The Maronite community, a shelter of Lebanon, displaced in Cyprus | Israel attacks Lebanon

“Many arrived without even winter clothes”

“The bigger part of the Lebanese living in Cyprus are settled around Larnaca, all over the bay to paralysis,” explains Father Akl Nader, who sits at his desk at St. Joseph's Church in Larnaca, and a city in the southern part of Cyprus.

“There are about 35,000 Lebanese in this area and between 13,000-15,000 are Maronites. Our community has grown in cash because of the war. “He himself is from the Lebanese heritage.

For many families, the material support from the Maronite community has become crucial, he says: “Many arrived without even winter clothes, thinking that they will stay for several weeks and they are still here. We help them pay the rent, to provide legal support, to help medical expenses. These are the main needs that people have. “

As he talks, his phone is buzzing. “Of course, I can translate into Arabic!” He exclaims in the handset. Then, turning to us with a smile, he adds, “We are sorry, Lebanese has just arrived – he needs help with documents!”

A few steps from St. Lazar Square, Lebanese bakery is occupied with customers. From the early morning they bake bread with Zatar, a mixture of herbs – mainly oregano and thyme.

“I came here 21 years ago, I always worked to repair,” says the 52 -year -old Ronnie Frem, the owner of the bakery, who is preparing to go to the church to spread bread and other cookies after a liturgy. “But in 2017 I started this store.”

Ronnie lived in Beirut, but he was originally from Jzin to the south. He came to Cyprus, he says, because in Lebanon he did not see the future: “There is no hope and the situation is getting worse. Those who can leave the country. “

In August, Ronnie's brother arrived on the island with his own family. “It started to be too dangerous to stay there (Lebanon). We live well here, but unfortunately we cannot feel here, the war is not so far. “