Background

Since 2013, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) has accompanied vulnerable communities in Lebanon, offering dignity, support, and hope amid multiple crises. What began as emergency relief has grown into long-term, community-driven programmes rooted in dialogue, solidarity, and trust.

Our country team, including refugees and locals, brings lived experience and understanding to JRS efforts in education, mental health, livelihoods, capacity building, and emergency assistance that strengthen individual and community resilience.

Foreword from the Country Director

A Year of Generosity

“As I reflect on this past year, it is impossible not to think of words like pain, loss, and uncertainty. Yet, more than anything, one word stands out to me: generosity.

The generosity of my colleagues at JRS—across the field, country, regional, and international offices—has been unwavering. The generosity of our partners and donors, as well as the countless volunteers who gave their time and energy, has been deeply moving. I am very grateful for the quality of your presence, for your commitment, and for the way you show up for others.

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to continue accompanying the most vulnerable through the most difficult times. As the world changes and new realities emerge, I look forward to walking this path together, reflecting on what accompaniment means in these times, and remaining faithful to our mission: to accompany, serve, and advocate for the most vulnerable communities in Lebanon.

Thank you for your trust, your kindness, and your inspirational support.

— Roy Gebrayel, Country Director

Lebanon’s Crisis Context

• Procrastinated Crises: Since 2013, Lebanon has hosted over 1.5 million Syrian refugees, compounding a fragile national economy.
• Food, Health & Education Collapse: Hyperinflation, reduced healthcare services, and failing education have intensified local and refugee vulnerabilities.
• Beirut Blast & Conflicts: The Beirut port blast in 2020, the latest violence over Lebanon, and the recent regional instability have displaced hundreds of thousands and heightened urgent need.
• Mental Health Needs: Shockwaves from collective trauma have increased demand for MHPSS services across communities.

Where We Operate

JRS Lebanon provides targeted support in three key locations:

– Bourj Hammoud: Frans van der Lugt Centre (FVDL).

– Bar Elias (Bekaa Valley)

– Baalbek (Bekaa Valley)

Our Core Programmes

• Quality Inclusive Education

Early childhood through secondary Accelerated Learning Programmes.

Language & curriculum support (Arabic, English, French).

Learning support for refugee students entering Lebanese public schools.

Download the factsheet.

• Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Individual & group therapy for trauma recovery.

Casework and life‑skills for children and families.

Download the factsheet.

• Livelihoods

Vocational training (e.g., barbers, hairdressing, sewing).

Language courses, CV development, market access support.

Download the factsheet.

• Emergency Response

Food distribution, hygiene and winter kits.

Shelter and basic support in times of crisis—e.g., Beirut blast and latest violence over Lebanon.

• Migrant centre

Safe space for migrant workers, stateless migrants, and minority refugees.

Activities such as capacity building, advocacy, and recreational events.

MHPSS support and key protection services including case management and legal aid.