More than one year ago, the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel led to an upsurge in violence, causing massive displacement, civilian causalities and damage to infrastructure in a country already struggling with years of economic crisis and a health system on the verge of collapse. Violence reached unprecedented levels when Israeli bombing struck South Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Beqaa and Baalbek regions, reducing entire villages to rubble. On September 23 alone, more than 558 people were killed and over 1,800 injured.  

Sister Antoinette Assaf, head of the Mission Development Office in Beirut, explained how the situation dramatically deteriorated:” We have witnessed the largest displacement of people in recent history, leaving a lasting impact on thousands of families who fled from the south of the country, the Bekaa, and the southern suburbs of Beirut. They arrived with nothing—homes destroyed, resources and means of survival stripped away. Many came from rural villages, now feeling lost and without any point of reference. For them, finding work in Beirut is nearly impossible. Each day is a struggle for food, medical care, education, and coping with trauma. 

At the time, thousands of internally displaced persons fleeing from the south of the country were hosted in overcrowded emergency facilities and makeshift camps, including more than 500 schools turned into temporary shelters. Although the ceasefire reached at the end of 2024 ensured a temporary truce, violations of the ceasefire and clashes continue to generate instability along the Lebanese-Syrian border.  

In the face of growing instability and inequalities, the Good Shepherd Mission expanded its assistance services to alleviate the tide of suffering of the population. The interventions by the sisters and partners have reached more than 900 families – 3,600 people in total, responding to their urgent needs, while also focusing relief efforts on long-term, equitable recovery.  

Food, clean water, soap, blankets… People crammed into temporary shelters struggled to have access to basic necessities. The Good Shepherd Sisters mobilized on the spot to deliver food parcels, hygiene kits, sanitary products and soap to the most vulnerable families, preserving their physical well-being and dignity. A simple gesture – such as washing their hands or staying clean – was a reminder that their humanity remained intact.  

Thanks to collaboration with local health workers and the Primary Health Care Center “Dispensaire St. Antoine” located in Jdeideh, in the northern suburbs of Beirut, people with chronic illness or in need of urgent medical care received essential medicines, free screenings and consultations. Today the center supports about 400 families – approximately 2,000 people, including 1,600 children – who lack access to other forms of healthcare.  

Psychological support has become another key component of the relief efforts. Given the heavy toll of the conflict on the population’s mental health, more than 300 families – about 1,500 people – received individual and family counseling through the work of a mobile team of psychologists and in the community centers of Roueissat and Deir Al Ahmar. The shelter for women and girls in Ain Saadeh also provides counseling and therapy services to help them deal with anxiety and trauma, especially among girls affected by the socio-economic crisis and the conflict. Many carry the weight of violence and brutality experienced firsthand. With the accompaniment of qualified therapists and experts, not only is immediate support offered to reduce post-traumatic stress, but a solid foundation is also laid for them to regain, over time, mental and emotional stability. Moreover, project staff regularly visit families, listening to and carefully assessing their emotional, social, and economic conditions. This outreach work allows interventions to be tailored and ensures attentive and personalized support, giving people the strength to face daily challenges. 

One year later after the escalation of violence, part of the displaced population still hasn’t been able to return home due to continued Israeli attacks. Thousands of families face difficulties accessing health services, drinking water, in addition to living in uncertainty and insecurity. Homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship, media offices have been entirely or partially damaged and destroyed as a result of the fighting. The entire Lebanese population suffers from the interruption of economic activities in the affected areas, and the loss of livelihoods affects increasingly large segments of the population. Refugee communities – mainly Syrians, but also Palestinians – continue to be particularly vulnerable, relying on overloaded services with limited resources. 

Despite the difficult circumstances, civilians are showing admirable resilience and courage, clinging to the hope of a better future. “I meet children who carry fear in their eyes but still dream of going to school. The people we serve are suffering from overwhelming poverty, displacement, and trauma, yet their resilience is a humbling force” says Sister Antoinette Asaf. “Their faith, their love for their families, and the small acts of kindness they show one another are their anchors. Despite all they have endured, their hope and courage are a daily inspiration. It is often the very people we serve who teach us the true meaning of hope”. 

The Good Shepherd Sisters and our partners in Lebanon continue zealously walking alongside displaced families and refugees. Their mission goes beyond humanitarian aid: it consists of offering a compassionate presence, a non-judgmental and listening ear, and spaces where people can heal and find moments of peace and ease.