United Nations Soldiers from Italy Bring New Crucifix to Debel Lebanon after IDF Soldier Caught Destroying One
As of April 24, 2026, the death toll from Israel's attacks on Lebanon, which began on March 2, has risen to 2,491 killed and 7,719 wounded, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, including 165 children and 248 women. Over 1.2 million people have been displaced; Lebanon is over 30% Christian in its population. It’s estimated that there are around 2.24 million, approximately 33% of the population. The majority of these are Maronite Catholics.
In the shadow of ongoing conflict, the southern Lebanese village of Debel has found a renewed sense of hope. On April 22, 2026, the community gathered to celebrate the installation of a new crucifix, replacing a statue desecrated by Israeli soldiers just days prior.
Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, wrote, "I thank Commander Diodato Abagnara and the entire Italian contingent of UNIFIL for their decision to donate a new crucifix to the Lebanese village of Debel. The images of the statue's delivery to the community and its placement, in the same spot where the statue destroyed a few days earlier by an IDF soldier, fill my heart and convey a powerful message of hope, dialogue, and peace." (Source: https://www.governo.it/en/node/31639)
A Symbol Restored
The replacement of the sacred monument became an international gesture of solidarity. The event was marked by several key figures and moments:
International Support: Italian peacekeepers from UNIFIL (the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) donated and delivered the new statue. Video footage captured the emotional moment soldiers tenderly unveiled the crucifix, with one soldier seen kissing the head of the Christ figure.
Ecclesiastical Blessing: The Papal Nuncio to Lebanon, Archbishop Paolo Borgia, traveled to the village to lead the installation ceremony alongside the local parish priest, Father Fadi Felefli.
Political Recognition: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the UNIFIL contingent, stating that the gesture sent a "powerful message of hope, dialogue, and peace."
The Incident and Aftermath
The restoration follows an April 19 incident that sparked global condemnation. Images circulated online showing an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier using an axe to destroy the original crucifix.
In response to the outcry:
Military Action: The IDF confirmed the authenticity of the images, subsequently placing two soldiers in military detention for 30 days and removing them from combat duty.
Official Apologies: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials issued formal apologies for the act of desecration.
A Second Gift: Father Felefli noted that the IDF also provided a separate crucifix as a gesture of restitution, which now resides inside St. George Church.
Steadfast Faith Amid War
Debel remains one of the few Christian enclaves in southern Lebanon where residents have refused to flee despite the escalating war between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict has taken a heavy toll, including the death of Maronite priest Father Pierre al-Rahi and the destruction of numerous homes.
"He who destroyed the cross did not realize its meaning... After the cross comes the resurrection. What some thought is weakness has become our strength." — Anonymous Debel resident
For the people of Debel, the new statue is more than a piece of art; it is a testament to their resilience. As Father Felefli observed, while the community has faced immense suffering and "broken hearts," their trust in God remains the foundation of their steadfastness in a volatile region.
CNEWA continues to serve these communities through the many works of the dynamic Eastern churches throughout the Middle East. Pope Pius XI founded Catholic Near East Welfare Association in 1926 as an instrument of love and a sign of hope for those in need. In Jerusalem, in Gaza, in Jordan, in Syria and in Lebanon, we continue to minister to those in tremendous need, offering emergency relief: food and water, medicines, clothing, shelter and open ears, minds and hearts.
To Donate - https://cnewa.org/what-we-do/emergency-middle-east-in-flames/
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