In their efforts to rekindle hope among communities affected by the recent conflict, UNIFIL peacekeepers organized a Christmas fair last week in a village near the Blue Line, bringing together hundreds of children and elders from the affected areas.

UNIFIL’s French, Finnish and Irish peacekeepers worked with local authorities in the organization of the fair, titled “Christmas on the Blue Line,” at St. Joseph School of Ein Ebel on 15 and 16 December.

The event aimed to bring joy to communities living around Bint Jbeil that were heavily affected by the war. Built around the universal values of Christmas, the fair welcomed up to 3,000 people, including children, their parents and community elders.  

Fellow UNIFIL peacekeepers and mayors from surrounding municipalities also attended the event. Their presence demonstrated a mutual bond between the peacekeepers and local residents.

Activities included basketball, football, floorball, tug of war, sack race, food stalls, film screenings, fire truck visit, face painting, inflatable castle.

Colonel Louis-Guilhem Larchet, the Commander of UNIFIL’s French-led Force Commander’s Reserve (FCR) force that played key role in the organization of the event, said such event helps bring a bit of joy to children and families who are in great need of it.

“It also conveys an important message: wherever UNIFIL is deployed and commits resources, people can come safely and enjoy a moment of respite,” said Col. Larchet.

Beyond the celebrations, the initiative carried a strong message: it underscored UNIFIL’s commitment to peace and security, and its role in supporting the southern population’s quest to live a safe and normal life.

Also last week, UNIFIL’s Western Sector Command partnered with the Municipality of Tyre in organizing a special theatrical performance for children of Tyre Public School. The children were all smiles as they interacted with the peacekeepers embraced the festive atmosphere. UNIFIL’s Italian contingent commander, Colonel Davide Marini, and the Head of the Union of Tyre Municipalities, Hassan Dbouk, joined the celebration to share these festive moments with the children.

Lieutenant Colonel Monica Mattuszczak of UNIFIL Sector West said activities like this go beyond entertainment, especially for children who have lived through difficult times.

“Children in Tyre and across southern Lebanon are facing significant stress, fear and disruptions to their daily lives. So, we as UNIFIL Sector West believe that bringing them together for educational and recreational activities gives them a sense of normal childhood joy and community belonging,” said Lt. Col. Mattuszczak.