Three students from the American University of Beirut have launched a donation campaign called “Hope for our Lebanon” to assist families displaced by a protracted war with Israel, providing food, sanitary items, and clothes to over 1,000 families across various affected regions. The campaign continues even after a recent ceasefire, inviting community involvement through donations and volunteering efforts.
In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, three students from the American University of Beirut have initiated a donation campaign titled “Hope for our Lebanon.” This campaign aims to assist families displaced by the war with Israel, which has persisted for over 13 months and resulted in significant suffering across the nation. Through collaborations with the Wahad Activism charity, they are providing food supplies, sanitary items, and clothing based on the specific needs of each family in various affected regions, including Baabda and Beirut.
The students, Nour Farchoukh, Celine Ghandour, and Kian Azad, emphasize that their assistance is tailored to the requirements of the families they support. They incorporate items such as snacks and diapers for families with children and actively solicit information about clothing needs. The campaign has successfully reached more than 1,000 families, demonstrating a strong community response to the dire circumstances. With the backdrop of over 4,000 lives lost and a million people displaced during this prolonged conflict, the students’ efforts aligned with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France on November 27, 2023.
Despite the ceasefire, the campaign continues its mission by distributing clothing donations to orphanages, highlighting a commitment to providing ongoing support. “We know that no matter how small the number of families we help, it will still make a difference,” stated Kian Azad, reinforcing the importance of collective action in the face of adversity. The students have also reached out to the broader community, inviting individuals to contribute through donations or by volunteering their time.
Through this initiative, the students not only aim to alleviate some of the immediate hardships faced by displaced families but also foster a sense of solidarity and hope within their community. The collaborative efforts of volunteers and supporters are pivotal in rebuilding Lebanon gradually, ensuring that those suffering do not face their struggles alone.
The donation campaign initiated by the students from the American University of Beirut arises amidst a humanitarian crisis stemming from a lengthy conflict with Israel, which began over a year ago. This war has led to tremendous loss of life and widespread displacement, particularly affecting families across Lebanon. The need for immediate humanitarian assistance has grown as many people have lost their homes and livelihoods. Amidst ongoing military operations and provided that humanitarian efforts are crucial during this challenging period, the students’ initiative reflects a grassroots response to an extensive crisis impacting the entire nation.
In summary, the ‘Hope for our Lebanon’ campaign exemplifies the power of community organization in response to widespread suffering caused by a protracted war. The efforts of the three American University of Beirut students highlight an ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of displaced families by providing essential aid and fostering hope. Their initiative encourages not only direct support through donations but also communal engagement, emphasizing that every small contribution can significantly impact rebuilding efforts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
