Lebanon – United in the Face of Hardship

End of April 2025 – Beirut, Lebanon
Michael and Alexandra travelled from Zurich to Beirut, where they were warmly welcomed at the airport by Ahmad – a long-time friend of the team, always full of energy and compassion. During the drive through the city, it quickly became clear how drastically conditions in the country have worsened. Ahmad explained the devastating impact of inflation, which has pushed much of the former middle class into poverty. Those who were already struggling are now even more vulnerable – especially refugees from Syria and Palestine, many of whom have been living in overcrowded camps for decades, without access to basic resources or hope for change.

Lebanon has a population of around six million – a quarter of whom are refugees. Together with Ahmad, Samar, and other dedicated local helpers, the team visited families in need across the country, from north to south, including several refugee camps.

In the camps, large-scale distributions of food parcels were organized – including rice, oil, lentils, and pasta. One particularly touching moment was seeing the joy on children's faces when they received small packets of noodle soup – a simple gift that brought moments of real happiness. Many mothers also spoke of their greatest concern: the lack of baby formula for their infants, which leaves them in constant fear.

In Lebanese communities, the team focused on helping those most affected – especially widows who had lost their husbands to war or illness and were now caring for several children on their own. Wherever urgent help was needed, the team covered outstanding bills – for electricity, medicine, or groceries bought on credit. Again and again, tears of relief and gratitude were shed by families who didn’t know how they would make it through the next day.

Ahmad, Samar, and the entire local team showed extraordinary commitment. They planned and carried out the distributions with great care, and always with warmth, respect, and deep compassion. For Michael and Alexandra, the hospitality they experienced in Ahmad’s family home became a deeply moving part of the journey – they were welcomed like family members.

Each evening, the group came together to reflect on the day. The suffering is immense – but so is the solidarity between the Lebanese people and the refugees. Shared hardship has created a quiet but powerful sense of unity that left a lasting impression.

After six intense days, Michael and Alexandra returned home filled with emotion, humility, and gratitude. The journey came to an end – but the connection to the people they met remains strong.