How The Lebanese People Are Rising to the Economic Challenge
This last period has been tough on many in Lebanon. The economic crisis has become more severe and even unbearable to not just a few.
Some have lost their jobs, some aren't getting their whole paychecks, everything's cost is increasing by the day, and the political authority can't seem to (want to) know how to form the technocrat government to save the country.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese people are rising to the extreme challenge in order to support each other, especially at the painful wake-up call that ensued from some acts of despair recently in the country.
View on Instagram
Humanity at its best, compassion in selfless actions, initiatives of loving unity, no one is perceived as a stranger these days in the quaking Land of the Mighty Cedars.
Siblings hands in hands, conscious citizens without government, they are assuming responsibility of each other to ensure that all make it through. Let's take a look at some relevant examples:
#1 Giving out basic essentials
These protesters laid out free bread and clothes in front of the Lebanese bank in Hamra, Beirut, thus providing people with the very basic needs they may be deprived of. No matter how small the gesture is, there will be someone who needs it.
#2 Providing free food for those in need
View on Facebook
Another example of people keeping others' needs in check: Free potatoes "for the poor only", similar provisions of food and bread are being on display in the streets across Lebanon.
Initiatives to sustain struggling families for few days, and help them spare for other urgent needs like medication and heating fuel.
View on Facebook
Similarly, this woman in Jounieh set up a table with some food she bought herself, and her sign states: "A poor Lebanese donating to a poorer Lebanese... Together, hand in hand, so we live with dignity."
#3 The generosity of some local stores and restaurants
We have been seeing A LOT of these generous, amazing, and thoughtful acts of support. Many Lebanese restaurants, bakeries, and stores haven't been charging poor people.
Their signs say: "My fellow Lebanese citizen; if you don't have money, don't be shy and don't leave your family without food. Come in and take whatever you need. My livelihood and your livelihood are in God's hands."
#4 Ensuring everyone a warm winter
Some Lebanese fuel stations have been allowing needing customers to take free gallons of fuel to spare their families the cold winter. This fuel station in the southern city of Tyre states the following in its sign:
"People are for each other ... and without shyness. If you don't have money to pay for fuel to keep you kids warm take a gallon and God will forgive you. And those with God-given livelihood, donate even if just 1,000 L.L. And the livelihood is in the hands of God."
#5 Setting up Give-or-Take street displays
Via امنيات لبنان
These stands are set up on the streets by the revolutionaries of Bedawi in Tripoli. The sign reads: "If you're in need, take. If you are not, give."
People able to donate food and basic essentials are leaving their donations on this stand so that those in need can benefit from them. This great idea is working and the tables are always full, which means that many are indeed helping freely and many families are being fed.
#6 Initiatives of extra work
Ibrahim el Achkar is a Lebanese fisherman of Tyre that has been donating his daily catch to those in need. Every night after work, he goes fishing and distributes his yields to the needy in his area, Sour.
This generous and thoughtful man isn't just giving away what he already has, but he is working extra to provide families of his area with food. Absolutely amazing!
#7 Some doctors are charging only symbolic fees
"We're here for each other. Considering the tough economic circumstances, especially with the costs of medical treatments, we invite everyone who can't pay for medical expenses to come to us.
Our consultation will only cost you 3000 L.L." which amounts to $2. The sign of this medical center in the southern city of Sidon also indicates that the center has available doctors of all specialties.