Sat Feb 08 08:17:31 UTC 2025: ## Cypriot Maronites Offer Sanctuary to Lebanese Refugees Fleeing Israeli Offensive

**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has driven thousands to seek refuge in Cyprus, where the existing Lebanese community and the Maronite Church have mobilized to provide essential support. While a ceasefire has been reached in both Lebanon and Gaza, the impact of the September Israeli offensive continues to reverberate across the Mediterranean.

Thousands of Lebanese, many of them Maronites, have found shelter in Cyprus, with the largest concentration around Larnaca. Father Akl Abou Nader of Saint Joseph Church in Larnaca explains that the Maronite community, established in Cyprus for over 1,000 years, has seen a significant influx and is providing crucial assistance. This includes help with rent, legal aid, medical expenses, and basic necessities such as winter clothing. Lebanese businesses, such as Rony Frem’s bakery in Larnaca, also play a vital role in offering both sustenance and a sense of community.

The story of integration is highlighted through a Nicosia-based choir, comprising both Cypriot Maronites and Lebanese refugees, who are preparing a multilingual performance of “Silent Night.” This collaboration underscores the shared cultural heritage and the efforts to maintain Lebanese traditions while navigating the challenges of displacement. One young Lebanese couple, Maria and Georges Kamar, express their gratitude for the support provided by the Maronite community, which has helped Maria find work as a physiotherapist.

However, the challenges faced by Lebanese refugees are significant. Many arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs, and financial struggles are widespread. One 75-year-old woman, for instance, requires a costly kidney operation she cannot afford. Even those who arrived years ago, like Rony Frem, are concerned about the lack of long-term security and the shadow cast by the ongoing conflicts in the region.

The Archbishop of the Cypriot Maronite community, Selif Jean Sfeir, highlights the historical ties between Cyprus and Lebanon, noting that the Cypriot Maronite community, though diminished in number, is strengthened by the influx of Lebanese refugees.

Meanwhile, the ongoing conflicts also underscore the complex geopolitical position of Cyprus. Recent protests organized by the Cyprus Peace Council highlight anxieties over the island’s role in regional conflicts, citing Israel’s past military exercises on Cypriot soil and its relationship with the Republic of Cyprus. Even those who have been displaced for longer periods, like Hamad, a Gazan refugee, feel the lingering effects of the war and continue to advocate for peace. His story, alongside the stories of countless Lebanese refugees, emphasizes the lasting impact of conflict and the vital importance of humanitarian support.

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