Lebanon: Christian village refuses to leave

Church of the Virgin Mary, Alma al-Shaab. Image: Screenshot

Source: Shalom News, Leila Sansour

Since Israel's latest onslaught on the country, most of the villages in Southern Lebanon have been displaced. People are fleeing en masse and overwhelming the streets of Beirut.

But residents of one ancient Christian village in southern Lebanon are refusing to leave. The caption posted with this video link which is being shared widely says: "The residents of the southern town of Alma al-Shaab gathered in the church courtyard and rang the bells, refusing to leave their town, chanting: "The bells of Alma will keep ringing!"

While fear spreads and many prepare to flee, the Christian families of this border village are standing stand firm.

"We are peaceful," they say. "We want to remain on our land and in our country. This is our This is our village. These are our homes. We do not want to leave."

Their voices are not defiant but deeply rooted-like the cedar trees that have witnessed generations of prayer and perseverance.

They appeal not for weapons, but for protection. "Help us stay here. We ask the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Army to stand by us. We want only the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Army."

And still, the bells continue to ring: They ring as a declaration of presence. They ring as a refusal to surrender hope. They ring as a prayer cast into the uncertain sky. As tensions rise, the world may not look away. May we unite in prayer-for their safety, for restraint, and for peace to guard every home beneath those steadfast bells.

Watch the film on Shalom World News: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqkxX0D_Pe8

Alma has suffered attacks before.
See: 16 June 2024: How Israeli rockets emptied a Christian village in South Lebanonhttps://yalibnan.com/2024/06/16/how-israeli-rockets-emptied-a-christian-village-in-south-lebanon/