Dear 'First Name/Friend'

Today, on the three-year anniversary of the Beirut blast, we remember the 218 to 240 victims, over 7,000 injured, the thousands of families whose lives have changed forever, and the millions of Lebanese people that are calling for a government that holds the perpetrators accountable.

On August 4th, 2020, a massive explosion in the Port of Beirut killed hundreds, wounded thousands, forced hundreds of thousands to flee their destroyed homes and devastated neighborhoods, and changed Lebanon forever.

Three years on, after one of the saddest catastrophes in Lebanon's history, no one has been arrested. No one has been charged. No one has faced justice. The Lebanese government has allowed these perpetrators to be free without any investigation and accountability, while the rest of Lebanon continues to mourn the innocent lives lost and rebuild a broken country.

To remember the anniversary, AAI yesterday hosted a call in our continued series The Lebanon Conversation. We were joined from Beirut by survivor Mireille Bazergy, member of parliament Paula Yacoubian, director of Human Rights Watch's MENA office Lama Fakih, and filmmaker Daizy Gedeon, who shared their stories of that faithful day and action they all continue to do to hold those accountable for their actions that led to the blast.

In case you weren't able to join us during yesterday's conversation, I wanted to send a link to the recording which you can find here. I invite you to watch and hope you are moved, as was I, by their courage.

On today's three-year anniversary, let us remember the victims, honor their families, and continue to call for a Lebanon that prioritizes justice for its people.

Regards,

Jim Zogby

Arab American Institute Foundation
1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20006
United States