Official Statement
September 26, 2024
To the People of Lebanon,
As we confront this latest period of unrest, we want to extend our deepest sympathies to the innocent men, women, and children caught in the midst of this conflict. For those of us with roots in Lebanon, whether within the borders or far away, the fear, worry, and grief during these incredibly difficult times is something we all share. Lebanon’s heart aches, but as a nation, we remain resilient. We want to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to you, the people we serve, and to the future we are building together.
Our mission has always been twofold: to ensure the long-term progress of Lebanon and to address the immediate needs of its people. While we work tirelessly toward a future of hope and opportunity for our next generation, we also recognize the pressing needs of today. In light of the current situation, however, Aid Lebanon must take the difficult decision to temporarily hold off on the direct distribution of aid for security and logistical reasons. This decision is not taken lightly, but it is necessary to protect the safety of our teams and ensure the sustainability of our operations. We are preparing to do our part, no matter how small, to support those affected and ensure that innocent civilians receive the help they need when the time comes.
Nevertheless, we remain fully committed to supporting Lebanon in every way we can during this challenging time. In the next 24 to 48 hours, we will be opening designated channels for the international community, diaspora, and local supporters to contribute aid. This will allow us to effectively coordinate and deploy resources to those most in need as soon as the situation permits.
While we prioritize the safety of all involved, please rest assured that Aid Lebanon is preparing for swift action as conditions stabilize. We remain focused on delivering the vital support our people need, with transparency and accountability at the core of everything we do.
Lebanon has faced hardship before, and each time we have emerged stronger. As we navigate these difficult days, we are reminded of the words of Khalil Gibran: “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” This moment will not define us; our resilience and determination will. Aid Lebanon, in partnership with you, will continue to build a Lebanon that thrives for generations to come.
Aid Lebanon will stand ready to act when it is safe to do so, and we will not stop working to ensure that every Lebanese citizen receives the help they need and deserve.
We will continue to keep you informed of any developments, and we look forward to resuming our operations in full as soon as possible. Together, we will overcome this challenge, as we have many before.
With unwavering commitment,
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