On November 9, 2024, the Hungary Helps Program successfully carried out another humanitarian mission in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. During our visit, we delivered essential medicines, medical supplies, and non-perishable food to support local communities. The shipment was made possible not only through government assistance but also through donations from the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta. Our church partners received the aid and our personal presence with profound gratitude, emphasizing its importance during the ongoing crisis.
During the trip, we met with our Lebanese church partners to gain firsthand insights into the local humanitarian situation and express the solidarity of the Hungarian people. Attending the meetings were Bishop Justinos Safar of the Syriac Orthodox Church, Bishop Krikor Badichah of the Armenian Catholic Church, and representatives of the Order of Malta’s Lebanese delegation. They highlighted the immense strain of providing for over one million internally displaced persons as a result of war and conflict.
“It was important for me to meet our church partners personally during our mission in Beirut to hear directly about the severity of the situation and to convey the solidarity of the Hungarian nation,” emphasized State Secretary Tristan Azbej, who led the delegation. He added that the meetings carried significant risk for the participants, given that just days prior, rocket strikes had destroyed buildings near the airport. Delegation members also heard explosions shortly after landing.
Church leaders expressed that Hungary’s support is a tremendous help in addressing daily challenges. It was particularly moving to learn that they have opened their churches to shelter not only Christians but also Muslim individuals in need, ensuring they do not have to sleep on the streets.
“The Hungarian government’s position is clear: the bloody terrorist attacks against Israel that sparked this conflict must not escalate into a broader war involving multiple nations. However, the reality we witnessed is that de-escalation remains a distant hope,” added State Secretary Tristan Azbej.
Through the Hungary Helps Program, our goal is to deliver aid directly to those in need and support local communities in remaining on their homeland. This mission to Beirut once again demonstrates that Hungary backs vulnerable communities not just with words, but with tangible actions. Our Lebanese partners unanimously asked us to convey their gratitude to the Hungarian people: “We are grateful to the Hungarian people,” they emphasized, underlining how the aid shipments and the presence of Hungary’s solidarity significantly contribute to keeping hope alive in their crisis-stricken nation.
A heartfelt thank you to the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, the Ministry of Defence, and the Hungarian Defence Forces for ensuring the success and safety of this mission!
Photo: HM Zrínyi Nonprofit Ltd. - Róbert Érdi
