‘Many arrived without even winter clothes’
“The majority of Lebanese residents in Cyprus have settled in the Larnaca area, along the gulf up to Paralimni,” explains Father Akl Abou Nader, seated at his desk in the rectory of Saint Joseph Church on St Lazarus Square in Larnaca, a city in southern Cyprus.
“There are about 35,000 Lebanese in this region, with 13,000-15,000 of them being Maronites. Our community has expanded due to the ongoing war,” he explains, as he himself has Lebanese roots.
For many families, the material support provided by the Maronite community has become vital. Father Akl Abou Nader mentions, “Many arrived without even winter clothes, thinking they would only stay for a few weeks, but they are still here. We assist them with rent payments, offer legal aid, and help with medical expenses. These are the essential needs that people have.”
As he speaks, his phone vibrates. “Of course, I can translate into Arabic!” he exclaims into the phone before turning to us with a smile, saying, “Sorry, a Lebanese individual just arrived – they need help with documentation!”
Just a few steps away from St Lazarus Square, a Lebanese bakery is bustling with customers. They start baking bread with za’atar, a blend of herbs – mainly oregano and thyme – early in the morning.
“I arrived here 21 years ago and have always worked in renovations,” says Rony Frem, 52, the bakery owner, who is getting ready to go to the church to distribute bread and other baked goods after mass. “But in 2017, I opened this shop.”
Originally from Jezzin, south of Beirut, Rony explains that he left Lebanon for Cyprus because he saw no future there. “There is no hope, and the situation is deteriorating. Those who are able to leave the country are doing so.”
In August, Rony’s brother arrived on the island with his family. “It became too dangerous to stay in Lebanon. Here, we live comfortably, but unfortunately, we still do not feel safe as war is not far away.”
