NCCAR Condemns Israel’s Actions Threatening Lebanon’s Cultural Heritage and Calls for the Protection of Humanity’s Historical Legacy

The National Council of Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) strongly condemns the recent destruction of cultural and historical sites in Lebanon caused by Israeli military operations. Under the pretext of targeting military installations, Israel’s actions have severely damaged irreplaceable cultural landmarks that are not only central to Lebanon’s identity but also integral to the shared heritage of humanity.

Lebanon is home to some of the most remarkable historical treasures in the world. From Phoenician ruins and Roman temples to Byzantine churches and Ottoman-era architecture, its cultural sites are a living testament to the civilizations that have shaped human history. These landmarks are more than national symbols; they are threads in the fabric of our collective human story. The recent attacks that have damaged or endangered these sites represent a grave assault on global heritage and are a tragic reminder of the toll that war takes on culture and humanity.

"The protection of cultural heritage is not merely a regional issue but a global responsibility. Sites of historical significance, whether in Lebanon or elsewhere, serve as bridges between past and present, fostering understanding, unity, and identity across nations and generations. Their destruction erases vital chapters of human history and diminishes the cultural diversity that defines us as a global community.", says NCCAR in a statement. 

Israel’s actions are in direct violation of international conventions, such as the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. These conventions were established to protect cultural heritage from the devastating effects of war, recognizing that the loss of such sites is a loss for all of humanity. By targeting areas near or within these historical landmarks, Israel disregards these obligations and exacerbates the suffering of Lebanese civilians.

NCCAR calls on the international community, including to take urgent and decisive action. The protection of Lebanon’s cultural sites must be prioritized, and Israel must be held accountable for the destruction it has caused. The international community must work collectively to prevent further harm, ensuring that the preservation of cultural heritage is integral to peacebuilding efforts.

We also emphasize the broader human dimension of this crisis. The destruction of cultural sites is not just about bricks and stones—it is about people. These sites are repositories of collective memory, places of identity, and symbols of hope for communities that have already endured decades of war and hardship. Their loss deepens the psychological wounds of conflict and weakens the foundations of societal resilience.

NCCAR reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Lebanon, who deserve peace, security, and respect for their sovereignty and heritage. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the preservation of Lebanon’s cultural and historical sites, and a renewed commitment to upholding international laws designed to protect our shared human legacy.

The protection of cultural heritage is, ultimately, a protection of our humanity. To safeguard these treasures is to honor the past, empower the present, and inspire the future for all of humanity. 

NCCAR is a not-for-profit charitable organization based in Ottawa, dedicated to fostering greater understanding and knowledge among Canadians about the cultural, historical, and socio-economic realities of the people of the Arab world.

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