Lebanon: The Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta writes to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam
Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, also on behalf of the Grand Master Fra’ John T. Dunlap, has sent an official letter to Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to express his deep sympathy and support for the institutions and people of Lebanon during this tragic and challenging period, which has had extremely serious humanitarian consequences.
“The Lebanese people, who have always been very dear to the Order of Malta, deserve peace, stability, security and prosperity after such extensive and prolonged suffering and deprivation”, Paternò writes.
Present in Lebanon since 1953, the Order of Malta operates through its National Association, which is currently addressing the emergency and ensuring the continuity of long-term projects while scaling up extraordinary interventions to assist the displaced.
In recent weeks, the humanitarian effort has made it possible to provide essential support in the form of healthcare services (5,000), pharmaceuticals (approximately 4,000), meals (approximately 23,000), educational and recreational kits (approximately 800) and other forms of aid.
“The Order of Malta is committed to mobilising international support for Lebanon through its entities worldwide and other partners of the Order”, concluded the Grand Chancellor. “Lebanon can count on our unwavering commitment, our solidarity, and our friendship.”
The Order of Malta calls for a swift ceasefire, partly to facilitate access for humanitarian aid and the restoration of essential social services.
Sixty years of service in the country
The Lebanese Association of the Knights of Malta (also known as Order of Malta Lebanon) has been committed for decades to serving the most vulnerable communities across the country, regardless of origin or religion, with the highest quality standards. Through a network of 60 projects and programs composed of 12 community healthcare centers, 12 mobile medical units, 7 agro-humanitarian centers, 3 mobile community kitchens, 2 hosting centers for the differently abled, and several other programs, the Order in Lebanon provides essential medical, social, and agricultural support to those in need. Apolitical, neutral and impartial, it is rooted in the principles of dignity, solidarity, and service, its mission extends beyond relief to fostering long-term resilience and inclusion.
