ATFL Strongly Condemns Luqman Slim Assassination, Urges Restraint by Security Forces in Managing Civil Unrest

Washington, DC, February 5, 2020 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent working to promote strong US-Lebanon ties, is greatly disturbed by the increased violence in Lebanon, compounded by the assassination of Luqman Slim, a journalist, film maker, and advocate, who was a critic of the government and Hezbollah’s role in the country. His body was found on February 4 with multiple gunshot wounds. Slim had been receiving threats for the past several years, yet he refused to leave his Shia neighborhood near Beirut. His family, Lebanese political figures, and international sources including the Biden Administration have called for a full and rapid investigation. His death signals that Hezbollah will not tolerate criticism of its role in the country.

Slim’s death follows the killings of two journalists and the imprisonment by the military of another who has been investigating the August 4 explosions at the Port of Beirut. Pressure on the media has been increasing, and journalists, bloggers, and others face increasingly harsh treatment from the security forces. The causes of the civil unrest that erupted in Tripoli and elsewhere on January 25 are numerous, ranging from the lack of any findings six months after the Port blast, to the devastating economic hardships caused by the latest lockdown to combat the pandemic. The people of Tripoli, already impoverished and with the highest rate of unemployment in the country, have suffered several deaths and more than 400 injuries from protests that continue daily.

ATFL encourages the US and the UN Security Council to pressure Lebanon for an immediate and thorough investigation into Slim’s assassination. ATFL also supports the recent statement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian calling for a full, transparent, and thorough report on the Beirut blast. ATFL further recommends that the Lebanese government and citizens collaborate on an emergency economic package to provide basic foodstuffs, fuel, and healthcare to poor communities and make funding available for the micro, small, and medium businesses which have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

Lebanese sectarian leaders cannot fix Lebanon’s problems by allowing more violence, sectarian killings, and restricting the rights of its citizens and media. By not taking decisive and responsible action to end the violence, they are complicit in the worsening situation. They have the obligation to take the leadership and responsibility to protect Lebanon’s citizens and address their immediate needs.

ATFL Welcomes Senate Resolution on the Explosion in Beirut and the Need for Stability and Transparency in Lebanon

In the closing session before the holiday recess, the US Senate unanimously passed S.Res.682, “Recognizing the devastating explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020, and expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people.” The resolution was introduced by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on behalf of Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Committee, Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Rob Portman (R-OH), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

After noting the devastation caused by the blast, the Resolution states that the “protracted political crisis in Lebanon” has led to negative consequences to the economy and “one of the highest rates of public debt, food insecurity, and hyperinflation.” It also points out that “the people of Lebanon across the political spectrum have renewed demands for a meaningful change in Lebanon’s political leadership, government accountability, and transparency.”

The ATFL is especially thankful to the sponsors and all members of the Senate for this strong endorsement of support for the Lebanese people, which affirms US Government efforts to provide “emergency humanitarian relief in concert with other governments and international partners.” The ATFL endorses calling on the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to deliver assistance “directly to the Lebanese people through properly vetted channels, organizations, and individuals.”

ATFL President Ed Gabriel said, “ATFL is pleased to have worked closely with the Senate on this resolution, and I encourage Senate members to revisit the 2021 budget allocation of $112.5 million in economic assistance and work with their House counterparts to double the funding available for the reconstruction and rehabilitation needs of the country, again, through civil society and local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). There is no better way for the US to demonstrate its commitment to Lebanon’s independence and stability than to increase humanitarian and development assistance over the next three years.”

The Resolution also calls on the government of Lebanon “to conduct a credible, impartial, and transparent investigation into the cause of, and responsibility for, the explosion, and include impartial international experts as part of the investigation,” as well as to determine the root causes of “instability and mismanagement” in the country.

Finally, the Resolution “calls on the Government of Lebanon to restore faith and confidence by prioritizing policies and programs that advance the interests of the people of Lebanon.”

Gabriel remarked that as the Resolution supports increased US Government efforts for Lebanon, the ATFL will continue to work with the House to introduce a similar resolution in January and push for its approval, and work to increase humanitarian assistance as quickly as possible in the FY22 budget.

ATFL Praises House Foreign Affairs Committee for Resolution Supporting US-Lebanon Ties

Washington, DC, October 5, 2020 (ATFL) – In an effort led by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), and co-sponsored by Reps. Donna Shalala (D-FL), Steve Stivers (R-OH), and Garrett Graves (R-LA), the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed H.Res.1077, a bipartisan resolution [that] “expresses the sense of Congress for the support of the ongoing US – Lebanon relationship. Specifically, the resolution supports US goals for combatting government corruption, executing needed structural reforms, and the important role of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The resolution opposes the growing influence and role of Hezbollah in Lebanon, particularly as the country works to respond and recover from the August 4th explosion.”

