who attended despite difficult circumstances, describing their presence as both an act of courage and a mark of trust received with humility.

A Legacy of Trust and Commitment

Sehnaoui emphasized that the Order’s presence in southern Lebanon is "not merely a duty, but a mission of courage and love." Founded nearly a thousand years ago in the Holy Land to care for the sick, the Order continues to uphold this mission today.

"After standing by these villages through decades of instability, we are now deploying the full scope of our medical, social, and agro-humanitarian capacities to ensure that no one is left behind," he said. "Our history is intertwined with yours, and so is our future. As always, you can count on our full support, whatever the circumstances."

Currently, the Order’s network, including Community Health Centers, Mobile Medical Units, a Mobile Cardiac Unit, a Mobile Women’s Health Unit, Mobile Community Kitchens, and Agro-Humanitarian Centers, continues to deliver essential services across multiple areas in the South. This sustained presence reinforces a bond of trust that has become a pillar of hope and stability for local communities.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Empowerment Inspired by Renewal

Addressing the ongoing crisis, Sehnaoui announced a forward-looking initiative aimed at long-term resilience:

"Following the Easter holidays, an independent expert committee will be established in close collaboration with local leaders," he said. "Our objective is to go beyond emergency response by developing a tailored and sustainable plan for the long-term empowerment of southern villages and their communities."

He added that the initiative seeks to support communities in remaining on their land in both times of war and peace, fostering a future where they not only endure but thrive.

Once finalized, the plan will be fully budgeted, and we will engage internationally, as much as possible, to secure the necessary resources for its implementation. "You can consider us your ambassadors," Sehnaoui affirmed, "committed to carrying your voice and your needs wherever we go."

In closing, he reflected on the significance of the current season:

"This sacred time calls us to courage, to act with profound love and to serve with strength. Inspired by faith, we strive to bring hope, dignity, and unwavering support to our brothers and sisters in southern Lebanon. We choose to be beacons of renewal, transforming suffering into the foundation of a stronger and brighter future for all communities".

Voices from the South

In turn, the presidents of municipalities and local representatives expressed their commitment for unity and hope as well as their deep trust in the Order. Amid collapse and uncertainty, they highlighted a shared determination to look ahead, toward rebuilding and shaping a better future. Even in darkness, they affirmed, the act of planning for renewal is itself a source of strength. -- The Order of Malta Lebanon