Australia’s lifeline for families under fire in Lebanon

An urgent humanitarian appeal has been launched in Australia to support Christian families impacted by the ongoing crisis in Southern Lebanon.

Led by the Bishop of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay and charity Maronites on Mission, the Southern Lebanon Emergency Appeal aims to deliver food, medical aid and essential supplies to communities facing displacement, economic hardship and the effects of continued conflict.

The initiative comes amid worsening conditions in the region, where many families are struggling to meet basic needs.

More than one million people have been displaced across Lebanon since the war escalated, according to humanitarian estimates, placing further strain on already vulnerable communities.

Chairman of Maronites on Mission Charbel Azzi said the organisation was driven by both faith and the responsibility to act.

“Maronites on Mission is established to provide our volunteers with an opportunity to experience the love and charity of Christ by serving the persecuted and suffering wherever they may be,” he said.

The Southern Lebanon Emergency Appeal was created as a direct response to the growing humanitarian crisis affecting communities in Southern Lebanon.

“Ongoing conflict, economic hardship, displacement, and instability have placed immense strain on families, many of whom are struggling to meet their most basic needs.”

Mr Azzi said the initiative reflects the organisation’s deep connection to Lebanon and its mission to respond with compassion.

“As an organisation deeply connected to Lebanon through faith, heritage, and long-standing relationships, Maronites on Mission felt called to respond in a practical and compassionate way,” he said.

The initiative reflects our mission in action — standing in solidarity with those who are suffering and providing support that affirms dignity, hope, and human worth during a time of great uncertainty.

Bishop Tarabay has called on the Australian Government to pursue “every diplomatic and humanitarian avenue” to advocate for an immediate end to the violence.

He also urged support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, including backing the Lebanese Government’s position that only the Lebanese Armed Forces should hold weapons.

“As a church, we cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice,” he said.

“I call upon the Australian Government to use every diplomatic and humanitarian avenue available to advocate for an immediate cessation of violence, to condemn these ongoing attacks, to support the recent decision of the Lebanese Government affirming the exclusive authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces to hold weapons.

“I further urge the upholding of Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability. The Lebanese people deserve to live in safety, free from the shadow of foreign powers and the tragedies of war.”

Donations for the appeal can be made securely via the Maronites on Mission website where you are asked to select “Support Lebanon” when making a donation to ensure funds are directed to the Southern Lebanon Emergency Appeal.

Funds raised will be distributed through established networks operating in Lebanon to ensure aid reaches those most in need.

“The appeal will support families in Southern Lebanon through trusted and well-established partners, including the World Patriarchal Maronite Foundation, Solidarity Lebanon, and Maronites on Mission Lebanon,” Mr Azzi said.

“These funds will be used to source, package, and deliver essential food supplies, basic goods, and medicine to families from villages impacted by the war.

Given the current conditions on the ground, securing drivers and diesel to access Southern Lebanon remains extremely challenging, making the delivery of aid both complex and costly.

“Every contribution is deeply appreciated and will go a long way in alleviating suffering and providing much-needed relief during this widespread humanitarian crisis.”

The appeal is now open, with organisers urging Australians to donate, share the campaign and keep those affected in their prayers.