The Beirut blast put new heavy burdens on an already fragile country, burdens that the government should be doing everything in its power to relieve its citizens from.
However, the government’s effort in lifting the burdens of the citizens is barely anywhere to be seen. Instead, assistance is coming from the people themselves and the NGOs.
The Lebanese are helping each other get through this disaster in every way possible.
From doctors offering free surgeries and engineers offering their work, to people sheltering and cooking, and others donating and fundraising, the Lebanese people are themselves managing the catastrophe to get themselves out of it.
The international community is also pledging help to the people through NGOs, rather than sending financial assistance to the government.
If the Thawra’s voices haven’t been heard nor heeded by the dawleh, they have certainly been heard across the world. And that monstrous explosion caused by the neglect of the ruling body came to further ascertain the legitimacy of the Lebanese people’s demands.
Even religious institutions are doing what they can to help the affected families, whether from abroad or locally.
According to Father Bassam Bou Raad Geagea, a Lebanese priest resident of Mar Mikhael, Beirut, the Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut is replacing the glass windows of all renters in its buildings in the affected area.
This aid is being extended to all the tenants who live in their buildings regardless of sect and religion.
On Wednesday, Patriarch Beshara Boutros al-Rahi visited the Mar Mikhael neighborhood to see those affected by the explosion.
He visited the Mar Mikhael Church, as well as residents of the Archdiocese buildings that are being currently restored by the World Patriarchal Maronite Foundation.
The same act of support is taking place in other neighborhoods in Beirut, such as in Achrafieh.
On that note, the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) in Baltimore, US, have rushed to respond as well to “Lebanon Blast”, releasing emergency funds two days after the explosion, to immediately assist those affected of their communities in Beirut.
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