Members of the AA community in Lebanon have taken over the AASchool Instagram story to share their experiences, the work they’ve been doing on the ground and resources to help support the victims of the tragic explosion which devastated Beirut. The impact of the disaster will continue to be felt for a long time to come, and we are committed to using our platform to raise awareness and promote ways for us to support those affected.

AA alumnus Elias Tamer highlighted the scale of the damage at the port of Beirut on the story, commenting that ‘this is the third biggest explosion in an urban context in the history of the world… Lebanon imports more than 80% of its goods, and the main food silo in Beirut has been destroyed, raising serious concerns about the future of food security in Lebanon.’

Rana Haddad (AADipl 1995) made a statement on behalf of the AA Lebanese community:

‘Beirut is trying to recover from an apocalyptic blast. A blast that no one can ignore or turn a blind eye to, as its consequences are far too violent. Beirut has lived through many wars and attacks, and yet this blast took things to a whole different level. Our city’s history eradicated, ripped away in 30 seconds.

Who we are today as citizens of Beirut has nothing to do with whom we were before the 4th August. A piece of us died on that day, yet our anger will postpone our grief. Now is the time for action and resistance., for asserting what is no longer wanted, and what is no longer accepted. To surrender is not an option, because as people, we deserve better. Every human being deserves the right to live freely, with dignity and without a constant fear of death. This is a call for action to every reader around the globe to join the people of Beirut in their battle for human rights.’

Teams of AA students and alumni have also been assisting with cleaning up after the disaster, repairs to buildings, distributing aid and working alongside NGOs. The takeover highlighted Impact Lebanon, Caritas Lebanon and Beb w’shebbek, all working on the ground to support victims of the disaster, including the destruction of homes and providing food and shelter to displaced residents. AA students have also been distributing supplies with the Order of Malta.

Thank you to the members of the AA community in Lebanon for all of their work supporting the response to the crisis and for sharing their experiences.

If you are able, please donate to support the recovery effort.

You can view the stories on the @AASchool instagram account.