Lebanese Christians stand firm amid escalating conflict with Israel

Lebanese Christians in the Maronite village of Jdeidet Marjayoun are choosing defiance over evacuation, even as the conflict with Israel escalates. Nine-year-old Marita El Hajj embodies the impact of the ongoing war, her autism exacerbated by the chaos that envelops her home. “We just want peace,” said her mother, Manal El Hajj, highlighting the anguish of a family caught in a cycle of violence.

Located less than three miles from the Israeli border, Jdeidet Marjayoun and its neighboring communities—predominantly Christian, Druze, and Sunni Muslim—have largely remained neutral in the face of Hezbollah’s influence. This neutrality had provided some protection until recent weeks, as escalating violence has prompted most residents to flee. Yet, many Christians, supported by their priests, have resolved to stay.

Their reasons are complex, ranging from economic hardship to deep-rooted historical ties to the land. For Robert and Manal El Hajj, the prospect of relocation is grim; their family, already reliant on food aid, lacks the resources to escape. “I wanted to leave,” Manal admitted through tears. “But it’s not an option.” The family fears that a move would exacerbate Marita’s condition and threaten their connection to home.

As the bombings intensify, the community has banded together, with volunteers organizing aid packages, providing not only supplies but a semblance of unity amidst despair. “If the village is empty, it will be even more dangerous for our homes,” stated Rev. Pierre Raï from St. George’s Church, emphasizing the protective role of their presence.

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However, the situation is dire. Recent airstrikes have tragically claimed the lives of local religious figures, such as Rev. Gregorius Salloum, a Greek Orthodox priest who died in a September bombing. Despite the risks, clergy and parishioners feel compelled to remain, believing their presence serves as a deterrent against further attacks.

The persistent conflict is testing Lebanon’s fragile sectarian balance. With mass displacement affecting various religious communities, the Israeli air force has been accused of targeting civilian structures in predominantly Christian areas while seeking Hezbollah militants.

Local leaders, like Samy Abla, the mukhtar of Jdeidet Marjayoun, stress that their ties to the land are deeper than mere geography. “There is a piece of me here,” he said, referencing the grave of his daughter in his backyard. The emotional weight of leaving their homes is compounded by memories of previous conflicts; many recall the horrors of the 2006 war, which led to mass evacuations and violence against fleeing civilians.

As the war continues to encroach on their lives, the remaining families in Jdeidet Marjayoun cling to hope and resilience. With abandoned businesses and decaying homes, the village now stands as a poignant symbol of both the struggle and the refusal to surrender to fear. “If the tanks returned, would I evacuate?” Abla questioned, wiping away tears. “Never again.”

In a land marked by history and loss, the choice to stay becomes a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of those caught in the crossfire, fighting not only for survival but for their right to remain.