Lebanon: The unfolding of a tragedy
RAJAA BINT TALAL: Once known as the jewel of the Middle East, Lebanon is now on the brink of collapse. Since 2019, the country, riddled with corruption that led to the country's financial collapse, has been facing one of the worst economic crises of the 21st century.
It all started in 2019 when the Lebanese Pound began depreciating at a rapid rate. The drastic drop of the Pound took place against a backdrop of warlords and crooked politicians bickering over government seats. Soon thereafter, a domino effect began. Overnight, the Lebanese people were informed that they were now locked out of their bank accounts, unable to withdraw their money. This decision sent shockwaves amongst the people as they found themselves bereft of their funds, the majority without any other source of income. In no time, food and electricity shortages hit the country. The poverty rate increased, as did unemployment and the Lebanese people were struggling to survive on a day-to-day basis.
One of those people navigating the chaos of Beirut is Lubna Izzedin, mother of two. Izzedin is the founder of Sanad, a palliative care NGO that takes care of terminally ill patients in the sanctuary of their own homes. She was buffeted by the economic catastrophe, trying to continue providing adequate care for her patients as well as sustaining a livable environment for her children.
"Our daily life started to change since the Thawra [revolution], which is almost more than two years ago. Ever since then, COVID came, then the economic crisis. It is like we have been bombarded with challenges on all levels," Izzedin said.
In addition, in all its sectors, the health industry has been waning in Lebanon. Dr. Nicole Eid - a psychiatrist - has seen the extent of the effect on the Lebanese people.
"We live in a feeling of unsafety. The medical field has been affected a lot. Most of the doctors left. There are lots of medication shortages. Even basic medicine such as Panadol or Aspirin could not be found. Even hospitals were running out of equipment. If something happens to us, we do not feel like we are protected," said Eid.
Another challenge that arose for the Lebanese people was when a massive explosion detonated in the center of Beirut on August fourth 2020. The blast killed over 200 people and left thousands injured, with hundreds of homes damaged in the process.
"The explosion was one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in history. It killed at least 216 people (the exact figure is unknown) and injured more than 6,500. It left hundreds of thousands homeless and damaged 85,744 properties," Rania Abouzeid wrote for the New York Times.
The blast left all the people of Beirut at rock bottom, with little hope left for the future of their beloved country.
"When August fourth explosion happened, it killed every last bit of hope we had," Izzedin said. "We never expected to reach rock bottom. Whenever we reached rock bottom, we never expected to reach another low, and yet we did. First the Thawra, then the economic crisis and then the explosion."
One of the superpowers that have recently come to Lebanon’s Aid since the explosion is the United States of America. President Joe Biden recently announced the donation of approximately $100 million to help the people of Lebanon. The money from USAID and the US state department will help people affected by the tragic economic situation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With the $41 million of USAID funding, the United States will provide urgently needed food assistance, health care, protection and water and sanitation support to communities, including those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, this also includes food assistance to help 400,000 vulnerable Lebanese beneficiaries,” the United States embassy in Lebanon wrote.
Although they have received aid from various countries, the citizens of Lebanon are still suffering two years after the crisis started.
"People cannot afford basic needs, such as rice and milk. They were asking people from abroad to send them their basic needs," Eid said.
"I usually walk back to work. You see children and young people sitting in the trash bins. Either looking for food or something to sell," Izzedin said.
Despite the tragedies that occurred, the Lebanese people have still retained their fighting spirit and survival instinct. They believe they have no choice but to soldier on until the situation brightens up. This is their country, their home; they will fight for it until the bitter end. They will build a country they can be proud of, created by the people for the people. The 2022 parliamentary elections will be their chance to create a change, and they will do everything in their power to make that happen.
"How do we stay hopeful? Civil society has been the backbone of the Lebanese community, and today we [civil society] come back to the surface. We rise to the occasion and help our community in any way we can," Izzedin said.
Interviewees:
Lubna Izzedin - Founding Member and President of Sanad
Dr. Nicole Eid - Lebanese Psychatrist
Rajaa Bint Talal, Sophomore in the SFS, from Amman, Jordan.