I am Talaat
October 23 2024
2 minutes
It is not easy to help others when I am displaced myself, and I have to watch my hometown of Nabatieh being destroyed by Israel. Nothing is worse than the helplessness I felt when we fled. But that same situation also gives me energy, because the needs are enormous and our work makes a difference.
"I am Talaat, a Lebanese aid worker working for Basmeh & Zeitooneh (B&Z), a partner organization of 11.11.11. Together we implement various programs and projects in Lebanon and the wider region. B&Z was founded on the strength of Syrian refugees, and many of my colleagues are refugees themselves. As a "Refugee-Led Organisation" (RLO), our organization fights for refugees to have a central place at the table where decisions about their future are made. Together with 11.11.11 and other partners, through the Refugee Protection Watch coalition, I am committed to better protection for displaced Syrians in Lebanon and Syria."
"At the end of September 2024, everything changed. Like hundreds of thousands of other Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians, I had to flee southern Lebanon in a hurry, away from the threat of Israeli bombs."
"We sprang into action immediately after the Israeli attacks began. In just three weeks, we raised $432.000 through individual donations, but much more international donor support is needed."
"Through these resources, we can provide the most urgent emergency aid. Our focus is on setting up temporary shelters, food aid, hygiene kits and mattresses and blankets. And psychological support for children, that is also very important. We work all over the country, both in collective shelters and outside. Many people are still sleeping in the open air or in their cars, there has been a mass exodus in recent weeks."
"We provide aid to anyone in need, whether Lebanese, Syrians or Palestinians. As a local refugee-led organisation, we also have access to places that large NGOs or UN agencies cannot reach. For example, we were the first, and so far only, organisation to provide aid to the southern city of Nabatieh. We coordinated with the municipal authorities to send empty trucks to the city of Saida, where we stood ready to unload the aid."
Join us in action
Lebanon is in a severe crisis, with countless people fleeing violence. Our partner Basmeh & Zeitooneh provides structural solutions, but also offers shelter, food and essential emergency aid. Support their work and join us in action.
