Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

December 2020 – Israel quickly reached out to its northern neighbors after the massive explosion at the Port of Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4. The accidental blast was caused by nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been unsafely stored near the docks for several years.

With an impact equal to a 3.3-magnitude earthquake and an impact crater measuring 460 feet wide, the explosion killed more than 200 people and injured thousands. Over 300,000 people were immediately left homeless, and the monetary impact could reach tens of billions of dollars.

Consequently, Israel immediately offered both medical and humanitarian aid, even though Lebanon is home to Hezbollah’s Islamic terrorist group. Four nearby Israeli hospitals opened their doors for Lebanese victims of the explosion.

“We wish to extend our hands in aid and assistance,” said Masaad Barhum, director of Galilee Medical Center, which is located just south of the Israel-Lebanon border. “Rest assured, those who come in wounded and hurt will leave safe and sound – with the grace of God.”

washingtonpost.com, 8/6/20; bbc.com, 8/11/20;
onenewsnow.com, 10/4/20