Al-Qibbeh

While North Lebanon as a whole has witnessed sectarian conflicts for many years, the area of al-Qibbeh has often borne the brunt of the violence, owing to its location on the dividing line between Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. There has been hostility between these two neighbourhoods since the Lebanese Civil War, with tensions having flared up since the start of the Syrian crisis. The lack of social cohesion, moreover, is compounded by the high concentration of refugees and increased competition for employment and resources.

Basmeh and Zeitooneh opened the community center on this dividing line in order to bridge the gap between the two neighbourhoods, and contribute to community development and engagement, while meeting the needs of both the host and refugee population in the area.