Three students from the American University of Beirut initiated a donation campaign, “Hope for our Lebanon,” to support families displaced by the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. The campaign has reached over 1,000 families across several areas, providing essential supplies tailored to individual needs. Despite ongoing challenges, the students encourage community involvement through donations and volunteering efforts.
In a commendable effort to assist families displaced by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, three students from the American University of Beirut have initiated a donation campaign named “Hope for our Lebanon.” This initiative focuses on supplying essential items, including food, sanitary packs, and clothing, in partnership with the charity organization ‘Wahad Activism.’ The students, Nour Farchoukh, Celine Ghandour, and Kian Azad, have tailored their aid to meet the specific needs of affected families, ensuring personalized support in these challenging times.
The campaign has positively impacted over 1,000 families across various regions, such as Baabda, Beirut, Chouf, Batroun, Barouk, and Hazmieh, by delivering much-needed supplies. As the severity of the ongoing conflict escalated in late September, over a year of hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah had led to significant casualties and displacement throughout Lebanon. Official reports highlight that more than 4,000 individuals have lost their lives and over 1 million have been displaced, highlighting the urgency of community support initiatives.
Despite a recent 60-day ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States and France, the students continue their campaign with a commitment to reach vulnerable populations, including orphanages. According to Azad, ongoing clothing donations have ensured that help remains available, emphasizing their belief that, “no matter how small the number of families we help, it will still make a difference.” Their call for community engagement underscores the importance of collective effort in times of crisis.
The students have expressed their hope that community members will contribute through either donations or volunteering, demonstrating that, as Farchoukh articulated, “Every volunteer and every donation help rebuild Lebanon bit by bit. The hardship of war should never be faced alone.” Such initiatives reveal the resilience and solidarity of the Lebanese community in the face of adversity, showcasing the impact of grassroots efforts in humanitarian relief.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has forced a substantial number of families in Lebanon to flee their homes, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that necessitates immediate support. Recent statistics provided by the Lebanese health ministry indicate that the war has caused over 4,000 fatalities and significant injuries across the nation, alongside a staggering increase in displaced individuals. Amid these challenging circumstances, local initiatives led by university students are critical in providing aid and demonstrating community solidarity.
The “Hope for our Lebanon” campaign launched by three American University of Beirut students exemplifies the powerful role of community actions in alleviating the hardships faced by war-displaced families in Lebanon. Their dedication to addressing individual family needs highlights the impact of personalized humanitarian aid, while their efforts encourage broader community participation, essential in rebuilding lives and fostering resilience in the wake of conflict. The students’ belief that collective support can make a significant difference reinforces the imperative to face hardships together.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
