Christian World Service has sent $13,000 to our partner the Department of Service to Refugees Lebanon to assist people recover after the explosion at Beirut’s port in August last year.  The money will be used to provide cash vouchers for food and non-food items, school materials, repairs and psycho-social support to people affected by the disaster.

DSPR Lebanon organised a group of teenagers from Ddabyeh camp, home to Palestinian and Syrian refugees, who insisted on helping the clean-up.  They worked for three months cleaning streets and clearing over 600 damaged homes located in multilevel apartment buildings with no electricity.  They reported urgent needs back to staff member and youth group leader, Elias Habib.

“We weren‘t always this poor,” explained one mother shyly.  “A year ago, we would have been able to buy our children‘s things ourselves and not ask for your help. But everything is so different now.”

DSPR reports that this is, sadly, the new Lebanon.

“A country sinking under an unprecedented dire economic crisis, a currency that has lost almost 80% of its value, and hyperinflation prices for necessities. The pandemic served to ignite the further collapse of the Lebanese economy. For those still lucky enough to have jobs, salaries have dwindled to a few meagre dollars – barely enough to cover food, let alone buy other goods.

“Thanks to donors, DSPR Lebanon was able to procure gift cards for many of the children in the disaster area.  Overjoyed youngsters headed to the stationery shop and chose new toys, pencils, pens, notebooks, erasers, and odds and ends of school supplies. The adults also received precious gifts: coupons to be used for food and household items at the local supermarket. The gratitude was overwhelming.

“We are very grateful to partners and friends for the support and encouragement we have received and continue to receive for the many other activities and programs we run to help make a difference in the lives of people who need us all,” says Sylvia Haddad, executive director of DSPR Lebanon.

Donations to emergency appeals enable local partners to respond quickly and in the most appropriate ways.  CWS appreciates the many people who give generously at these times.

CWS is preparing to launch Operation Refugee for 2021 beginning on June 20.  The fundraising challenge will support the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees, working with Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon.  More information will be available shortly.

March 23, 2021