In Lebanon, scenes of flight and panic took place this Wednesday, October 30, in the heavily bombed city of Baalbek. There are increasing numbers of displaced people throughout the country. In addition to humanitarian aid, personal initiatives to help them are increasing. As in the Christian locality of Aïn Alak, north of Beirut, where a chef and his team distribute meals daily.
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From our special envoys to Aïn Alak,
Thirty-five Shiite families from the SouthLebanon took refuge in this Christian center. Today, nearly 200 hot meals are distributed to them. It is also a way of strengthening ties between communities.
“ We had a certain apprehension coming to this Christian region as inhabitants of the south. But this welcome shows that there is no need to be afraid. We are all Lebanese. These personal initiatives mean a lot to us », Confides a displaced person.
Several times a week, this meal distribution takes place directly at their place of accommodation. “ It’s good, but I prefer my mom’s cooking », confides this little girl to us.
Her mother appreciates the comfort brought by this initiative: “ There are many initiatives like this, and when you feel well surrounded, that people take care of you, it really helps you. Especially in difficult times. Morale is the most important thing ! Man does not live by bread alone. »
It was the famous Lebanese chef Mario Medawar who decided to help the displaced people. As an echo of his personal story: “ In 1989, I was 9 years old during the Civil War. We too had to flee, it was misery. We had neither food nor water, and there was no association to help us. Today, thank God, I have the means, I can help. And generous people donate to us. »
Since the start of the war, Chef Medawar and his clerks have distributed nearly 10,000 meals.
Also read[En direct] Israeli army targets Baalbek region in northeast Lebanon