Jnud al-Rab (Soldiers of the Lord) is a Lebanese Christian right-wing activist group that became known for its opposition to LGBT people and its actions against gay and lesbian associations and bars.

The members of the group have been repeatedly compared to the Syrian Shabiha, Hezbollah or the Wagner Group due to the representations of its members, who are often described as "muscular, tattooed, bearded, and often dressed in black", and their religious fundamentalism.^[1][2]

Ideology

The Jnoud al-Rab are a Christian militant group who claim not to be affiliated with any political party in Lebanon. They are, however, strongly anti-LGBT and anti-communist and are sometimes referred to as Christian extremists.^[1] The party follows Christian law. In an interview with Radio Liban Libre, group leader Joseph Mansour said, "We are the children of Jesus, and we only follow the word of the Gospel.” They also claim to protect Christian lands from Islamists and particularly target Palestinian and Syrian refugees.^[2]

The party opposes Hezbollah the Free Patriotic Movement and their affiliates and most members are supporters of the Lebanese Forces party.^[3]

The group's founder Joseph Mansur said: “We, as soldiers of the Lord, saw what happened to the West when it banned the authority of the priesthood. They started adultery, civil marriage and abortion. Baptism was stopped and the connection between Church members and the priesthood was lost. This is our first spiritual war today, so they are persecuting us".^[1]

History

The origins of the party was in 2019 but was established in 2020 though only through social media presence. They first emerged publicly on June 24 2022, where group members went to Sassine square in Achrafieh and destroyed a billboard of flowers with the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag, which was set up by Beirut Pride. The same afternoon the group published a video threatening the LGBTQ movement in Lebanon where one member stated that, "We do not accept the flag of homosexuals in our neighborhoods” and “families must be careful with their children, they kidnap them.”^[2]

On 23 August 2023, members of the group attacked a LGBT-friendly bar in Mar Mikhael at night during a drag show where the attendees were prevented from exiting the premise under threat of physical violence.^[4]

In January 2024, when Rafic Hariri Airport saw its screens hacked in the name of two Christian groups and messages targeting Hezbollah and Hassan Nasrallah^[5] one of the logos appearing was that of Jnud al-Rab,^[6] the Jnud al-Rab denied their involvement in the hacking and called this “satanic” act aimed at dividing the Lebanese in such a crisis.^[7]

Alleged political affiliations

News emerged about Antoun Sehnaoui, who is the chairman of the Société Générale de Banque au Liban group, that alleges that he had affiliation with the movement as well as providing funds for the group. Though he did not directly denying funding or sponsoring the group, he called the news in a statement that they were "fabrications and false news".^[8]

Many members are said to be supporters of the Christian Lebanese Forces party whose logo they share, along with photos of LF leader Samir Geagea on social media. Party spokesman Charles Jabbour denied any connections with either group.^[2]

References