The years that brought Beirut to its knees
In 2019, the Lebanese people started mass protests that became known as the October Revolution. These were first triggered by planned taxes but quickly became a country-wide condemnation of sectarian rule, stagnant economy, massive unemployment, public sector corruption, and failures of the government to provide basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation.
In 2020, Lebanon did not only have to deal with the violence of the protests but was faced with a growing pandemic that was crippling the economy as well as a massive explosion that brought Beirut to its knees. Today nothing has changed and Lebanon is facing the greatest challenges of its entire history.
Below are some websites where you can help the cause and donate to the people that truely need it.
Historical Events
Lebanese Independence
In the face of international pressure, the French released the government officials on November 22, 1943 and accepted the independence of Lebanon.
Lebanese Civil War
Phalangist gunmen ambush a bus in the Ayn-al-Rummanah district of Beirut, killing 27 of its mainly Palestinian passengers. The Phalangists claim that guerrillas had previously attacked a church in the same district. These clashes start the civil war.
Israeli Attack
Israel attacks after Hezbollah kidnaps two Israeli soldiers. Civilian casualties are high and the damage to civilian infrastructure wide-ranging in 34-day war. UN peacekeeping force deploys along the southern border, followed by Lebanese army troops for first time in decades.
Lebanese Revolution
Mass protests against economic stagnation and corruption bring down the government of Saad Hariri, who is succeeded by the academic Hassan Diab, which quits after months of protests over falls in the value of the currency and the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown culminate in rioting after a massive chemical explosion in the Beirut port.
Only you can help
