The devastating explosion in Beirut on Aug. 4 has impacted the Lebanese community both in Canada and abroad.
The Humanitarian Coalition, partnering with several aid organizations, is collecting donations to provide emergency relief to people affected by the tragedy. The Government of Canada will match donations made by Canadians up to $8 million.
Ahmad Araji, Lebanese Club Ottawa president, and his team created a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $30,000 to donate to the Lebanese Red Cross and Lebanese hospitals.
He said that the explosion has impacted the Lebanese community both physically and mentally.
“It’s more than physical, it’s mental trauma for every single Lebanese person whether they’re living in Canada or back home,” Araji said.
Araji encourages people to reach out to members of the Lebanese community to see how they can show their support.
“Ask them how they’re doing, if they need anything, to offer support whether it’s donating to anything they’re organizing here in Canada or anything else,” he said.
Raising awareness through social media, Araji added, is also effective in supporting the community.
“Utilize your social media to spread awareness [about the explosion], and then utilize it to try and raise awareness for the country itself, what’s going on, what the people are going through,” he said. “Then raise awareness to any relief fund that you’re interested in supporting.”
“There are many problems around the world and we want to bring all these issues up,” he added. “That doesn’t mean one issue is more important than the other… we want to help everybody.”
If people want to bring awareness to issues, he encourages them to contact local politicians.
“Sometimes the best way [to bring awareness] isn’t by doing it in a negative way, but by doing it in a productive way,” he said.
Maher Sinno, a University of Toronto alumnus who double majored in peace, conflict and justice studies and theatre, said that those who wish to make monetary donations could support Islamic Relief Canada, The Lebanese Canadian Coalition in partnership with the Humanitarian Coalition, and Outright Action International.
He added that if monetary donations are not an option, another way people can support the Lebanese community is by amplifying Lebanese initiatives, voices, and artists.
“The art scene still lacks a lot of Arab artists and Arab actors, directors, playwrights,” he said. “That’s another way you can highlight what’s happening in Lebanon.”
To create change for the community, Sinno said that individuals from within the Lebanese community have to be involved in the discussions.
“Always include Lebanese voices in discussions and discourse about Lebanese people and Lebanon and what we want to do about Lebanon,” he added. “A lot of the time people discuss how we can help, but they don’t include Arab folks and Lebanese folks in those conversations.”
Featured image from gofundme.com.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated.
