Father Georges Al-Amil Visits Professor Michel Abs: Emphasis on Strengthening Cooperation to Address the Needs of Residents in Southern Villages
Father Georges Al-Amil, Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Ain Ebel, visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs at the Council's General Secretariat headquarters in Hamra, Beirut. Their meeting focused on the current situation in the villages of Southern Lebanon and the social, economic, and humanitarian challenges that their residents are facing.
During the meeting, Father Al-Amil outlined the difficult living situations endured by the residents of Rmeish, Debel, and Ain Ebel, as well as the situation of displaced families from the villages of Qawzah, Alma Al-Shaab, and Yaroun. He conveyed what the people of the region are suffering from in terms of escalating crises and the repercussions of the current circumstances on their daily lives and livelihoods.
Both sides also reviewed the latest developments in Southern Lebanon and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches, the Church, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders. Their discussions focused on supporting local communities, enhancing the resilience of residents, and helping them remain on their land.
Professor Michel Abs stressed that the current phase calls for coordinated efforts among all institutions and for the implementation of responsible, sustainable plans based on the actual needs of citizens. He emphasized that such plans should be developed in coordination with municipalities and Parishes Priests to help address humanitarian and livelihood challenges, strengthen the foundations of stability and development, and safeguard human dignity.
Professor Abs also underscored the importance of providing residents with the means to remain resilient, particularly in light of the substantial losses they have suffered due to the destruction of livelihoods and the damage inflicted on large areas of agricultural land. He noted that these efforts are essential to enabling people to remain in their towns and maintain their attachment to their land.
As part of the visit, the Coordinator of Media and Church Relations at MECC Lea Adel Maamary, conducted an interview with Father Georges Al-Amil. The interview addressed the major existential challenges facing the people of Southern Lebanon, the Church's role in accompanying and supporting local communities, and the initiatives needed to strengthen their resilience and help them remain on their land.