On October 1, Israel launched a full-scale ground invasion of Lebanon after weeks of relentless airstrikes that, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, have killed over 2,000 people and injured more than 6,000 upon time of writing.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese political party and paramilitary group, has been vocal in its support of Palestine amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide, which has claimed over 42,000 Palestinian lives. Since 8 October 2023, Hezbollah has been launching rockets into northern Israel, displacing around 60,000 people. The group has stated they will continue this campaign until Israel halts its attack on Gaza.
On Tuesday (October 15), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video declaring that Israel will continue targeting Hezbollah across Lebanon, including in the capital, Beirut. Meanwhile, Western leaders like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Keir Starmer continue to repeat the same tired script, telling the public that they, too, want a ceasefire while continuing to arm Israel, highlighting the complete disconnect between their statements and actions.
While it may seem futile, we can keep pressuring our governments to stop arming Israel by protesting and writing to our MPs. But beyond that, there are tangible ways to support the people of Palestine and Lebanon, home to many Palestinian refugees.
BEIT Collective, a Lebanese organisation founded by Emilie Skaff and dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship, has shifted its focus in response to the conflict. Usually focused on reviving local artisan techniques through collaborations with international designers, the collective has suspended operations to lead relief efforts for those affected. With a core team of six and a network of over 100 artisans, BEIT Collective has been deeply impacted by the war. Several team members have been displaced or are hosting refugees. “One of our artisans, a carpenter from Kfarouman, lost his home in the first wave of strikes and has since relocated to Beirut, unable to continue his work,” Skaff tells Dazed. “Another one of our team members is now living in our office with her family.” As a result, they have paused production to focus on fundraising.
Their relief efforts include distributing 150 blankets sourced through FabricAid, to displaced communities. Of these, 100 blankets went to a shelter in Hazmieh housing 250 migrant workers from Sierra Leone, and the remaining 50 were donated to Helem, an LGBTQ+ organisation that provides shelter, meals, clothes and hygiene kits to those affected. BEIT Collective’s next goal is to provide Helem with socks, bras and winter hats.
“We’re also supporting animal shelters, including Alyarz Pet Club, Mashala Shelter, and Give Me a Paw, all of which are overwhelmed by the conflict,” explains Skaff. “Our next step is to provide them with pet food and other supplies.”
Through its efforts, BEIT Collective is vitally supporting human and animal welfare during these difficult times. You can donate here to support BEIT Collective’s essential work in providing hygiene products, medications, food, water, and so much more to those in need. If you can’t donate, share their work on social media and with your friends and family. Every action counts.
