To the editor:

As some might remember, Beirut, Lebanon was on the news for the war that engulfed the country in the mid-seventies. The people and the country suffered severe losses throughout all these years, and all of which was culminated by last Tuesday’s explosion. This tragedy was the result of a failed government, coupled with regional unrest. Lebanon already hosts more than 2 million refugees while its population is less than 5 million. Over the past 6 months, the currency has devalued by 86 percent and the public has no access to their bank deposits.

Before I left Lebanon to the United States in 1989, I worked as a head dietitian at St George Hospital Medical Center in Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon. I had the privilege to start the foundation of that department as I was their first dietitian (the department is accredited and provides state-of-the-art dietetic care). The Aug. 4th Beirut explosion has demolished half of Beirut to include St George Hospital. Staff, patients and visitors were killed and injured.

I personally have many dear friends severely injured and homeless. Over 200 persons were killed, more than 6,000 wounded and about 300,000 homeless. Several hospitals are demolished and many necessary surgeries are put on hold.

It is simply apocalyptic.

The Lebanese people, institutions, and services are hurting profoundly!

Therefore, If you find it within your capacity to donate, please do so. Your donation will be sent directly to the NGOs, and it will be appreciated.

Thank you,

Nora Aswad

Barrington

NGO List:

• St George Hospital-

https://www.stgeorgehospital.org/stgeorge-donation

• Social and Economic Impact for Lebanon-

https://www.seal-usa.org/BeirutEmergencyFund

**Donations through this site are tax-deductible and will be matched**

• Impact Lebanon-

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief

• Lebanese Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org.lb/SubPage.aspx?pageid=1370&PID=158