On Tuesday, August 4th, a massive blast rocked Beirut's port when tons of improperly stored ammonium-nitrate were ignited by a fire in the storage facility. Within 24 hours of the explosion the death toll already numbered more than 130 people, approximately 5,000 injured and hundreds of thousands left homeless. This man-made disaster also came at a time of ongoing political and deep financial crisis in the tiny nation that is also home to the world's largest per-capita population of refugees, my Palestinian family included.
The Lebanese are resilient but also exhausted. Beirut is broken, more than ever before. They need help from our international community. Please lend your support in any way you are able.
LEBANESE RED CROSS is an independent organisation focused on disaster prevention and relief. It is the main provider of ambulances in Lebanon, and relies on volunteers. The LRC was central to treating people injured in the nationwide protests that started in October last year and the coronavirus pandemic this year, as well as treating and transporting people following the explosion. Its services are provided for free to those who need them.
LEBANESE FOOD BANK The blast destroyed grain silos that contained around 85% of the country’s grain supply. Lebanon’s economy minister, Raoul Nehme, said the wheat in Beirut’s port granaries cannot be used and that the ministry has lost track of seven employees at the site. He said food supplies were en route. Up to 80% of the country’s food is imported, most of it via the port destroyed by the explosion. The Lebanese Food Bank runs feeding programs that distribute dry food parcels and collect food donations from hotels and restaurants.
OFFREJOIE is an apolitical and non-confessional Lebanese NGO founded in 1985. It brings together volunteers from all faiths and all Lebanon, as well as friends of Lebanon around the world, who advocate and act for a plural Lebanon, free and fair. Since 2012, it is also located in Iraq and there is the same desire to promote unity and solidarity across social and religious barriers. Offrejoie volunteers uphold and are role models for the values of Love, Forgiveness and Respect
Latitude Adjustment Podcast hosts Eric Maddox and Laila Mokhiber hosted a discussion with people on the ground in Lebanon. The purpose of this hour-long live discussion was to create a simple tool that everyone can share to educate the public about the current situation and to mobilize supports.
(photo above by Phil Carpenter)