Support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bikfaya – War Intervention

/ Al Mazeed / By

Support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Bikfaya, Lebanon

(October 1 → December 1, 2024)
Location: Bikfaya, Matn Mountains, Lebanon
Beneficiaries: ~500 displaced individuals

1. Context & Emergency Response

Following the Israel war on Palestin and the escalation of violence between Hezbollah and Israel, around 500 people fled from Ein Ebel, Debel, Rmeich, and nearby Christian towns in southern Lebanon.

On October 1, 2024, Bikfaya opened its doors to these families, becoming a safe refuge during one of the country’s most volatile periods. Over two months, the town provided shelter, food, psychosocial support, and spiritual care in collaboration with Al Mazeed, local NGOs, and international donors.

2. Humanitarian Assistance

With the coordinated efforts of the Bikfaya Municipality, local organizations, and partners, families received comprehensive emergency support:

  • Safe Shelters: Three public schools and the Jesuit House of Our Lady of Deliverance were repurposed to accommodate the displaced families.

  • Basic Needs: Showers, hot water, electricity, and internet access were installed to ensure dignified living conditions.

  • Daily Hot Meals & Supplies: The NGO Kelna Ayleh provided 300 meals per day along with mattresses, bed sheets, pillows, winter clothing, and medical assistance.

  • Temporary Kitchens: Installed with support from international donors, allowing families to cook their own meals and regain autonomy.

3. Community Support & Activities

Beyond immediate relief, the project fostered social belonging and spiritual care:

  • Recreational Programs: Local groups such as the Scouts and MEJ organized daily activities for children and families.

  • Community Gardens: Public spaces hosted events to promote healing and connection.

  • Spiritual Support: Weekly Christian Masses were celebrated upon the families’ request, offering strength and solidarity.

4. Al Mazeed’s Role

Al Mazeed led the psychosocial, educational, and spiritual response for displaced families, focusing on healing trauma and rebuilding dignity:

a) Needs Assessment

  • On October 21, 2024, Al Mazeed launched focus groups divided into five age categories.

  • Led by psychologists and social workers, these sessions identified the emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of families.

b) Specialized Support Programs (Launched November 2024)

  • Psychosocial Support: Dramatherapy, art therapy, and play therapy for children and families.

  • Psycho-Spiritual Care: Individual and group sessions addressing spiritual trauma and restoring hope.

  • Educational Continuity: Support for children and youth to maintain learning despite displacement.

c) Partnership with USJ

In collaboration with the Saint Joseph University Campus Ministry, Al Mazeed integrated spiritual guidance into its programs, helping families navigate trauma through faith-based support.

5. Project Achievements (October → December 2024)

  • 500+ displaced individuals received safe shelter and humanitarian aid.

  • 3 public schools + Jesuit House repurposed as emergency accommodations.

  • 300 hot meals distributed daily by Kelna Ayleh throughout the crisis.

  • Recreational and spiritual activities organized for children and families.

  • Over 50 therapy sessions held for psychosocial and psycho-spiritual support.

  • Strengthened community bonds through shared healing spaces and religious services.

6. Project Conclusion

The Bikfaya IDP Support Project officially ended on December 1, 2024.

Although the emergency phase has concluded, the impact remains significant:

  • Hundreds of families found safety, dignity, and emotional relief.

  • Partnerships with local authorities, NGOs, and international donors created a model of solidarity and coordinated humanitarian action.

  • Many families have since returned home or relocated, but Al Mazeed continues to provide follow-up psychosocial and spiritual care to those still recovering from trauma.