In the temporary emergency facilities, the Lebanese Order of Malta distributes food and toys and provides medical care to the people. Photo: OML/MI

As many will have seen in the news, the escalating war in the Middle East has heightened concerns about further civilian suffering and displacement across the region and beyond.

In Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as the conflict intensifies. Families have left everything behind in search of safety, many seeking refuge in temporary shelters where even the most basic necessities are scarce.

For the civilian population, the situation is extremely challenging. There are very few publicly accessible air-raid shelters and limited safe places for families to turn. Many communities are effectively defenceless against the violence around them.

With the support of Malteser International, the Lebanese Association of the Order of Malta is responding on the ground to assist those most in need.

Emergency Support Being Provided

In temporary shelters and emergency facilities, teams are delivering essential assistance including:

• Urgently needed medical care for vulnerable people in shelters

• Food distributions and sanitation kits

• Winter support for displaced families

• Psychological and psychosocial care

• Toys and colouring books to bring comfort to displaced children

 

The Order of Malta’s Longstanding Mission in Lebanon

For more than 70 years, the Order of Malta has walked alongside communities in need across Lebanon.

When conflict returned in 2024, more than 600 team members and volunteers were already serving across 80 shelters throughout the country, providing medical care, food, and essential support to families who had lost everything overnight.

Even amid Lebanon’s many ongoing crises, this mission continues. Through a network of more than 60 projects and programmes, the Order of Malta supports over 300,000 people each year, delivering more than 1.5 million services annually.

In total, more than one million people — nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population — benefit directly or indirectly from the Order’s work across the country, without distinction.

This vital humanitarian work is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors. Today, as the tragedy of war unfolds once again, we humbly ask for your support to help bring care, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

How You Can Help

If you would like to support the Order of Malta’s humanitarian response in Lebanon during this time of urgent need, you can make a tax-deductible donation through our Emergency Relief Fund.

Gifts $2 and more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers

 

Other ways to donate:

• Direct Deposit:
  • The Order of Malta
  • BSB 083-453
  • Account number: 448 881 897
  • Description: Lebanon

• Post: Cheques payable to ‘Order of Malta‘ sent to Order of Malta, PO Box 79, Caringbah NSW 1495
• Phone: Call 02 9331 8477 (please note the office is closed weekends and public holidays)