AGBU AID COMMITTEE FOR THE LEBANEAS ARMRNIAN COMMUNITY VICTIMS OF DISASTURUS CIVIL WAR IN LEBANON

THE AGBU AID COMMITTEE FOR THE LEBANEAS ARMRNIAN COMMUNITY VICTIMS OF DISASTURUS CIVIL WAR IN LEBANON On July 2, with the resumption of disturbances, the situation in the predominantly Armenian districts of East Beirut, involving clashes between Arab deterrent forces and militant groups, reached its peak during the period from September 30 to October 7.---------- The main areas affected were Mar Mikhael, Hadjen, Khalil Badaoui, Ashrafieh, and Bourj Hammoud, which are densely populated by Armenians. Severe bombardments and raids caused extensive damage to Armenian-inhabited and Armenian-owned properties and institutions.---------In response to the urgent call to organize immediate assistance, the first to take action were the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Antranik Youth Association (AYA).--------------- Western District As during the entire Lebanese Civil War, the AGBU Alex Manoogian Center once again served as a coordination hub for organizing immediate relief efforts.--------- On Sunday, October 8, taking advantage of a brief calm, a large number of families began relocating to safer regions.----------- Dozens of families sought refuge at the Alex Manoogian Center.----------- To address the large number of refugees and organize shelter efforts effectively, a meeting was held at the invitation of the AGBU Lebanon District Committee Chairman . Representatives from AGBU and AYA attended the meeting, including prominent individuals such as Dikran Nazarian, Prof. Parounag Tovmassian, Noubar Nazarian, Avedis Demirjian, Mike Oknayan, Mike Mardirian, Ara Keshishian, Albert Sarkisyan, Puzant Markaryan, Ara Topjian, Garbis Shekerjian, Khachig Tateossian, Hayk Tateossian, Vahe Bahadryan, Hagop Hamalian, and Artoun Hamalian.-------------- After discussing the critical situation and the urgency to act swiftly, the assembly transitioned to practical work.-------- From October 8-12, the Alex Manoogian Center provided shelter to 200 people (50 families).----------- The Central Committee formed subcommittees for supply distribution, medical care, discipline, and external relations.-------------- Eastern District Following the ceasefire, representatives of the Central Committee visited the Bourj Hammoud and Jemmezi Bridge areas to assess the situation and identify needs.--------------- While the Bourj Hammoud district, with its Armenian population and organizations, demonstrated relative self-sufficiency, ------------the area between Jemmezi and Naher Bridge, isolated from other parts of the eastern district, was entirely helpless. The eastern district, still under strict siege, urgently required food and medicine.----------- The Central Committee undertook the task of delivering aid to the eastern district.------------------- Regular contact was maintained with the “Ara Yeramyan” Center, Jinishian Memorial Foundation, Karageuzyan Foundation, and the Armenian Evangelical Church leaders to advance the collaborative relief efforts.--------------- Beginning October 11, regular daily transportation was organized between Eastern and Western Beirut districts from Alex Manoogian Center. ---------