Greetings,

Lebanon’s servicemembers are facing extraordinary challenges. Tasked with upholding public order and security when their country is falling apart, these servicemembers and their families need our help. Spirit of America is working diligently to help Lebanon, a pivotal partner of the US in the Middle East.

Last month, I spoke at an international conference hosted by the US Embassy in Lebanon and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) at Yarzi Officers Club in Beirut. US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, headlined the event along with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Joseph Aoun, and Internal Security Forces, Director General Imad Othman. All three leaders highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing Lebanon’s two primary public order and security institutions.

In my remarks, I echoed much of their remarks about the need to support the members of the two institutions that keep Lebanon from falling apart, particularly at a fraught time for the whole of the Middle East. Lebanese servicemembers and their families are under enormous financial pressure, whether in the military or internal security. The Lebanese currency has lost up to 90% of its value. Many families struggle to put food on the table, never mind paying a doctor’s bill, fixing the car, or buying new clothes for the kids.

It’s Lebanon’s hour of greatest need. It’s also time to demonstrate our commitment to a stalwart US partner. I’m proud to share with you, our supporters, as I did at the conference, the launch of Spirit of America’s Emergency Fund for Lebanese Servicemembers and Families, in cooperation with the American Task Force on Lebanon.

Lebanon is a small country with a barely functioning economy. So why help? That’s a fair question.

Spirit of America understands the undeniable link between a vibrant and strong America and the forging and maintaining of vibrant and strong partnerships and alliances around the world.

And personally, having served in the US Army for 10 years, I know first-hand how essential partnerships are for the safety of our troops, the success of our shared missions, and for the national security of the United States. Without brave local soldiers and police officers, my life and those of my fellow soldiers would have been in significantly more danger during our missions.

Because it’s a regional partner of America and the right thing to do: We need your support for our Emergency Fund for Lebanese Servicemembers and Families.

Sincerely,

Zack Bazzi
Regional Director, Middle East and Central Asia