The Italian Attack on Beirut Harbor (1912)

During the Italo-Turkish War, when Italian forces targeted Ottoman territories along the Mediterranean, Beirut was thrown into panic as shells struck near the harbor. Many residents fled inland in fear of the bombardment. In response, the Syrian Protestant College opened its gates to the public, offering refuge to women and children. Classrooms, dormitories, and courtyards became temporary shelters, while faculty and students worked together to distribute food, water, and blankets. This act of solidarity reflected the College’s enduring values of service and compassion, demonstrating its role as a moral and humanitarian refuge in times of crisis.