Lebanon's nonprofit organizations are making efforts to provide assistance for the refugees and displaced Lebanese people after the outbreak of the Israeli war on Hezbollah, but they are facing challenges due to limited resources.
The ongoing Lebanon-Israel conflict has seen an escalation, with the Israeli military intensifying its operations against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. This conflict has displaced approximately 1.2 million Lebanese citizens from their homes, with the majority seeking refuge in Beirut and the northern regions following the conflict's intensification over the last three weeks.
The Cuisine de Mariam, or Mary's Soup Kitchen, is a restaurant in Beirut that has gone viral in Lebanon for delivering the largest number of free meals every day after the war broke out. In a country divided between sects and factions based on religion or political affiliations, the kitchen gained popularity for not limiting the meals to any segment of the community but to all who need food.
Dounia Khairallah Tawk, founder of the humanitarian organization, said that a significant number of Beirut's residents have been rendered homeless. Some are resorting to sleeping outdoors in forests, while others are enduring harsh living conditions on the streets.
"We are helping the world. We are cooking 4000 portions to meet the needs of our refugee brothers and sisters who were forced to leave their homes due to the war and what is currently happening. The living situation is incredibly difficult as we are densely packed -- a large number of people within a confined geographical area. One of the simplest things to understand is that people had to leave their homes hastily under cover of a moonless night. At times, people were warned to evacuate within just 30 minutes before their homes were bombarded. I mean, people are suffering beyond measure -- without money, clothes, or any personal belongings. There are scores of people who have resorted to sleeping in forests in Beirut, and others on the streets. The situation is incredibly dire, and in such cases, one can't simply say no," she said.
The founder said her kitchen reiterates its humanitarian commitment of focusing on food and supporting vulnerable people, despite challenges.
"For instance, I received a call informing me that there are people who haven't eaten for three days, how can I possibly refuse that? It's 4 PM, we're cleaning up, then suddenly we get a call. They need 600 meals at a certain place. We start cooking again because some people can't eat. We're helping ensure no one sleeps hungry," she said.
The situation of the refugees in Lebanon is very tough. Many have escaped their homes just to find themselves living in a crowded place and lacking basic things like clean water, food and health care. The flagging economic situation in Lebanon is making things even worse with no employment and rising prices.
"We were just removed from the suburbs and now we're at the Baabdat school. Thank Allah! The whole association is helping us and we appreciate their kindness and hope to return to our own homes. Allah will restore peace. The challenges are that my children are getting impatient, they just can't be patient. We can be patient. Like my 12-year-old daughter who can't stand it. She says, 'I am bored! I want to study! I want to go to my school!' My son has started working now and he just sits around saying, 'No work!' This is the problem," said a displaced Lebanese.
Lebanon's nonprofit groups provide assistance for displaced people
Lebanon's nonprofit groups provide assistance for displaced people
Lebanon's nonprofit groups provide assistance to displaced people
Lebanon's nonprofit groups provide assistance to displaced people
