Let's rebuild the convents of Knaye and Yacoubieh!
"Our presence in Idlib is like this church, bombed, then burned, and now damaged by the earthquake, but never destroyed and always present."
Fr. Louai Bsharat, Knaye
KNAYE AND YACOUBIEH
The villages of the Orontes isolated and destroyed
In the terrible magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey on the morning of February 6, 2023, a large part of the villages of Knaye and Yacoubieh in Idlib province was destroyed. The 2 Franciscan convents were also partially destroyed or suffered heavy damage.
Since the outbreak of the war,convents have been fundamental points of reference for help and reception for communities living in terrible conditions due to the jihadist occupation and are completely isolated (from 2022 it is not possible to leave or enter the province of Idlib).
For this reason, together with the supply of basic necessities and the reconstruction of houses, it is essential to rebuild these places that are physical and moral support and refuge for those who have nothing left.
SUPPORT THE VILLAGES OF THE ORONTES
Needs after the earthquake
Almost 80% of Knayeh's homes were destroyed. The village of Jdaide was also severely damaged, but the greatest damage occurred in Yacoubieh, starting from the convent and in the church, which collapsed entirely. In Knayeh, the church has been partly destroyed and the old school is unusable.
+150 HOUSES TO REPAIR
There are 50 houses under repair, another 100 are awaiting work. For the first time since the beginning of the conflict, Christians had to go to refugee camps for relief. Until now, they had been assisted.
CHURCH RECONSTRUCTION
The church of Yacoubieh collapsed, while in Knayeh part of the bell tower is destroyed. In order to carry out the liturgical functions, two temporary chapels were set up outside, pending repair of the churches.
CONVENT RECONSTRUCTION
The convents have been partially destroyed and some parts are unusable. The repair has already begun. In the meantime, the activities of assistance to the population and distribution are carried out in outdoor spaces.
IDLIB
The testimony of Fr Louai Bsharat
"We, as friars, along with these impoverished Christians, have made the decision to remain steadfast in our current location, despite war, persecution, and devastation, in order to uphold the Christian presence as a source of peace and hope. This presence has been established since the time of the Apostles Paul and Barnabas. Therefore, we express our gratitude to Divine Providence, which, through our generous benefactors, assists us in fulfilling these missions, driven by the love of Christ."
— Fr Louai Bsharat
