International Rescue Committee


Hello, John,

My name is Elias, and I work for the IRC in Beirut. I last wrote to you almost exactly one year ago today — to share my personal account following the devastating explosion in our beautiful city.

Now, one year later, we only get an average of 5 hours of electricity a day. We spend most of our nights on our balconies gasping for air in the summer heat. I've lost count of my sleepless nights.

But despite all this, I wanted to make sure I emailed you this week to share my perspective from the ground — one year on. (I will attach some photos to the bottom of this email. See below.)

On August 4, 2020, 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate improperly stored in the port of Beirut caught fire and exploded, rocking the entire city, shattering glass in buildings, and causing extensive structural damage in the port — a densely populated area which is, in many ways, the heart and soul of Beirut.

Hundreds of people were killed, and many thousands injured.

I was there. I heard the blast, felt the heat, and smelled the chemicals released into the air. In the days and weeks that followed, I realized the trauma had penetrated to my soul, affecting me on every level. I couldn't bear loud sounds, especially fireworks. I didn't want to see anyone. Ironically, the pandemic helped, since everyone was forced to isolate anyway.

A few months later, I had an epiphany — let's call it a blast of reality. I realized I was suffering from depression. My struggles were made worse by Lebanon's dire economic situation that seems, still, without solution.

I can't tell you how bad it is in Lebanon right now. The value of our currency has plummeted and prices have skyrocketed. You don't need to be an economist to see how people are struggling and society is collapsing. Food, clean water, medicine, and petrol are all scarce.

I have witnessed people running from one pharmacy to another searching for milk for their babies. I have heard children's empty stomachs. I see children out of school, in the streets, some forced to work to support themselves and their families. Needs are becoming greater, and basic necessities continue to disappear.

The explosion has affected everyone in Lebanon, including the millions of refugees who fled here from Syria, Iraq, and other countries. These survivors now face new dangers and risks as the country spirals into despair.

And yet, the people living in Lebanon feel embraced by those willing to help — whether they are individuals, local NGOs or agencies from across the globe. The IRC's Lebanon team has played an essential role in the aftermath of the explosion, bringing hope, passion, and a lot of faith to their work here.

They started with assessments all over the city and its suburbs. On several occasions, I accompanied IRC staff on their rounds to document their work. People welcome the teams every time they knock on a door.

I remember an elderly lady living in the Karantina area who had lost her husband a month before the explosion. When she saw us, she said: "It must be Georges who sent you." I thought she had confused us with another organization. "Georges, Georges," she repeated, "my late husband, he is in heaven — and he sent you to help me."

After this year, I understand what it is like when being strong is the only option left. Still, I'm hopeful. I hope that one day, I will write to you about Lebanon and my country will be in a better place. Until then, I need to keep strong.

In solidarity and with hope,

Elias

Elias El Beam
IRC, Lebanon

P.S. We are deeply thankful for the support of our incredible community. As you can imagine, our work doesn’t stop here — in Lebanon and around the world. That's why I wanted to ask if you can take the next step and set up a monthly donation today. Any amount will make an impact, John.

Your monthly support will help IRC teams respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies — like the devastating explosion in Beirut — and stay for as long as we're needed. We are on the ground in crisis areas around the world every day, providing urgent medical care, emergency food, emergency cash assistance, psychological first aid, and other critical aid.

Use this link to become a monthly donor today and help us assist children and families in the toughest places on Earth: [link removed]

Thank you again. — Elias


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