Monsignor Abdo Abou Kasm, director of the Catholic Media Center, responded to some voices targeting Maronite Patriarch Bechara Raï, affirming in a statement that "these voices will not be able to undermine the dignity and pride of the Lord of Bkerke," hoping that they would elevate their understanding of the meaning behind what His Beatitude the Patriarch said regarding solidarity in the matter of "collecting trays," which is far removed from the issue of "begging." He emphasized that the Patriarch was speaking about a pastoral church mission and how to support the resilience of families and parishioners in their border towns, as well as how to assist the displaced due to developments on the southern front. Therefore, there is no justification whatsoever for such degrading words and denounced attacks that express deep-seated hatred and do not serve national unity in this exceptional circumstance that the country is going through. The Maronite Patriarchate will remain a symbol of nationalism and a defense of Lebanon, first and foremost, and a title for the protection of all, seeking no one's protection and not begging anyone."
Former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt wrote on his "X" account: "We condemn any inciting internal speech, especially against Patriarch Raï during this exceptionally dangerous phase in Lebanon’s and the region’s history. The unity of internal ranks is above all consideration."
In another statement, MP Salim Sayegh from the "Kataeb" bloc noted on "X": "Those who attack Patriarch Raï are trying to divert attention from the essence of the humanitarian, national, and civic issues that concern everyone, turning them into a sectarian issue. Nothing has harmed the issues more than adding sectarian qualities to them. The issue of Lebanon is a national issue. The issue of Palestine is a national issue. The issue of peace is a matter of peoples. The issue of solidarity is a humanitarian one. There is no sectarianism here. Sectarianism divides rather than unites, blinds rather than enlightens, and invokes a clash of civilizations. What is required is the unity of civilizations against the ongoing atrocities and war crimes in the holy land."
MP Michel Moussa emphasized the need to "respect religious figures and to avoid targeting them either in the media or social networks for political purposes." He condemned the "attack on Maronite Patriarch Bechara Raï," highlighting Bkerke’s initiative and its symbolic support for the steadfast southerners in their land, noting that supporting resilience is one of the state's primary duties, and what the church is doing is a sincere expression of standing beside its people, especially in times of war and crises.
Additionally, MP Jimmy Jabbour from the "Strong Lebanon" bloc expressed on his "X" account: "Because we are at war and our stance is firm and clear towards the conflict, alongside the resistance in defense of Lebanon, and because voices from this environment overflow with malice, disgust, and arrogance, targeting our sanctities and positions, and specifically Bkerke, we hope that the discourse of these people is controlled by their environment and we hope that 'Al Mayadeen' channel purifies its team of reporters."
