October 2, 2024
How urgent are the relief needs of the people of Lebanon?
The humanitarian needs of the people of Lebanon – for food, water, shelter, winter warmth, medical help, and life - and household essentials – has reached emergency levels, especially since September 23, 2024.
Most of the displaced left their homes in just minutes, with nothing but documents and what they could carry.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati says the number of people displaced inside Lebanon has reached 1.2 million – one-fifth of the country’s population.
This number does not include Lebanese and Syrian refugees resettled in Lebanon pouring into Syria and Iraq, according to UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, with “large crowds, including women, young children and babies … waiting in line after spending the night outdoors in falling temperatures.”
The number of seriously injured in Lebanon has also soared to about 9,000 from September 17th to October 2nd, 2024, pushing the country’s healthcare system near collapse, and making emergency medical care the top priority.
Are Lebanon’s newly displaced its only vulnerable population?
No. Lebanon hosts more refugees on average per person than any other country in the world.
1.5 Million Syrian Refugees
210,000 Palestinian Refugees
11,000 Refugees from Other Countries
Was Lebanon economically stable before the current crisis?
No. Lebanon has 5.5 million people. At least 1.26 million (23%) have fallen into IPC Phase 3 Food Insecurity (see Integrated Food Security Phase Classification).
This means about 1 in 4 people in Lebanon (including Syrian and Palestinian refugees) are acutely malnourished. They go without food for long gaps, and the food they do eat doesn’t meet their minimum nutritional needs. Some are in famine, starving to death, or one step away from it.
Beyond this, 2.5 million people in Lebanon – more than 45% – were dependent on food assistance before the current crisis.
Was Lebanon always food deprived?
No. Lebanon has traditionally been a food-rich, fertile land. (Its name comes from the white snow-capped Mount Lebanon. But the root of that Semitic language word – as in the Arabic ‘laban,’ – literally means ‘milk’ for a reason!)
But Lebanon has suffered a drastic monetary crisis for years, partially because of heavy sanctions on Syria and others. Lebanon’s currency lost 98% of its value from January 2023 to March 2024. At the same time, food and the price of other goods skyrocketed 221%, a staggering inflation rate.
How long has Zakat Foundation of America helped Lebanon’s afflicted?
Since 2001, Zakat Foundation of America’s supporters and relief specialists have built a trusted, permanent humanitarian network in Lebanon, aiding victims of conflict and displacement.
When the 2020 Beirut explosion struck, we responded immediately with emergency relief. Our teams also provide refugee children with education, vocational training, health clinics, food, medicine, and essential supplies.
Every year, thousands of refugee families receive Ramadan Iftar-meals for the entire month. On Eid al-Adhah, we hand-deliver to hundreds of hungry families fresh, Islamically-sacrificed udhiyah-qurbani offerings.
What is Zakat Foundation of America doing for Lebanon’s displaced now?
In the current crisis, we are immediately providing:
➟ Emergency Family Food Baskets
➟ Large-Box Family Hygiene Packages
What does an emergency food basket contain?
Generally, they contain these type of items, though their content specifics in each food category may vary according to location:
Staples: Rice & lentils. Bulgur & ful beans. Pasta & flour. Meats: Corned beef, luncheon & tuna. Oils: Olive, sesame seed & sunflower. Cheeses: Triangle, feta cheese, cheddar, cream cheese & heavy spreads. Condiments: Tomato paste and sauce & hot sauce. Yeast, sugar & thyme (za‘tar). Chocolates, jam & tea.
How about hygiene boxes?
Large-box family hygiene kits include these kinds of items in quantity:
Antiseptic Liquid, Facial Tissue, Cotton Diapers (washable), Feminine Napkins, Towels, Tooth Brushes & Paste (5-pack), Shampoo, Bar Soap (packs), Loofa, Detergent, Dish Soap, and Wet Towel Packets.
How can I help Lebanon’s suffering hundreds of thousands?
You can send lifesaving aid to Lebanon’s displaced, hungry and injured in dire need.
✓ $50 Sends a Food Basket Feeding a Family of 5 for 10 Days
✓ $20 Supplies a Large-Box Hygiene Kit to a Family of 5
Please help Lebanon’s suffering, and pray for them.
