School Resumes and Humanitarian Aid Delivered
School Starts, Stops, and Resumes
In early September, we began our second year at Noor El-Salam Academy in Beirut with a full house of 220 students and 5 teachers. Sadly, only days later, the full-scale bombings started in southern Beirut. Many refugee families were forced out of their homes by landlords seeking financial gains during the housing crisis.
With 1.3 million Lebanese citizens being displaced due to the war, landlords are demanding higher rents. Refugee families scattered, many reportedly returning to Syria to an uncertain future. The Ministry of Education closed all schools in Beirut for several weeks and the public schools became shelters. Noor Academy restarted on October 14. Once the Director got a head-count, she was able to open up more spaces to those who were on the wait-list. We are now back at capacity in all grades and classes.
The children's eyes show the strain of war. Our staff does everything they can to give them a sense of security and comfort during this frightening time. At the moment, they are all benefiting from having a few hours a day to study and play together, taking their minds off the constant noise of overhead drones and nearby bombardments.
Humanitarian Assistance
Your response to our campaign for humanitarian assistance for the displaced families in Lebanon was overwhelming. We were able to immediately send the funds to our trusted allies on the ground in Lebanon. They distributed boxes of food, blankets, tents, clothing, and other necessary items to those sheltering in the streets, schools, and churches. Some families received a voucher which they could redeem at a local supermarket to purchase their own supplies. It was gratifying to be able to provide quick relief to at least a small number of those in need in Beirut and Tyre. We will continue this effort so long as the war goes on and people are forcibly displaced.
Reflections from Amine
While we are grateful that school has resumed, we mourn the loss of innocent civilians in the barrage of bombings in Lebanon over the last month. As this newsletter goes out, there are again talks of a cease fire deal but we all know how fraught that process has been.
We take hope that talks are on-going. We deliver hope with every food box and foam mat we provide. Your generosity for the people of Lebanon and the refugees living there is sustaining to me and buoys my spirits. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. --Amine
Your Support is Appreciated
As always, your individual donations and your help spreading the word and alerting us to any grants is appreciated more than you know. Donate Online
Or donate by mail: Noor El-Salam, PO Box 45, Hygiene, CO 80533. We will continue to work for peace and to give children hope through education and love.
Gratefully,
Amine & Noor El-Salam Board