Current Situation:

After two weeks from the first bombings throughout all of Lebanon, the condition of the people is still worsening day by day: 100,000 people are left in the stricken areas, particularly in the south, Bekaa Valley, southern Beirut and the areas close to potential targets, (i.e., the power station of key infrastructure such as ports, bridges and highways).  These people have found refuge in schools, churches, mosques, public libraries and other hosting centers.  Having left home in a hurry, they need everything: clothes, food, medical assistance.  For this reason, the Lebanese volunteer organizations are providing immediate assistance to the displaced and are asking for help to reach out to as many as possible.  Even the situation in Northern Israel, Haifa and Nazareth, is deteriorating because of the persistent rockets launched by the Hezbollah guerilla which are interfering with the daily lives of inhabitants and particularly putting to risk the weakest people: the elderly and the children.  In response to the appeal by the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, to work toward alleviating the suffering of people struck in both countries, AVSI has launched a request for assistance.

Actions Planned:

Lebanon

AVSI, in cooperation with Caritas Lebanon, plans to assist almost 60,000 displaced families in various regions, like:

• North Lebanon: almost 10 villages in the provinces Tripoli, Zgharta, Akkar and Koura, where an estimated 4,000 people are sheltered in dozens of schools (closed for summer vacation) and in some churches.
• Beirut and Mount Lebanon: in these regions, the displaced are mainly coming from the south area of the capital.  Thus far, the Lebanese institutions are trying to assist by providing mats and blankets, but are unable to reach the almost 50,000 people in public buildings.
• South Lebanon: the main target of the Israeli military campaign, Southern Lebanon has been cut-off from the rest of the country because of attacks on supply trucks and the main avenues into the area  Nevertheless, through the aid of the Lebanese army, the people from the villages of Marjayoun, Ain Ebel, Rmeich, etc. close to the border, have been assisted.  The number of those living in these towns and needing assistance is estimated at 30,000 people.

AVSI and Caritas Lebanon aim to assist 90,000 people by first providing:

• 1. Bedding: such as mats, sheets, pillows, blankets, etc.
  2. Food kits: comprised of baby formula (high protein biscuits, powder milk) and pre-cooked food.  All of the food can be cooked locally and will be distributed by the network of volunteers present.
  3. Purchase and installation of large water tanks and purified water for the hosting centers.
  4. Personal hygiene kits: comprised of soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and household sterilization supplies for bathrooms and public spaces.
  5. First-aid medical kits: comprised of essential drugs like aspirin, pain and fever reducer, band-aids, gauze, anti-inflammatory medication, etc.
  6. Complementary power supplies that can be connected to existing generators or the supply of emergency generators.

Israel

In the Nazareth area and in cooperation with Holy Land custody and other local organizations, AVSI will provide the basic essential items for the elderly and children.

Tax-deductible donations can be made through checks stating, “Middle East Appeal” and payable to:

AVSI-USA

420 Lexington Ave., Suite 2754-55

New York, NY 10170-0002

AVSI in Lebanon:

For more than a decade, AVSI has been working in Lebanon through the implementation of long-term development projects in the social, health care, educational, agricultural and economic development areas in cooperation with selected local partners, both governmental and non-governmental.

In 1996, AVSI opened a permanent office in Beirut and Jounieh- Ghadir, and ever since has had international staff at work in the projects on a permanent basis.  In 2000, after the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces, AVSI carried out several humanitarian interventions in the southern, former occupied territories with private and international funds.

For more information contact AVSI-USA at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .