Washington, DC, August 5, 2020 (ATFL) - The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese ancestry working to support strong ties between the United States and Lebanon expresses its profound sadness for the loss of life and extensive property damage caused by explosions at the Port of Beirut on Tuesday, August 4.
The ATFL is in constant communication with US government agencies and members of Congress to facilitate the provision of needed food, medicines, emergency supplies, and other materials needed to deal with the aftermath of this horrific event. Lebanon also needs help in clearing debris, removal of dangerous materials in the Port of Beirut facilities, and other steps to re-open the Port so that services can be restored as soon as possible.
In our exchanges with the State Department, Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale said in a statement to ATFL: "Secretary Pompeo announced last night that America stood ready to assist the Lebanese people as they recover from this horrible tragedy. Our teams have worked through the night to identify the most effective means to respond. We are not yet ready to make an announcement, but rest assured America will be at the forefront among the friends of Lebanon. Secretary Pompeo and many of us who have served in Lebanon hold the country and its people dear, and we will stand by the Lebanese at this time of dire need." Under Secretary Hale previously served as US Ambassador to Lebanon.
ATFL is working in collaboration with other US-based organizations to advocate for US humanitarian and economic relief for the country. Edward Gabriel, President and CEO noted that “In the wake of the enormous blasts at the Port of Beirut resulting in more than a hundred dead and thousands injured, the US and the international community must move immediately to provide needed humanitarian relief and assistance to deal with the dangerous situation in a country already reeling from economic and political crises.”
Individuals should please consider donating to the below organizations, which are already assisting in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy:
Amel Association
American University of Beirut Medical Center Disaster Response
International Rescue Committee
Lebanese American University Medical Hospital
Lebanese Red Cross
Lebanon Needs You
LIFE Emergency Relief Fund
Rene Moawad Foundation USA: Beirut Emergency Fund
Save the Children: Lebanon Children's Relief Fund
