In Lebanon, in the Bekaa Valley, the Christian village of Niha welcomes displaced Shiites who fled the bombings. Mutual aid between religious communities to try to remain united despite the war.
2 mins
With our special correspondents in Niha, Pierre Olivier and Jad El Khoury
It is in the sacristy of the Saint-Antoine Maronite church that Hussein Dirani, his wife and his son have been living for almost a month. “ We left in an emergency. We didn’t take any clothes, just money, jewelry and our diplomas “, he explains.
With two other Shiite families, twelve of them live in these few square meters. “ We couldn’t find a rental. So, the priest took the initiative to accommodate us here. There is a living room which serves as a bedroom, a kitchen and a toilet. », confides Hussein.
In the kitchen, his wife is preparing the meal. “ Here we feel safe. It’s difficult for everyone but thank God we are safe! “, she confides.
Hussein continues: “ During war, feeling safe is important. But we are not happy, because we are no longer at home. » So these families continue to pray, hoping for peace.
We say our prayers in this Christian place. With the war, religions united.
“ Our gospel tells us that we must love everyone »
This Christian village is only a few kilometers from that of Hussein, but it is spared from Israeli bombs. For Father Toni, it was obvious to welcome these Shiites into his diocese.
“ As a Christian, he said, our gospel tells us that we must love everyone, regardless of their origin. In addition, we live in the same country, in neighboring villages, so it’s normal for Lebanese to help each other. »
In the three churches of this village and among the Christian inhabitants, nearly 900 Shiites found refuge.
My wife finished her blood pressure and diabetes medication, so I’m coming to get some. How do you explain that this was the only place open after the strikes? And what’s more, this pharmacy was also hit by an explosion. I don’t have the money to travel and leave, there are eight of us at home: me, my wife and my children… Look, there’s nothing here anymore, even the bakery is closed! We survive by making bread at home, with our own reserves. Her or humanity? What is the United Nations doing? Where are France and human rights?
Testimony of Abou Ali, a Shiite living in the village of Tarayya
Read alsoGaza: “there is nothing left” in the North, “as soon as you leave, the Israelis shoot at you and your children”