In Cyprus, small Caritas staff helps those fleeing Lebanon

Published: 2006-08-09

NICOSIA, Cyprus (CNS) -- On the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, a popular resort destination for European tourists, Caritas Cyprus immediately assisted those fleeing Lebanon. Working with the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus, Caritas provided translations and other services to thousands of third-country nationals -- many of them Lebanese holding foreign passports -- staying at a transit facility near Nicosia. "Most of them were in shock," said Msgr. George Houry, secretary-general of Caritas Cyprus. "Some, they have seen the war in front of them, and they have terrible stories." When the last of the evacuees left Cyprus July 31, Caritas Cyprus -- consisting of only Msgr. Houry and two staff members -- sought ways to assist more directly those affected by the fighting in Lebanon. "We called Caritas in Lebanon and asked how we could be helpful," said Msgr. Houry. Caritas Cyprus is part of Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic international aid and social services network.

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