American Friends are delivering vital aid to families displaced by violence. This article was published originally on the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) website:
“In October, AFSC launched an emergency response to aid families in Lebanon displaced by Israel’s bombing campaign and ground invasion. So many of you responded to our call, helping us to provide immediate relief to people forced to flee their homes.
With your support, we were able to act quickly through our longstanding partnerships in the region. Working with Association Najdeh and Lebanese Young Talents (LYT), we reached displaced Lebanese and Palestinian families in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Iklim el Kharoub, Nahr El Bared camp for Palestinian refugees, and Saida. These regions were already sheltering refugees and facing economic challenges when more families arrived seeking safety. Our relief efforts have helped meet the growing needs of both newly displaced families and their host communities.
Social activities for children. Photo: AFSC/Middle East
To date, we have assisted more than 3,500 people, including Palestinian and Syrian refugees who have once again been displaced.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, we are providing psycho-social support sessions for children and youth and social and emotional learning activities. Through these efforts, we’re helping people heal from trauma and rebuild their lives in new communities.
The scale of displacement remains immense, with more than a million people forced from their homes. But together with your support, we’re helping families get the help they need as we keep working toward our vision for a just, lasting peace in the region.”
Author: Bilal Olimat
Photo: Distributing aid in Lebanon, Georges Assaf