A former union organiser in Australia, Sari Kassis, is in war-torn southern Lebanon helping 750 displaced people sheltering in a local school. Kassis is appealing for help as hundreds of thousands of Lebanese families flee their homes.
"Internally displaced refugees are pouring into Beirut", he said. "They are being housed in schools and mosques. All of them have been attacked by the Israelis at some point in time; all of them are traumatised."
Kassis, who was visiting Lebanon to get married, is working with the non-government organisation Al-Huda to provide water, food and medical supplies, as well as baby's milk and nappies, for young families. He said that the 750 people are expected to swell in number as air and missile attacks intensify.
Former workmates at the Finance Sector Union (FSU) report hearing exploding shells during telephone conversations with Kassis. "We've been trying to keep in contact each day", said Chris Gambian from the FSU. "It's chilling sitting comfortably at home in Sydney while one of your good friends is contemplating the next missile strike."
The FSU has moved to raise $20,000 to support Kassis's efforts, with the money donated to be sent to Lebanon via APHEDA — Union Aid Abroad. Offers of assistance and messages of support can be sent by email to <chris.gambian@fsunion.org.au> or by phoning 0438 898 198.
Meanwhile, APHEDA — Union Aid Abroad is appealing for funds to face the humanitarian catastrophes in both Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. Olfat Mahmoud, the director of Women's Humanitarian Organisation, one of APHEDA — Union Aid Abroad's partner organisations, works in Burj el-Barajneh refugee camp in Lebanon. She said: "I have lived through all the wars in Lebanon since 1960 and this is the most horrific scene I have ever witnessed ...
"The women, children and elderly are terrified and trapped after days of sustained brutal bombing of the entire area around our camp. There is no electricity, no fuel for the generators, no medical supplies and we are in urgent need of food and drugs for the children and the elderly."
Donations can be made by phone on 1800 888 674, by mail to Union Aid Abroad, level 3, 377-383 Sussex Street, Sydney 2000, or online at <http://www.apheda.org.au>.
[From Workers Online, July 21.]