The director of the Lebanese aid organisation ‘Flamme de Charité (flame of charity), Penelope Boujaoude, met ISHR Germany’s Michaela Koller during a visit to Germany this summer. Shortly before, the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and the radical Islamic militia Hezbollah, which militarily controls large parts of Lebanon, had intensified. On Boujaoude’s return journey, there were acute fears that her homeland would be drawn into the war. Nevertheless, she flew back.

The Cedar State has been in a state of permanent crisis since 2019, causing many people to leave the country. Lebanon is therefore suffering from this enormous emigration, which has already dramatically changed the country, which was once predominantly Christian. Especially members of the Christian community, who, unlike the Shiite Hezbollah, do not have a power like Iran behind them, have almost all left. Although she could also live in Europe with her skills and network, Penelope Boujaoude, who is a Christian herself, supports around 200 families in Lebanon in their fears and needs. Many Christians feel dominated by the Iranian-backed militia, especially since it acts as both a party and a welfare organisation. People are moving away from the southern areas, where skirmishes with Israel have been taking place for some time and are coming to the capital Beirut in particular. As a result, living space is becoming increasingly expensive.

In the picture from right to left: Penelope Boujaoude, Nancy, son Kamil, daughter Maryline, husband Maroun. A sister of the mother also lives in the household. © M. Koller

“Fewer and fewer of our poor can afford to pay the rent for even the tiniest of dwellings.” says Boujaoude. Although they used to offer shelter to many people seeking protection, many Lebanese themselves lack the most basic necessities. Since the beginning of the Syrian war, the country has taken in a great number of refugees from its neighbouring country – in relation to its total population, more than any other country: around 1.5 million people out of a population of 4.5 million.

Boujaoude reports on the fate of the family of 54-year-old Christian Maroun N: His father was Palestinian and came to Lebanon as a refugee in 1948. Although Maroun was born in Lebanon, he is legally denied citizenship, which comes with many disadvantages, especially when looking for a job. Since he himself has now developed cancer, his 41-year-old wife Nancy is the only one who provides for herself and the family as an employee in a supermarket. Health insurance and sick pay are unthinkable in the state of Lebanon, which is broke. Their hopes are pinned on Kamil, the 19-year-old son, because he is about to graduate with top marks next year and can then earn extra money.

After deducting rent and fees, for example for electricity and water, families like the Marouns have nothing left to buy food or treat illnesses. To be able to support the truly poor in these emergencies, the ISHR plans to support ‘Flamme de Charité’ with 3,000 EUR for the next two months.