How to Take Action for Beirut

The Notre Dame Cathedral raised hundreds of millions of dollars in days. Let’s do the same for Beirut.

  • Author: Dante Silva

Nearly a week ago, an explosion in Beirut led to crisis, leaving thousands affected. The disaster is one of the worst of its kind since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and comes at a particularly unfortunate time. Lebanon’s hospitals have already been overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and recently exacerbated economic conditions have left nearly a third of the nation’s residents below the poverty level. Many have little to no source of refuge, and turn to outside sources for essential goods and services. 

This is, of course, not to normalize tragedy in the Middle East: the international media certainly has a role in making violence seem commonplace in the region, a role we hope to steer away from. The following list is a stance in solidarity with the Lebanese people and offers a chance for us all to take action. It’s by no means exhaustive—be sure to listen to and amplify the voices of those in Lebanon in addition to donating.

Lebanese Food Bank

The Lebanese Food Bank feeds the elderly, those with disabilities, orphans, single mothers, and people with chronic diseases (among others). Donate here. 

 

Beit el Baraka

The organization Beit el Baraka provides aid to Lebanese families and retirees, ensuring access to adequate housing despite the rising cost of living. They’ve recently added new team members to ensure emergency home rehabilitation for those most directly impacted, and are committed to rebuilding around the Beirut harbour. They’re also working to provide psychological care for adults and children. 

 

Matbakh el Balad

Matbakh el Balad provides direct support to families with over five members, offering nutrients and other essentials. Donate here.

 

Impact Lebanon

Impact Lebanon is an incubator for Lebanese people worldwide, working towards disaster relief efforts. They note the need to #TalkAboutLebanon, and to address the government corruption which led to the explosion. Help them take action here.

View this post on Instagram

This is a call for the whole world to join our fight. On the fourth of August, an enormous explosion reduced Beirut to rubble. We’ve had the attention of international media due to the calamity that killed 200 people and drove over 300,000 survivors to homelessness. We have been humbled by support for disaster relief from all around the world. However, not as much light has been shed on the deep corruption and government negligence that caused the blast, especially since that same corruption has been crippling the country for thirty years. On October 17th, 2019, a popular uprising began, and large numbers have been protesting against the corrupt, sectarian government that has driven the country to the brink. To this day, the Lebanese are still taking to the streets to peacefully fight for their rights, but they are met with gunfire, tear gas, police brutality and kidnappings by the politicians’ thugs. The Lebanese people have been enduring dire living conditions under the governance of the current political class. More than 50% of the Lebanese population lives under the poverty line. A hyperinflation has caused the Lebanese lira to lose 85% of its value in ten months. Unemployment rate is at 40%. Power cuts are daily and last up to 22 hours per day. The infrastructure is unsafe, and the water is unclean. The economy is collapsing, and the banking crisis has forbidden people to withdraw their own money from banks. There is no real access to a public healthcare system. Basic food items are becoming unaffordable to many. Not only did our government MASSACRE our people in the Beirut explosion, but they have deprived us of our most basic human rights for decades, in the interest of their personal financial gain. They’ve been stealing, lying, violating our rights and hiding crimes; and they still are until this day. We are calling everyone around the world who stands against injustice to give us their voice. Please #talkaboutlebanon Please unite with us against this humanitarian crime. Please read about the Lebanese revolution. Please talk about the Lebanese revolution. Please share about the Lebanese revolution. We need you more than ever.

A post shared by Impact Lebanon (@impact.lebanon) on

 

Rebuilding Beirut With Pride

There’s a need to support the queer/trans scene in Beirut, disproportionately affected by the explosion. “Rebuilding Beirut with Pride will be hosted at the Bell Pub in Whitechapel, and live-streamed all night for everyone to watch and take part in. From an art auction to a programme of performance, we want to celebrate Arab and queer art and talent and help rebuild our hometown in the process. Click here to buy your tickets for the event.”

 

Discover More