The Lebanese diaspora in Connecticut responds to the war abroad

By Tess Terrible,

Published October 15, 2024 at 7:00 AM EDT

Lebanese displaced from the Dahiyah southern suburbs of Beirut by three weeks of Israeli airstrikes, there and in other parts of Lebanon, still camp for their safety in the central Martyrs Square, on October 13, 2024 in Beirut, Lebanon. Officials say that more than one million people have been forced to flee their homes as Israel targets strongholds and positions of the Iran-backed Shiite Hezbollah militia, such as Dahiyah, in an air campaign that since Sept. 23 has cost more than 1,400 lives in Lebanon.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has become dire.

The country faces economic and financial uncertainty, and nearly 2000 deaths since the start of the conflict.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that of the 5.5 million people living in Lebanon, 1 million people are in dire need.

Today, humanitarian aid organizations International Rescue Committee and Anera joins us to describe what is happening on the ground in Lebanon.

Plus two Lebanese Americans living and working as chef-owners in Connecticut join us to respond to the situation and speak on Lebanese cuisine, culture and hospitality.

GUESTS:

Samar El-Yassir: Lebanon and Jordan Country Director for Anera
Ciaran Donnelly: Senior Vice President, Crisis Response, Recovery & Development at International Rescue Committee
Reem Hadir: chef and founder of Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in Watertown
George Noujaim: chef owner of Noujaim’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Winsted

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