The Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta has delivered ten tonnes of aid to Lebanon as part of ongoing efforts to support Christian communities in crisis regions.
In a time when Christian communities in the Middle East face unprecedented challenges to their very existence, Hungary stands out with its dedicated initiative to provide targeted humanitarian assistance. Daniel Solymári, Director of International Relations at the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, shared insights into their decades-long mission supporting persecuted Christians and the unique Hungary Helps government program.
“For 35 years, we have been physically present in crisis situations in Africa and the Middle East,” Solymári explained during our interview. This hands-on approach distinguishes their work from other humanitarian efforts, as the organization prioritizes personal engagement with the communities they serve.
Daniel Solymári. Photo: Hungary Today
The Charity Service operates as the oldest strategic partner of the Hungarian government’s international development initiatives, receiving funding through the Hungary Helps program. Their cooperation with State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, Azbej Tristan, recently resulted in three rounds of donations to Lebanon, where a serious humanitarian crisis continues to unfold.
Solymári described a recent collaborative effort that exemplifies their approach: “The state secretary indicated they could provide a government plane but couldn’t themselves fill it with aid supplies. We told him that we don’t have a plane, but we do have aid supplies. So we put together what we had—an excellent example of cooperation between the Charity Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
The organization’s commitment goes beyond material aid. Solymári recounted visiting the sixth-century Melkite Greek Catholic monastery of Saint James the Mutilated in Qara, Syria in 2014. When signing the visitors’ book, they discovered the previous entry dated back to 2009. “The community told us they had resigned themselves to being forgotten by the West. Their fate had been degraded into a matter of mere political discourse,” he shared.
This experience reinforced their conviction that personal presence is vital. “By being personally present, we express our love and concern for them. Solidarity cannot stop at expressing concern,” Solymári emphasized.
The Director spoke candidly about the existential threats facing Christianity in the Middle East. “Today we are talking about nothing less than the survival of Christianity in the Middle East. In this region, the Christian churches are the historical pillars of their societies. When these communities become fragile, the architecture of the whole society becomes fragmented.”
Solymári highlighted the dire situation faced by Christian communities in Syria, particularly in light of the civil war and the rise of radical groups. He expressed concern for the survival of Christianity in the region, stating, “When atrocities are committed against them, it is entirely unacceptable. Today we are talking about nothing less than the survival of Christianity in the Middle East.”
The interview also touched on the complexities of providing aid in a politically charged environment. Solymári acknowledged the challenges posed by radical elements but emphasized that humanitarian efforts should remain focused on helping those in need, regardless of the political landscape. “We cannot ignore them either, even though we do not cooperate with them,” he explained.
Despite the potential backlash in Western political discourse regarding targeted aid for Christian communities, Solymári defended the initiative, asserting that supporting these communities is essential for the stability of the region. “By supporting these communities, we support society as a whole,” he stated.
The Hungarian Charity Service has been a consistent presence in Syria, providing mobile medical services and other forms of assistance. Solymári expressed hope that the aid would not only alleviate immediate suffering but also foster long-term stability for Christian communities in the region.
When asked about potential security concerns of providing targeted aid to Christians, Solymári acknowledged the complex realities of humanitarian work in conflict zones. He recalled experiences in East Africa where their clean water programs in slums faced opposition from illegal cartels selling water at high prices. “Sometimes one has to shake hands with people one does not otherwise want to,” he noted, explaining that development and humanitarian diplomacy often requires navigating complicated local dynamics.
Addressing criticism that targeted aid to Christians might be seen as discriminatory, Solymári defended their approach: “Christian communities are an inseparable part of local history. By supporting these communities, we support society as a whole.” He emphasized that Christian humanitarian ethics fundamentally rejects discrimination, noting that “a Christian hospital does not discriminate; it helps anyone regardless of religion or ethnicity.”
The Charity Service maintains political neutrality while remaining principled in their mission. Quoting their recently deceased founding president, Father Imre Kozma, Solymári explained, “We cannot have a political position, only a Christian mission.” This neutrality allows them to work effectively across political divides while staying true to their Christian roots.
Solymári believes the Hungary Helps initiative is unique globally. “I am not aware of any state that would have launched a dedicated Christian aid initiative like ours. There are government envoys and representatives in Italy and the United Kingdom, but not, as far as I know, at such an institutionalized level.”
The current situation in Syria presents particular challenges. With political changes following the Assad government, Christian communities face uncertainty. “Christian leaders are in a position of stand-by, just like the global community,” Solymári observed. However, he stressed that while political actors wait, humanitarian needs continue: “We have received information from the Melkite Church that there are many communities where priests and monks have nothing to eat!”
The Hungarian Charity Service has now launched a program to help 500 Christians in Syria, focusing on supporting priests, monks, churches, monasteries, and parishes. “If we do not show solidarity with Christians in the Middle East, we will end up cancelling part of our own history. This is a responsibility that should be of concern to all Christians,” Solymári emphasized.
Despite some criticism that Hungary’s focus on Christian aid is provocative or anachronistic, Solymári defends their approach: “When the donor is a state, it must have an interest in doing so, after all, it is taxpayers’ money that is being used. Still, if this aid is based on Christian principles, then it has an ethical basis.”
As Christian leaders in Syria brace for an uncertain future, Hungarian aid organizations continue to provide life-saving support. Solymári underscores the importance of maintaining international engagement, warning that a ‘wait-and-see’ approach from the global community only exacerbates suffering.
“The Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta has now launched a program to help 500 Christians in Syria, including priests, monks, and parishes. Some of these communities have reported that their clergy have nothing to eat. This is unacceptable.”
Hungary’s proactive stance not only aids persecuted Christians but also strengthens its international reputation as a country that upholds faith-based humanitarian principles. Despite political and logistical challenges, the message from Hungary is clear: Christian communities should not stand alone in their struggles.
He concluded, “We at the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta have no other interest than to make life better for others.”
This interview was originally published in Hungary Today. Read the full article HERE.
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