PWRDF’s Statement on Explosion in Beirut
August 5, 2020
By Mike Ziemerink
PWRDF expresses our shock and deep concern for the all of the victims affected by the massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon yesterday. We stand in solidarity with all of the people of Lebanon, and we pray for all who are responding to this disaster with compassion and care. We mourn for the victims and pray for their families.
As first responders dig through the rubble and as fires continue to burn, we have reached out to our partner in the region, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC). MECC has responded with thanks for the expression of solidarity and the prayers, and shared that what has happened in Beirut cannot be expressed in words. Many are still missing and many will die due to critical injuries sustained in the blast. Tens of thousands have lost their properties, and hospitals, schools, universities and clinics have been badly damaged. It is even more trauma for people to absorb in the midst of many economic and political challenges, in addition to the impact of COVID-19.
We have also been in touch with the ACT Alliance as one of their member organizations, and they in turn are in touch with their implementing members on the ground in Lebanon to determine how best to respond. Lebanon is the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita, and is part of the ACT Alliance regional appeal covering Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. PWRDF is a regular contributor to these appeals.
How You Can Help
PWRDF is accepting donations to provide assistance to the victims of the explosion. Please visit our online donation page at https://pwrdf.org/give-today/and make your gift in Emergency Response, indicating Beirut explosion in the message box.
Call 1-866-308-7973 toll-free (please leave a message and we will return your call), or 416-822-9083 to speak immediately with someone who can process your donation over the phone.
Write Beirut explosion in the memo field of your cheque and mail to PWRDF, 80 Hayden Street, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2.
Please pray for all who have been affected by this disaster, for our partners in the region as they work to save lives and care for the injured, and for those who have died.
For media requests, please email Communications and Marketing Coordinator Janice Biehn at [email protected].