Yaroun: In a context still marked by the aftermath of the conflict in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL's Sector West today hosted an important interfaith gathering in the town of Yaroun, a village symbolic of the devastation wrought by the recent conflict. The choice of location for the event was deliberate: Yaroun was completely destroyed, including its Church and Mosque, emblems of two different faiths yet united in a single cry of hope and renewal.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the initiative took place amidst the ruins of St. George's Church and the Yaroun Mosque, both symbolically rebuilt in the hearts of the faithful and attendees. Despite the rubble, the message that emerged was clear: destruction does not represent an end, but can and must be a new beginning. Amid the signs of devastation rose a shared voice of peace, reconciliation, and the will to rebuild together.
The event, organized by Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi, Commander of UNIFIL Sector West, brought together senior representatives of Lebanon's main religious communities for a shared gesture of dialogue, fraternity, and peacebuilding.
Among the religious leaders present were His Excellency Monsignor Paolo Borgia, Apostolic Nuncio (Beirut); His Eminence Dr. Hassan Abdullah, Shia Mufti, representing His Eminence Dr. Mudar Al-Habal, Sunni Mufti; His Excellency Monsignor Elias Kfoury, Greek Orthodox Archbishop (Tyre), representing His Excellency Monsignor Cesar Essayan, Apostolic Vicar (Beirut); and His Excellency Monsignor Georges Iskandar, Melkite Archbishop (Tyre).
In his welcome address, General Mandolesi highlighted the rich diversity of Lebanon's religious mosaic: "Lebanon is a small country in size, but great in diversity-a rare mosaic of cultures and faiths. Interreligious dialogue in Lebanon reflects a shared responsibility towards future generations... Let us continue to work together to strengthen the culture of dialogue and educate the children of this beautiful land to respect diversity, not fear it."
During the event, the religious leaders expressed their gratitude for the vital role UNIFIL plays in maintaining stability and calm in southern Lebanon, with special thanks to the Commander of Sector West and his team for their ongoing support and commitment.
The gathering concluded with the signing of a Declaration of Intent, symbolically handed to each religious leader.