Travel report: Sister Hatune and Swedish journalist Sanna Hill in Lebanon





Sister Hatune and Sanna Hill in Lebanon
Dear friends,
From July 18th to 26th I was back in the Middle East. This time, the Swedish journalist, Sanna Hill from the Swedish newspaper Nya Tider, accompanied me, she has been travelling before several times together with me.
We had originally planned to travel to Syria and Iraq, but then found out that there are so many Iraqi and Syrian refugees in Lebanon that we can provide better support there.
Lebanon has about 3 million inhabitants, now 4 million refugees from Syria and 3 million from Iraq – a humanitarian disaster for the small country. There are also people from Egypt, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia and other crisis areas. Overall, Lebanon has got 7 million refugees, but the official UNHCR figures are only 2 million. What a difference!
It is an expensive country, most refugees, I estimate ¾, are housed in private accommodations, in houses, halls, convents, sports clubs.
We have also used the donations meaningfully and can help alleviate the need. We have given food worth € 7,000, distributed, € 13,000 directly to Iraqi and Syrian families, as well as € 8,000 to Iraq and € 12,000 to Syria. This money is distributed by our members of the foundation.
20.7. Visit to the poorest Syrian and Iraqi refugees, we have distributed medicine and clothes and I have had many therapy talks.
21.7. Visit to a refugee camp in a monastery building that is empty. We distributed clothes, medicine and money to the refugees. The kids were very happy about the delicious ice cream.
22.7. Today, we have distributed food bags to 130 selected families. Everything had been well organized on the spot, everyone whose names were listed have benefited from the donations. We received a lot of support from Bishop George Saliba, who supported the foundation and the association. The bishop helps all refugees, he is full of compassion and mercy towards all who need help.
23.7. On this day, a Sunday, two masses were held for the refugees. We distributed funds and I have conducted many therapy talks.
24.7. Also today we have again distributed food bags and money, as well as money worth a food bag. On a visit to Bishop Saliba I could see how much work he has, he gives advice on disputes, divorces, conversions, weddings, baptisms.
25.7. Departure day. Together with a doctor, we distribute medicine. With the Medeo Hilfswerk, we want to send more medicine to Lebanon.
In the evening then return flight to Germany where we arrived on the 26th.
Dear friends and supporters. Please help us continue to do good for the poorest and neediest in the refugee camps. We want to help people on the ground. Please donate to our Foundation Account.
Many greetings and blessings
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Helfende Hände für die Armen
Neuerweg 2
Warburg
Germany
IBAN: DE 6247 6501 3000 1112 1142
BIC: WELADE3LXXX
Hatune Foundation International
27575 Lövestad
Sweden
IBAN: SE9795000099603407764533
BIC: NDEASESS
For checks in USA – send to:
Hatune Foundation International Inc
7900 Lenape Trl
78736 Austin
Texas USA