There’s a specific kind of energy in the air during Eid in Lebanon. It’s a mix of the summer heat, the scent of traditional spices, and the quiet resilience of the families living in the refugee camps.
This week, our Alkhidmat volunteers weren’t just “distributing aid.” They were visiting neighbors, sharing stories, and making sure that the spirit of Qurbani reached the homes of our Palestinian brothers and sisters who have been through so much.
The Reality on the Ground
For most of us, Qurbani meat is a staple of the holiday. But for a father in a crowded camp in Beirut or Sidon, it’s often a luxury he can’t afford this year. With the economy being what it is, the simple act of putting a nutritious meal on the table has become a source of stress.
Our goal was simple: take that weight off their shoulders, even if just for a few days.
What the Day Looked Like
It wasn’t just about handing over a package. It was about the moments in between:
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The Volunteers: Our team spent hours navigating narrow alleyways, carrying heavy crates in the midday sun, fueled mostly by caffeine and a lot of heart.
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The Families: We were met with incredible hospitality. Even those with the least would offer us a seat or a glass of water.
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The Connection: Seeing the kids light up when they realized a special dinner was coming was the highlight for every single one of us.
“When we hand over the meat, we aren’t just giving food. We’re saying, ‘We see you, we haven’t forgotten you, and we’re in this together.'”
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our volunteers in Lebanon: your boots are on the ground and your hearts are wide open. Thank you for being the hands and feet of this mission. And to everyone who supported this Qurbani drive you were right there with us in those camps, making a tangible difference in a family’s life.
Eid is about sacrifice, but it’s also about connection. Today, that connection felt stronger than ever.
