Help to Rebuild and Recover the Zeinab Family After Bombing

Helping the Zeinab Family Rebuild and Recover from Bombings in Lebanon

Blanka and Ziad have been dedicated public servants for over two decades, living in British Columbia since they immigrated in 1992. Despite moving to Canada by themselves with no family or friends to help them here, they built their life together. Now, residing in Surrey, British Columbia, Blanka and Ziad have built a family, raising two sons and their beloved dog, while maintaining strong ties with their families back home in both Lebanon and the Czech Republic.

This holiday season, Blanka shared with me that she would not be celebrating Christmas and instead using the money for something else that was more important to her. Blanka then described how she was choosing to support Ziad’s family in Lebanon, who are facing unimaginable hardships and sorrows. This selfless act inspired me to set up this GoFundMe campaign, despite Blanka and Ziad’s humble reluctance of not wanting to ask for help.

Yet, the need to help their family is too great, and any amount, no matter how small, can make a significant impact when we come together as a community to help this family in need.

History:

Ziad’s father (age 85) and mother (age 79) have been living in the small village of Shebaa in south Lebanon, for over three decades. On September 22, 2024 they were forced to emergency evacuate due Israeli officials announcing imminent bombing to their village.

Their home, which is where Ziad grew up with all his brothers and extended family, was completely destroyed by the time the bombing stopped on November 27. The loss of their home, filled with memories and love, is devastating.

Decades of work were put into this home to upgrade it, including the recent installation of solar panels and other upgrades to assist the Zeinab Family as they were aging. The Zeinab Family were planning to keep this home for generations to come and had invested their time, money, and love into making it what it was.

Upon returning to Shebaa, it was soon realized that neighboring houses were not destroyed, so while many other families have returned to their homes in Shebaa and recover from displacement, Ziad’s parents, returned to rubble.

All contents and the entire structure were destroyed when a bomb directly hit the family home. Family pets and other valuables were not able to be taken during the evacuation – but thankfully a neighbour was able to rescue the family’s dog and feed it while it waited for them to return.

We humbly request your generous donations to support this family in their time of dire need. Your contributions will go directly towards providing temporary housing, rent, utilities, clothing, food, and other essentials as they work to rebuild their lives.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in alleviating their sorrow and providing relief to Blanka and Ziad, who are sending as much of their personal income as they can to help their family.

Your kindness and support during this challenging time are greatly appreciated, as they help turn despair into hope for one family.

Together, we can make a big difference and show compassion to those in need by helping in small ways within our community. Thank you in advance for your generosity. If you are unable to contribute, we appreciate any shares to others who may be able to assist or donate within their means.

How the funds will be distributed:

My name is Nikki Best, I am a resident of Canada and a mutual friend and colleague of Blanka. I have listed Blanka as the beneficiary of this fundraiser. Blanka and Ziad will be sending the funds from Canada to Lebanon via wire transfer, via Western Union, as GoFundMe is not currently available in Lebanon.

We will continue to update this page as more information and details on the Zeinab Family as they become more stable in their recovery and rebuild.