This story first appeared in JRS INSIDER, a monthly newsletter including stories of impact across JRS global.

In Lebanon, widespread destruction and limited access to necessities have displaced and devastated more than a million people. As the conflict and violence worsen, locally displaced people, refugees, and migrants are evacuating their homes.

For this month’s INSIDER, we spoke with JRS Middle East and North Africa (MENA) communications officer Robert Gemayel about how he and the rest of the team in Lebanon have rapidly adapted their operations to meet new needs since the first airstrike on the country on September 24.

Before the war, JRS Lebanon specialized in education, livelihoods, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for migrants and refugees. But needs have changed.

“Lebanon has [been] plunged into a deep humanitarian crisis,” Robert said. “For the migrant community, the situation is particularly dire.”

All JRS Lebanon programs have had to shift to emergency response to ensure that displaced families receive the support they need as they face the distressing experience of displacement for, at minimum, the second time. The team has turned two spaces into shelters – one in Archrafieh, a neighborhood in Beirut, at the church where JRS offices are; and the other in Bikfaya, in the Jesuit monastery. JRS is also providing emergency goods including mattresses, blankets, pillows, food baskets, and hygiene kits in coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs.

Robert explained how JRS staff are working under increased pressure and stress as the violence escalates. Every day, a military drone hovers over the office in Beirut. “At night, the sound of airstrikes fills the air,” he said. “Restful sleep is nearly impossible. JRS staff have lost family members, cousins, and friends. This has had a significant impact on all of the team, as well as the people we welcome,” Robert continued.

Alarmingly, Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian refugees are crossing the border into Syria to escape airstrikes, even as the conflict in Syria worsens. The JRS team in Syria is there, welcoming people and distributing essential materials.

Impending winter conditions threaten to make the situation even more dangerous. As fall begins and the weather grows colder, JRS is working quickly to make sure displaced families have the means to stay safe and warm. “The uncertainty around what the next weeks or months will bring only complicates the planning process,” Robert said. Insecure roads and unpredictable security conditions make access to conflict-affected areas difficult for humanitarian actors including JRS.

The crisis transcends borders and represents a significant regional challenge that calls for immediate and coordinated action from the international community. It is difficult to predict how long this level of emergency will continue, but JRS will continue to accompany internally displaced people, migrants, and refugees. “The challenges in Lebanon are immense, and while there is solidarity within communities, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable,” Robert said.

JRS continues the call for an immediate ceasefire and the upholding of International Humanitarian Law. Continued support and advocacy are essential in ensuring that JRS Lebanon can meet the growing needs of displaced and vulnerable populations.

We greatly appreciate the JRS/USA community that has banded together in support of the JRS Lebanon team through advocacy and donations. If you want to get involved today, visit us here.