Rita El-Mounayer still has nightmares about growing up during the Lebanese Civil War and finds it hard to comprehend that violence and destruction are once again within Lebanese walls. At the same time, she is excited about SAT-7’s work in Beirut, which has just chosen to double the number of broadcasts.
Written by Nanna Endahl Jørgensen and reposted in English from the Danish Bible Society website.
In a Middle East marked by significant conflict and uncertainty, Lebanon is currently facing a grim reality – similar feelings to what SAT-7 CEO Rita El-Mounayer remembers from her own upbringing during the Lebanese Civil War. She participated in SAT-7’s annual European conference, this year held at the Lutheran Mission House in Copenhagen. The Danish Bible Society met with her for an interview about SAT‑7’s role during conflicts in the Middle East as well as her own upbringing, which has been shaped by war.
What is it like for you to experience the situation as it is right now in Lebanon?
“It is hard to see that war has broken out again, after there has been peace in the country to some extent for many years. As someone who grew up during the war in Lebanon and still has nightmares about it at night, it is heartbreaking for me to see that the children in Lebanon are currently going through the same traumas I did as a child. But at the same time, it is very encouraging to see the role of the Church and Christians in the country, who always strive to bring peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, and hope. I feel especially for Lebanon because I am Lebanese, but the country is just one among many in the Middle East where people are suffering. The entire region is truly traumatized and fears for the future. Especially for their children.”
How are your colleagues in Beirut?
“They say they are okay, and that they are used to it by now. But I know deep down, they are not. Just imagine hearing bombs all night long. Even though they are in safe places, they get no sleep. But they insist on going to work in the studio because they have live programs to produce. They believe that we can’t just abandon everything now and hide. Because it is our role as Christians to bring hope to people without hope.”
And you also mentioned that instead of pulling back, your colleagues in Beirut have actually doubled the number of productions?
“Yes, exactly. Our news program used to air once a week, but now they broadcast twice a week. And our children’s program now airs three times a week. I had to call them two days ago because I could hardly believe it. It’s amazing. It’s truly encouraging to see children from other parts of the Arab World calling in to pray for Lebanon, and to see our colleagues in Beirut continuing their work despite the unrest. But I also pray for their safety.”
So your colleagues in Beirut are physically able to work?
“Yes, they are. I don’t know how they manage all this. They send me pictures of themselves standing out on the studio’s balcony with smoke and bombs in the background.”
What specific needs do your colleagues in Beirut have?
“So far, they still have water, food, first aid, and a generator for electricity. But their biggest need right now is for a major effort to achieve a ceasefire. Especially for those who have children, they can’t bear to see what they are going through. Their need is for this vicious cycle of violence to stop because it’s not leading to a better Middle East.”
