This campaign is organized by the Lebanese Club at MIT and the MIT Arab Alumni Association. All proceedings collected will go to the Beirut Emergency Fund, launched by SEAL, which you can learn more about
here .
The Beirut Emergency Fund's disbursement of the funds will be strictly governed with full transparency about recipient organizations. To date the following NGOs have been selected: AlGhina, Arcenciel, Beit El Baraka, Lebanon Needs, Lebanese Red Cross, Nusaned and Offre Joie. Additional ones are currently in the vetting process and we will be regularly updating the list.
On August 4th a colossal explosion struck Lebanon’s capital of Beirut. The blast was said to be a fifth of the size of the one which devastated Hiroshima. The blast killed more than 150 people and injured thousands with rescue workers continuing to comb the debris for survivors. At hospitals across the city, people had been waiting for hours for updates of loved ones who were missing or were injured. “Calling my parents to check up on them was my first instinct and every ring waiting for them to answer felt like an eternity, only to find out that my mother had been hurt. My world stopped.” Adil, a student abroad said. The impact coursed through all of the capital and destroyed complete neighborhoods. About 300,000 people were immediately displaced. Families have been forced to seek temporary shelter. According to local sources, as many as 500,000 people may need assistance with basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. The explosion also brought up concerns about Lebanon’s ability to secure vital goods with its main port destroyed and its vast reliance on imports. The governor of Beirut mentioned that the explosion has resulted in an estimated $3 to 5 Billion worth of damages. “I have no house, the ceiling came down and I don’t know where to go, I really don’t know how we will recover from this. For me, this is the end” Mohammad, a business owner said.
This disaster could not come at a worse time as Lebanon was already on the brink of collapse and has seen the rate of COVID-19 infections increase over the last few weeks. Unemployment rates are soaring and the country’s poverty rate is reaching 50%. Unfortunately, the prospect of rebuilding at a time when banks are imposing capital controls is frightening to those whose homes and businesses are destroyed. In response, we are trying to raise awareness on the situation Lebanon is facing and its crucial need for international aid. Many NGOs are driving emergency relief efforts by providing shelter and reconstruction support, food and essentials, and psychological support to vulnerable families. These organizations, however, require financial assistance to be able to undergo their support to the community.
Lebanon needs your prayers and altruism!
