Lebanon, known for centuries as the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” is experiencing an economic collapse like no other, with last year’s record inflation almost rivalling that of countries like Venezuela and Zimbabwe. The currency has lost 90 per cent of its value, fuel has become unaffordable for most people, and the electricity supply has practically collapsed, leaving people with just two hours of electricity a day. The youth unemployment rate stands at 60 per cent and many families can barely afford to eat.

The Maronite Diocese of Baalbek-Deir Al-Ahmar is one of the poorest in the country. Christians are a minority here. Even before the economic crisis, people were poor, with an average monthly income of barely $450. The current minimum wage amounts to just around $20 per month, with the average income being between $50 and $60.

Let us unite our forces to help them!

For ordinary families, rent, electricity, food, and medication are a heavy financial burden, and they are often forced to choose what is most essential, for example cutting down on basic food in order to pay for rent or medicine.

The diocese is trying to help the poorest families in the parishes by providing food parcels to help them through their plight. Hence the appeal from the diocese to ACN: “Let us join forces, so that no one has to go to bed hungry and so that as much as possible, these people can overcome this crisis safely and regain their trust in humanity.”

This aid will also contribute to the survival of Christian communities in Lebanon, where Christians have lived since biblical times. More and more people are leaving their homeland, as they can no longer see a future there for themselves and their families.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) would like to help the Diocese of Baalbek support 500 of the poorest families, for example those with many children or with elderly and sick family members. These are families with at least five members, and the sum required amounts to $97,500. Thank you for your support, which is crucial for the survival of these Christian communities in the Middle East.