ATFL President Ed Gabriel remarked that “With the continuing economic and political crisis in Lebanon, compounded by the re-emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic after the disastrous explosions at the Port of Beirut, this resolution means a great deal to the Lebanese people who have historically counted on the US as one of their closest friends. We want to express our thanks to Congressman LaHood and the co-signers for making clear how important the relationship continues to be. We urge the full House of Representatives to approve this Resolution during the lame duck session in December.”

As Rep. LaHood remarked in his press release, “Now more than ever, American support for the Lebanese people is vital. My resolution reaffirms our country’s commitment to the people of Lebanon and to peace in the region. A strong, independent, and sovereign Lebanon can help provide stability in the Middle East, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to support a productive and sustainable U.S.-Lebanon relationship.”

Specifically, the Resolution expresses concern for the people of Lebanon and the need to continue support for humanitarian assistance from the US and the international community. It reaffirms support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as the key institution for preventing Hezbollah from gaining greater influence in the country. It also calls for an unobstructed role for the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon in maintaining security along the Israel-Lebanon boundary, and states its strong concern that the government must take actions to combat corruption, restore public services, and “expresses support for the continuation of democracy and democratic ideals in Lebanon.”

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

ATFL Statement on Resignation of Prime Minister Designate Mustapha Adib

ATFL Regrets Gridlock in Formation of Government in Lebanon

Washington, DC, September 29, 2020 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese ancestry, regards the resignation of prime minister designate Mustapha Adib, the third to leave that office in eight months, as a clear indication of paralysis among various sectarian groups. The failure of the government leaders to address the many conditions that have brought the country to the brink of becoming a failed state is unacceptable to the people of Lebanon and the international community.

From the financial collapse and the exposure of massive government mismanagement to the recent destruction of Beirut port and other incidents of explosions and fires, Lebanon’s leaders have disregarded the will of the Lebanese people to put national interests before personal and sectarian benefits.

The current US and international policy is to pressure leaders inside Lebanon and their enablers in the region to bring about real movement towards stability and reform in the country. While these are important objectives, obtaining them should not come at the expense of the Lebanese people who need immediate humanitarian assistance and international partners as they build Lebanon’s civil society, address the needs of their fellow citizens, and develop opportunities for future leaders. Only through direct pressure and simultaneous support of the Lebanese people will the humanitarian, economic, and political crises be brought under control by a responsible and responsive government.

A credible transition from the present paralysis to honest, responsible, and inclusive leadership is critical for Lebanon’s survival.

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Press Release: Arriving in Beirut, a Humanitarian Flight from the American People to the Lebanese People

This release has been updated to reflect the arrival of the first airlift and to provide an updated link to the Lebanon Relief website.

A coalition of Lebanese Americans coordinated by the American Task Force on Lebanon has organized an airlift of badly needed medicines, supplies, and equipment from the American people to the Lebanese people in the aftermath of the explosions at the Beirut port. The first plane arrived today, Monday, August 24.

Pallets of medical aid are staged in Direct Relief’s warehouse on August 17, 2020. Photo: Direct Relief

Nearly 100 tons of essential medicines and supplies has arrived today in Beirut. The shipment is a people-to-people exchange, a gift from the American people to the Lebanese. It is destined for the hospitals, critical care centers, and care providers attending to the communities in Beirut who were most affected by the shocking explosions of August 4. The shipment contains requested essential medicines and personal protective equipment worth in excess of $13 million which will help relieve the strain on Beirut’s health care facilities. This shipment includes 131 pallets of high-value medicines donated by Direct Relief as well as 96 pallets from other sources. It will arrive on a plane donated by FedEx.

This relief effort has been coordinated by the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) in response to a request from the US State Department.  A team of key nonprofits specializing in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance are mobilized in a campaign to collect these badly needed items and shepherd them to Lebanon. The organizations involved in the coordinated effort include Direct Relief, Anera, the Ghassan and Manal Saab Foundation, the Afya Foundation, and the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP). Today’s is the first of several shipments by air and by sea to support Beirut’s hospitals with critical supplies.

Anera, which has a strong ground operation in Lebanon, is working with US Embassy Beirut to offload the shipments, clear customs, and distribute the earmarked materials. Rafik Hariri University Hospital’s warehouse will serve as a distribution center securing our “people to people” exchange from the Americans to the Lebanese. Direct Relief, based in Santa Barbara, CA, and the Afya Foundation in Yonkers, NY, are the logistics providers that prepared, packaged, and documented the shipments.

Our campaign will continue as we work with our members and the Lebanese American community in a massive mobilization of supplies and donations. Principal among those volunteering to coordinate this effort is Manal Saab, a long-time board member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who remarked, “The outpouring of aid and help originating from our fellow Lebanese American citizens has been nothing short of spectacular. There are many hearts suffering for Lebanon and we are all in this together. We will continue this effort as long as there is a need in Lebanon.”

