In the midst of Lebanon’s war, many displaced families, particularly families of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), have found themselves in dire need of support. With limited governmental relief efforts and no comprehensive service plans in place, these families have been left to struggle with the harsh realities of displacement in shelters and schools, including a lack of basic necessities and the looming threat of winter.
Recognizing the need for action, the youth of MARCH from the communities of Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh —two communities with their own complex histories—came together and took a bold step through impactful community service activities aimed at changing long-standing historical grievances and the narrative marked by resentment and opposing views towards Hezbollah and the Lebanese Armed Forces. Their unique initiative to aid the displaced families of the Lebanese Army focuses on fostering empathy all while providing vital support.
Through their community service activities, the youth provided much-needed winter aid, hygiene kits, and school kits for the children of displaced families. More than just basic needs support- a testament to the power of local communities working together in the face of adversity.
Organizing Recreational Activities and Distributing Winter, Hygiene and Kits and School Kits
Recognizing the importance of compassion beyond political opinions, the youth involved in the program took the lead in organizing 9 community service activities and visits to five shelters/ schools that were hosting displaced families of the LAF. These schools and shelters were under-equipped and lacking necessary resources, and became the focus of the initiative’s efforts.
The visits, made possible through the collective effort of both men and women in the program, included the distribution of essential items like hygiene parcels, winter aid, and organizing recreational activities for children—critical support for families who had already endured so much.
The initiative provided an opportunity for both sides to interact, build understanding, and break down years of resentment and distrust. Over the course of eight visits—two per school—nearly 1,000 individuals were supported.
One man youth from Beb El Tebbeneh shared: “We left behind the grievances and past conflicts which long stood in our community and we interacted with the children and their parents. We saw the smiles on their faces and realized they were not to blame. We wanted to assist them and show the displaced families how welcoming the people of Tripoli can be.”
Another participant, Man S.S. from Beb El Tebbeneh, shared: “When we interacted with the families, it greatly decreased the tensions. We didn’t care about their political affiliation because we realized the children were not at fault. The connection we built changed our mindset and brought us closer together.”
Watch the Impact in Action
To see the powerful transformation these visits have sparked, check out this video on the women-led initiatives to aid the displaced families of the LAF: Instagram Video
As the program continues to unfold, it remains a shining example of how collective action, rooted in empathy and solidarity, can change hearts and minds—even in the most challenging of circumstances.
