A Tribute to The Lebanese Red Cross: Superheroes in Disguise
Op-Ed by Maria Wehbe, Staff Writer
January 2nd, 2021
The Lebanese Red Cross is ever more than solely a humanitarian organization that offers medical services, although that in itself is extraordinarily valued. It is the source of hope and warmth for so many Lebanese citizens that have literally lost everything with the turbulence that has been taking over in Lebanon.
When thinking back at all which has has occurred over the past year or so, it does not come as a surprise that the entire of humanity hase been affected in one way or another: from the wildfires to the uprisings, from the pandemic to the inflation rates and to add fuel to fire, the tragic 4th of August Port of Beirut Explosion, labeled as the third worst explosion to ever occur in History. The Lebanese Red Cross has been on the frontline for most of these events and it is difficult to imagine that the Lebanese society would have been able to deal with these devastating events without their assistance.
Since the Port Explosion, the Lebanese Red Cross helped more than 248,000 people. An estimate of 9800 families have been receiving direct cash assistance from the LRC, and more than 52,000 door-to-door assessments have been completed. Not to mention more than 7000 COVID missions have been completed [1]. The LRC has truly done everything within their mandate and capacity to offer aid and help as many citizens as they can, “ss a response to the 4th of August Beirut Port Explosion, the LRC committed to provide direct financial assistance of 300 USD per months, for a period of 7 months, to at least 10,000 of the most vulnerable affected families.” [2]. The work they have been putting in is astonishing and the number of people they have helped goes beyond what anyone could have anticipated.
There are three main sectors within the Lebanese Red Cross: The Emergency Medical Sector (EMS), The Disaster Management Sector (DMS) and The Youth Sector.
At the beginning of the pandemic, the leaders of each center of the youth sector received training in order to better grasp how to deal with the pandemic and then, it was given to all the members of the Youth Sector around Lebanon. Afterwards, some members were giving the trainings to schoolteachers as well, in the form of awareness workshops. With the Corona Virus Outbreak, The Emergency Medical Sector needed help preparing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) (the suits and material needed for the transfer of COVID patients) and the Youth Sector helped them out, although it is normally not within their scope of work.
The Youth Sector consists of the biggest number of volunteers, and this does not come as a surprise: when the explosion happened, it was arguably primarily the youth who picked themselves up and went down to clean the streets, in the hope of rebuilding their beloved city, Beirut. The youth is more hopeful than ever, and they are nowhere near giving up, no matter the cost. Even though helping the Emergency Sector with disasters and crises was not a matter most youth of Lebanon has been accustomed to, they immediately jumped in acknowledging that their help was needed. The last time the youth was needed to be involved and active in such maneuvers was arguably during the 2006 war - evidently, this says a lot.
What follows are a few of statements from Lebanese Red Cross volunteers, describing what their experience has been like and what The Lebanese Red Cross means to them:
Luna Mansour – Head of Media and Public Relations of the Youth Sector (AUB Club):
After the August 4th blast, being present as a Red Cross volunteer on the ground was the only thing that helped me cope with the shock. My role as a volunteer did not only give me purpose, but it reminded me every day of why I choose dedication to Red Cross.
Following the blast and during the initial phase of damage and needs assessment, going door-to-door allowed me to develop indescribable bonds. In several cases, we were told that we were the first and only ones to check up. The unconditional trust and gratitude in people’s eyes and words are what kept me going and showed me how big of a responsibility I have towards the community - at a time when I felt helpless as an individual.
To me, there is no bigger sense of fulfillment or purpose than to wake up every day and choose to commit my time and energy to humanity.
Anonymous – Lebanese Red Cross Volunteer, Rescuer:
I have been a Red Cross Volunteer for a year now, and I am volunteering as a rescuer. We all know that all over the world, and in Lebanon in particular, 2020 has been awful. Personally, if I wasn’t a part of The Lebanese Red Cross, I wouldn’t have been able to bear all the tragic events that have occurred this past year.
Being a volunteer gave me the strength to keep going. I sometimes say to myself that this experience has given more to me than I have given back.
Most of the time, what we see and live through is not easy at all, but it’s the people’s smiles and the faith they have in us that help us move forward. I have learned so much because of this experience.
Being a rescuer isn’t only for a day, it’s a way of life and you learn something new every day.
Thus, this has been one of the most exhilarating and fruitful experiences of my life, and one of the most important.
We owe a grand salute to the Lebanese Red Cross for all there has been done within their capacity and their all they continue to commit to: they are always there at our most vulnerable states and always go out of their way to provide assistance to every single person who needs it. They deserve the utmost respect and gratitude for their effort in helping the community. If there is one thing we can learn from this incredible entity, it is to always come in aid to those around us, whenever we can, and to love our country and society unconditionally.
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