Page Banners section, highlights page

Under the blessing of the Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Béchara Boutros al-Rahi, represented by Bishop Maroun Ammar, and in the presence of the First Lady, Mrs. Neemat Aoun, the Order of Malta Lebanon has officially inaugurated its new "Gabriel Abdeni Socio-Medical Center" in Jezzine. The official ceremony took place in the presence of General Youssef Haddad, representing the Commander-in-Chief of the Lebanese Army, Rodolph Haykal, presidents and members of the federation of municipalities of the Jezzine district, as well as Abbot Boutros Azar, representing the Superior General of the Maronite Antonine Order, Abbot Joseph Bou Raad. This major project was made possible thanks to the generous initiative of Mrs. India Abdeni, who wished to dedicate this center to the memory of her late son, Gabriel.

A Major Medical Anchor for South Lebanon

The Gabriel Abdeni Socio-Medical Center is set to become a vital health and social anchor for the Jezzine district and its surroundings. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and medical technology complying with the strictest international standards, the center is staffed by a highly qualified medical and nursing team. It will offer local residents a comprehensive range of essential services, ranging from primary healthcare and preventive screenings to specialized medical consultations, social assistance, and tailored psychological support.

Over 70 Years of Uninterrupted Humanitarian Action

Through this new facility, the Order of Malta Lebanon reaffirms its humanitarian and professional commitment, which has been carried out for over 70 years in service of the human being throughout Lebanese territory, and more specifically for the past 40 years alongside the populations of the South. The organization continues to expand its integrated socio-medical network, composed of health centers, mobile medical units, social support projects, and agro-humanitarian centers, with the sole objective of strengthening the resilience of local communities and preserving human dignity without any distinction.

Speeches Focused on the Humanitarian Mission

The ceremony featured a series of speeches emphasizing this humanitarian action. Notably, the Maronite Patriarch shared a message stressing that "the inauguration of this center goes beyond a simple activity; it is a symbol of hope and solidarity with the sick, the elderly, and those in need."

During a tour of the center with the attending dignitaries, Mrs. Lelia El Khazen Mallat, Managing Director of the OML, explained the daily work carried out by the Order of Malta in Lebanon in general, and in South Lebanon in particular.  This is reflected in the medical services provided within the centers, mobile units that travel to all local villages, and activities dedicated to senior citizens. Speaking on behalf of the Order of Malta Lebanon, President Marwan Sehnaoui stated that the opening of this center embodies the depth of the Order’s humanitarian mission in this deeply cherished land of South Lebanon. He emphasized that the center was designed as an open space to serve all residents of the region without any discrimination and to alleviate their suffering. Mr. Sehnaoui also thanked local authorities and donors, paying a special tribute to Mrs. India Abdeni, whose generosity and wish to honor the memory of her son Gabriel allowed this project to come to fruition. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to other invaluable friends and benefactors of the center, including the family of Jorge Aziz and his sons through the Georges and Juliette Aziz Foundation, the Saputo Foundation in Canada via the Development and Peace organization, as well as the Southern PACA Region in France. Father Khalil Rahme's choir enhanced the spiritual and musical atmosphere of the event, accompanying the ceremony with hymns and musical pieces. Representing the Superior General of the Maronite Antonine Order, Abbot Boutros Azar highlighted the historic importance of the congregation’s role in Jezzine since 1771, having supported the population during the darkest moments in the history of Mount Lebanon and Lebanon. He also emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the Maronite Antonine Order and the Order of Malta, which is beautifully reflected in the inauguration of this Socio-Medical Center, located adjacent to the congregation's Saint Anthony Monastery. For his part, the Jezzine Chief of Municipality, David Hélou, noted that initiatives of this kind are always welcome as they place the human being at the heart of provided services and regional development.

The First Lady also praised the efforts made by the Order of Malta Lebanon, noting that it serves all Lebanese communities regardless of their background. The center, equipped with the most modern facilities, will provide a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services and medical consultations, serving as a safe and accessible space for all residents of Jezzine and its neighboring villages.

It is worth noting that all services offered by the center are part of the AHEAD program, designed and implemented by the Order of Malta Lebanon, with the support of Malteser International and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.