From Vogue (Arabia):
At a time when Lebanon and the wider Arab region is plunged in deep conflict that has cost hundreds of lives, a symbolic monument has arisen to bring a sense of comfort, protection and hope to people’s hearts. In March 2026, a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer was erected on Jabal Al-Salib (“Mount of the Cross” in Arabic) in the Lebanese town of Al Qaa, overlooking the Bekaa plain. Close to the Syrian border in the north, Al Qaa’s population is predominantly Christian and has in recent history been subjected to extremist violence, caused by ISIS militants, a decade ago. Amongst Arab nations, Lebanon is home to one of the biggest Christian communities, where around 30% of the population follows Christianity.
According to Syriac Press, the monument, where Christ is slightly raising his hands, will soon open a church and the location of which the monument stands upon holds meaning. “The statue stands at a location that was once considered a direct frontline with the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organisation, overlooking the Beqaa Valley and parts of Syrian territory.