COMFORT ZONE
It was one of the most powerful moments of French President Emmanuel Macron’s lightning visit to devastated Beirut: confronted by a distraught woman in a sea of enraged residents, the French leader stopped and offered her a hug. Right, a woman consoles a girl during the funeral of her sister in the town of Sarba. The Lebanese capital has suffered extensive damage after the massive explosion that killed at least 145 people, left dozens missing and at least 5,000 wounded.
dubai — Going to one’s homeland on a leave is something one usually looks forward to, but for these Lebanese expats in the UAE, it is the urgency that prompts them to fly back home this time.
Wiam Shawki Malaeb, a Lebanese expat, did not have second thoughts about travelling to his country when he first heard about the Beirut explosions.
“I did not think for too long to pack my bags which are full with medications, bandages and other first aid necessities,” Wiam told Khaleej Times.
Engaging in humanitarian activities is nothing new to Wiam, who works for an airline. “I took an emergency leave to go to Lebanon and offer as much help as I can.”
He sighed when referring to two friends from his school days who died in the Beirut port blasts. “I also lost a relative who is in the armed forces.”
Wiam’s house along with many other houses in the neighbourhood were damaged in the blast. Asked how long he will stay in Lebanon, Wiam said: “I may look into extending my stay depending on the circumstances and how helpful I can be there.”
Wiam, who is active on the field with first aid training and experience, wants to send across a message to his country’s people in the UAE. “Please let us all have the needy and affected families in our thoughts. Let us all help, while ensuring to donate through the proper channels so that the help and aid really reaches the right targets in these difficult times.”
Even before the blasts, Wiam had been relentless in his efforts to bring help and donations including clothes, medications and other necessities to the needy
families back home.
Khaleej Times caught up with Samir Habbal, another Lebanese working as an engineer in the UAE, shortly after he boarded the flight to Beirut on Wednesday. He was at a loss for words and this reflected his state of mind. “I am going to check on my family members,” he said briefly.
Habbal family lives in an area near the port and his grandmother and mother were injured. “My grandmother fell down and broke her hand. She lost consciousness and when she woke up, she was unaware of anything for few hours. My mother suffered minor injuries because of a shattered glass. Thank God, she is better now,” he said.