Hi Friend,

Like all of you, we watched the images coming from Lebanon 16 days ago today with great sadness. We have had the necessary policy conversations and have seen important actions from members of Congress. Through it all, how to help the people—all of the people—in Lebanon has been paramount in our hearts and minds. And we are so grateful to the many of you who reached out for guidance on how to best help. Today, I write with that answer—the Lebanon Relief Fund.

The Lebanon Relief Fund, established by Rebecca Abou-Chedid—a member of our National Policy Council who is also a former staffer (though we don’t really ever let anyone go)—supports some of the most amazing work taking place in response to this crisis. You can take comfort that your money is making a real difference because we know all of the organizations involved. Once more, 100% of your contribution, no matter how large or small, will be tax deductible and granted to the organizations below. It's through efforts like these that we can support the people of Lebanon in the here and now while helping to build the institutional capacity the country needs for a brighter future. 

You may make a contribution by clicking here. 

Your generous donation will support: 

• Social and Economic Action for Lebanon is providing grants to vetted organizations in Lebanon that focus their efforts on the most pressing needs resulting from this tragedy including Al Ghina, Arcencial, Beit El Baraka, Lebanon Needs, the Lebanese Red Cross, Nusaned, and Offre Joie.
• Direct Relief International is a humanitarian aid organization with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.  DRI is partnering with Lebanese American philanthropists to transport shipments of badly needed medicines and medical equipment to hospitals in Lebanon.
• ANERA is providing shipments of medicines and health care supplies, as well as organizing clean-up efforts and distributing water, food, hand sanitizer, masks and gloves.
• Basmeh & Zeitooneh provides social services to the most poorly served areas in Lebanon, including Arsal, the Bekaa Valley, Tripoli and the Palestinian refugee camps in Beirut.  Donations will be used to provide shelter, food, and medication to those affected by the explosion and its repercussions.
• Teach for Lebanon: Teach For Lebanon (TFL) is a Lebanese NGO working to ensure that all children in Lebanon, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to quality education. In the wake of the crisis, TFL has mobilized to provide psycho-social support and support to schools directly impacted by the explosion.

As always, we remain grateful for your continued support—and incredible generosity.

With hope,

Maya

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