LEBANESE CHRISTIANS IN PERIL: OUR RESPONSE
by John Grech
As Israeli forces threaten the ancient Christian quarter in Tyre, southern Lebanon, we need to act. Our heritage places a special duty on us to help.
The historic district in Tyre, home to Melkite Greek Catholics, Maronite Catholics, and Greek Orthodox communities, faces evacuation orders and possible strikes. Christian clerics in Lebanon have appealed for urgent international protection. Many residents have already fled.
There is an active Catholic presence in the quarter, which has served as a refuge for displaced families. The area includes churches from these traditions and has deep biblical roots. Early Christian communities existed in Tyre since apostolic times, as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.
Malta can respond in meaningful ways. The Sovereign Order of Malta, with roots on the island, already runs major humanitarian programmes in Lebanon. It provides healthcare, shelters and support to displaced families of all faiths. Maltese branches could expand funding and volunteers for emergency aid in Tyre.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Malta has backed southern Lebanon before. It could launch fresh appeals for food, medicine and shelter. Church parishes across Malta might hold special collections. Our Bishops could coordinate with the Vatican for diplomatic pressure.
Public advocacy offers another route. Maltese MEPs and the government could raise the issue in Brussels and at the United Nations. Petitions and letter-writing campaigns to Israeli and Lebanese authorities might highlight the quarter’s UNESCO status and cultural importance. Prayer vigils in our churches could draw national attention.
When the Gays for Gaza organized a walk in Valletta in solidarity with the Palestinians, our two political leaders marched with them. The same political leaders should step in and do whatever they can to exert pressure on the Israeli and Lebanese governments in order to spare the Christian quarters in Tyre.
Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, stated in an official letter to Lebanon’s Prime Minister: “Lebanon can count on our unwavering commitment, our solidarity, and our friendship.”
The Order of Malta’s long work in Lebanon shows what is possible. Its clinics and relief efforts have helped thousands. Maltese Catholics could increase donations and lobby for safe corridors so displaced families can return home safely.
There is no question that Hezbollah’s alleged presence complicates matters. Yet civilians, especially in the Christian quarter, deserve protection. Malta’s voice, though small, carries moral weight.
Time is short. Strikes could hit soon. We Maltese have a chance to show solidarity through prayer, money and political pressure. For the faithful in Tyre, such help could make the difference between despair and hope.