John,
If you are looking for a way to support the people of Lebanon — this is it.

The IRC has launched an emergency response to directly assist the people of Beirut. Our staff of 500 across Lebanon is working around the clock to reach the most vulnerable as the city struggles to recover from the impact of the explosion.

With your help, we can provide immediate cash and economic assistance to those impacted and displaced by the blast in Beirut. Your gift will allow families to meet their immediate needs in the aftermath of this terrible incident and support them to get back on their feet.

"We are in full emergency mobilization," says IRC President David Miliband. "Making sure our best expertise is available, and our staff members are ready to help children, to get cash support to those who need food, a safe place to shelter, and that those with disabilities — including new disabilities resulting from the blast — will be able to get the support they so desperately need in the coming days and weeks.

We say it shouldn't take an explosion like that on Tuesday to bring aid and help to a country like Lebanon. It needs us now, but it also needs us to send a big message — this is a connected world and we need to stand together."

John, the situation in Lebanon is beyond devastating.

The explosion last week — which killed over 160 people and wounded more than 5,000 more — has left an additional 300,000 people displaced. One third of the displaced are children. This crisis comes on top of an already looming threat of economic collapse and increasing food scarcity connected to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Will you help the IRC in Lebanon rush assistance directly to those in need?

The IRC began working in Lebanon in 2012, supporting both Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities. In 2019, the organization reached over 89,000 people through its work implementing education, economic recovery and development, and women's and child protection programs in all regions of Lebanon. It also provides legal assistance and skills training, and across all programming it works to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

"Before the blast, the economy was already in freefall," says Mohammad Nassar, IRC Lebanon Country Director. "Inflation was on the rise and COVID-19 had drained the health sector...Now, the situation is even worse. The explosion has exacerbated every existing need."

John, this is unlike an emergency we’ve faced. The blast was the equivalent of a 3.3 magnitude earthquake. We need to act quickly and help as many people as possible.

Please give what you can today. Your gift will help us rush assistance to those affected by the blast.

With urgency and gratitude,

Emily Martin
Director, USA Digital Fundraising
International Rescue Committee


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