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As the war in Lebanon continues, Cyprus has become a refuge for thousands of displaced Lebanese. Among those offering aid is the island’s Maronite community, which has deep historical ties to Lebanon and Syria, dating back over 1,200 years.
At the Maronite Archbishopric in Nicosia, Lebanese refugees have found solace in music, joining Cypriot Maronites in choir rehearsals that blend languages and cultures. The community's support extends beyond music—providing crucial assistance such as housing, legal aid, and medical help to those who arrived unprepared for an extended stay.
Father Akl Abou Nader, a priest at Saint Joseph Church in Larnaca, highlights the struggles many families face: “Many arrived without even winter clothes, thinking they would stay a few weeks, and they are still here.” The Lebanese population in the region has swelled, with around 35,000 Lebanese now living in Larnaca and its surroundings, including up to 15,000 Maronites.
In the face of hardship, community solidarity has been vital. Lebanese baker Rony Frem, who arrived in Cyprus 21 years ago, now provides food to struggling families after mass. Meanwhile, a 75-year-old woman in need of life-saving surgery and a young couple with a newborn are among those relying on communal support to survive.
Despite hopes raised by ceasefire agreements, Israeli forces still occupy parts of Lebanon. Many Lebanese, like Maria and Georges Kamar, a young couple who fled in September, remain in limbo. “The Maronite community was very important for us,” Maria says. “Thanks to them, I found work as a physiotherapist and joined the choir.”
Cyprus itself remains entangled in regional tensions. Recent protests have condemned the island’s role as a strategic military hub, with demonstrators calling attention to its proximity to conflict zones. Meanwhile, Palestinian refugees like Hamad, who fled Gaza, share the same longing as many Lebanese—to return home and rebuild.
For now, Cyprus is a place of refuge, where an ancient Maronite community continues its tradition of offering shelter in times of crisis.
With information from Al Jazeera.