The response to ATFL’s campaign has been tremendous, with pallets of medical supplies and medicines ready to fill the additional shipments. ATFL President Edward Gabriel said, “This effort represents the love that we Lebanese Americans and those who care about Lebanon have for that special country. Ms. Manal Saab has been instrumental in facilitating this campaign and we are grateful for her partnership. We also want to thank the Clinton Foundation and Rep. Donna Shalala for their key support early in the campaign.”

Today’s shipment will be distributed to the following four hospitals, which are heavily involved in the response to the explosions. These hospitals will be sharing with other facilities and care centers in need:

American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC)

Lebanese American University Medical Center (LAUMC)

Hotel Dieu de France

Rafik Hariri University Hospital (RHUH)

ATFL Statement on Violence against Demonstrators in Beirut

Washington, DC, August 14, 2020 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) is concerned by reports of injuries sustained by demonstrators in Beirut during clashes with Lebanese security forces. We note that Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Joseph Aoun reiterated his commitment that the military will protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to peacefully demonstrate.

In light of recent legislation granting broad powers under a state of emergency to the army, the ATFL reiterates its long-standing call for the LAF to act in the best interests of the country by showing good judgement in the exercise of these powers. The ATFL is also concerned that civilians not be tried in military courts under the emergency decree without transparency, due process, and representation for the accused.

In these most challenging times, we believe that all stakeholders in the future of Lebanon must immediately begin serious national dialogues on how to repair the extensive damage caused by the blast, initiate desperately-needed economic reforms, and gradually create a new political foundation for the country, free from corruption and sectarianism. This starts with protecting basic freedoms, including freedom of assembly and expression. ATFL strongly supports the human and civil rights of the Lebanese people to call for leadership and policies that respond to the peoples’ needs.

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

ATFL Launches Humanitarian Effort to Airlift Medical Supplies to Lebanon in Cooperation with Partners from around the US and Lebanon

Washington, DC, August 14, 2020 (ATFL) – In response to the dire humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) is working with its partners to arrange shipments of pharmaceutical medications, supplies, and equipment next weekend, with arrival on the following Monday.

Within 24 hours of the Beirut blasts, ATFL started a special webpage Beirut Crisis Response, enlisting dozens of NGOs and community leaders to mobilize resources from around the country. American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), which has a large presence in Lebanon, agreed to work with the US Embassy in Beirut to offload the shipments, clear customs, and distribute the earmarked materials to various locations around the country.

Direct Relief, based in Santa Barbara, CA, and the Afya Foundation in Yonkers, NY, are providing critical logistics support, preparing, packaging, and documenting the shipments and liaising with the aircraft provider to ensure timely loading of the shipments. As importantly, Direct Relief and Afya are also acting as aggregators of the many requests coming from Lebanon, creating unified lists, and working with ANERA to obtain the specific medications and supplies needed by the hospitals, clinics, and critical care center in Lebanon. They are also acting as receiving points for donations coming from around the US.

ATFL is working with it members and the Lebanese American community from around the United States in a massive mobilization of supplies and donations. Principal among those volunteering to coordinate this effort is Manal Saab, who said, “Indeed the outpouring of aid and help originating from our fellow Lebanese-American citizens has been nothing short of spectacular. There are many hearts suffering for Lebanon and we are all in this together.”

FedEx is generously donating the charter for the first airlift. This is the first of several shipments planned by ATFL, whose President Edward Gabriel said, “I want to expressly thank FedEx and our partners for their support; and especially the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) and Ms. Manal Saab who has been instrumental in facilitating both the supplies and the transportation for this shipment. They are all doing God’s work on behalf of this vital people-to-people effort. This would not have happened if it were not for the outpouring of support from our community and specific organizations including Direct Relief, ANERA, Afya and the Clinton Foundation, with logistical support from the Department of State.”

ATFL is working with the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) and has established a fund which will purchase supplies and underwrite the costs of logistics and transportation. ATFL has also created a dedicated link to an FAQ page explaining how to donate supplies and prepare the documentation needed for pickup and transportation overseas.

For more information contact ATFL’s Jean AbiNader, who is coordinating this effort…

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Statement: Resignation of the Lebanese Government

Washington, DC, August 11, 2020 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese ancestry, notes the decision of the Diab government to resign and its call for early elections. In light of the economic, political, and social crises that have been eroding the quality of life for the Lebanese people and the hundreds of thousands of refugees residing in the country, the devastation of Beirut has only magnified the mismanagement and corruption of the political leadership over the past 30 years.

There is no easy solution for Lebanon’s recovery. It will take a unified effort of the Lebanese people, its civil society, and public and private stakeholders to develop a national consensus on Lebanon’s future. Lebanon does not lack the talent or the capacity for renewal. We strongly support the capacity of the Lebanese to recover from these multiple disasters and lead their county to a new future.

The American Task Force for Lebanon is 501(C)3 nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.