‘Many arrived without even winter clothes’
“The majority of Lebanese that are living in Cyprus are settled around Larnaca, all along the gulf until Paralimni,” explains Father Akl Abou Nader, who’s sitting at his table within the rectory of Saint Joseph Church on St Lazarus Sq. in Larnaca, a town within the south of Cyprus.
“There are about 35,000 Lebanese in this area and between 13,000-15,000 of them are Maronites. Our community has grown in numbers because of the war.” He, himself, is of Lebanese heritage.
For lots of households, subject matter backup from the Maronite society has turn into an important, he says: “Many arrived without even winter clothes, thinking they would stay a few weeks, and they are still here. We help them pay the rent, provide legal support, help with medical expenses. These are the basic needs that people have”.
As he’s talking, his telephone buzzes. “Sure, I can translate into Arabic!” he exclaims into the handset. Nearest, turning to us with a grin, he provides: “Sorry, a Lebanese just arrived – needs help with papers!”
A couple of steps clear of St Lazarus Sq., a Lebanese bakery is busy with shoppers. From early morning, they bake bread with za’atar, a mix of herbs – principally oregano and thyme.
“I came here 21 years ago, I always worked in renovation,” says Rony Frem, 52, proprietor of the bakery, who’s getting ready to travel as much as the church to distribute bread and alternative baked items later cluster. “But in 2017 I started this shop.”
Rony worn to reside in Beirut however he’s initially from Jezzin, additional south. He got here to Cyprus, he says, as a result of he noticed incorrect date in Lebanon: “There is no hope, and the situation is worsening. Those who can are leaving the country.”
In August, Rony’s brother arrived at the island along with his personal people. “It started to be too dangerous to stay there [Lebanon]. Here, we live well, but unfortunately we cannot feel safe also here, war is not so far.”