Why Lebanon Still Needs Our Help

Lebanon is in crisis. After reeling from their currency plummeting, Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, suffered from a massive explosion in its port from improperly stored ammonium nitrate. Now, the country is approaching financial collapse. This week, Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker said the country would sink like the Titanic if it fails to form a government.  

Lebanon’s government and infrastructure are not the only things to worry about. Lebanon is also facing one of the most significant ecological crises due to an oil spill washing tons of tar along its coastline and threatening all of its marine life. A clean-up from this spill is last on the list of government priorities. 

On top of this, there are the Syrian refugees who have fled the civil war in Syria. Many of these refugees live in Lebanon’s refugee encampments, where they are exposed to harsh weather elements and other dangers like COVID-19. And these aren’t just a handful of refugees. There are a staggering 1.7 million displaced Syrians in Lebanon. Due to the strains of financial collapse, the government has mistreated and abused Syrian refugees within the country who are seen as a burden on an already buckled economy.

All of these issues stem from widespread corruption in the government and mismanagement. 

What Does This Mean for the People of Lebanon?

All of this means the Lebanese have seen their salaries lose value, meaning people cannot buy basic necessities. More than half of the population that was part of a middle-income country were thrown into poverty.

Can you imagine losing your life savings? That is what is happening in Lebanon right now. 

Why We Need to Help

Currently, Lebanon’s absence of a government means foreign relief is being directed to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and humanitarian organizations instead of the government, which has been rife with corruption. Rather than the government’s help, humanitarian organizations like Zakat Foundation of America, the Red Cross, and others have had to step in to help. 

From providing hot meals to citizens displaced by the blast to giving everyday essentials, Zakat Foundation of America has been on the ground to help the people of Lebanon and help the millions of refugees in the country. The aftermath of these crises has taken a toll on so many. We see the need for more humanitarian aid on a daily basis. 

Humanitarian organizations can’t do it alone. We need YOUR help. Help the people of Lebanon today. Make a difference with a Lebanon donation.