The Maronite Community is obscured by Lebanon displaced in Cyprus | Israel attacks Lebanon
‘Many have arrived without winter clothing’
“Most Lebanonians who live in Cyprus are inhabited by Larnaka, the whole bay to Paralima,” explains Father AKL Abou Nader, who sits at his table at St. Joseph’s Church Church in St Lazarus Square in Larnaca and the city in southern Cyprus.
“There are about 35,000 Lebanese in this area, and between 13,000-15,000 of them are Maronite. Our community has grown in number due to the war.” He is also the Lebanese heritage.
For many families, she has become the key material support of the Maronite community, he says: “Many have arrived without winter clothes, thinking they will stay for several weeks, and they are still here. We help them pay rent, provide legal support, assistance in medical costs . These are the basic needs that people have. “
As he speaks, his phone buzzes. “Of course, I can translate to Arabic!” Shouts into the phone. Then, turning to us with a smile, he adds, “Sorry, the Lebanoni just arrived – you need help with papers!”
A few steps away from St. Lazarus, Lebanese bakery is busy to customers. Since the early morning, bread with za’atar, a mixture of herbs – mostly oregano and thyme.
“I came here 21 years ago, I always worked in renovation,” says Rony Frem (52), the owner of a bakery, which prepares for the Church for the distribution of bread and other pastries after Mass. “But in 2017 I started this store.”
Rony lived in Beirut, but originally from Jezzin, further south. He came to Cyprus, he says, because he did not see the future in Lebanon: “There is no hope, and the situation is getting worse. Those who can leave the country.”
In August, Rony’s brother arrived on the island with his family. “It started to be too dangerous to stay there [Lebanon]. We live well here, but unfortunately we cannot feel safe here, too, the war is not so far away. “
