One atop the other, Lebanon’s calamities stack: stalled governance, hyperinflation, skyrocketing unemployment, the Port of Beirut explosion, and severe shortages of essential goods, including medicine and fuel. The list goes on.

Now is the time to redouble our efforts on behalf of a crucial partner for the US in the Middle East. Spirit of America is committed to demonstrating support and friendship during this crisis.

In a country where the majority of the population falls beneath the poverty line, few face challenges like those of service families, including members of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF).

The LAF and ISF keep the peace and maintain internal order. Those who serve, and their families, sacrifice dearly for their homeland. Mothers and fathers in uniform are away from home for long periods, working long hours. Their spouses must often deal with family issues on their own.

Lebanon’s current predicament and the devaluation of the currency have pushed military and security forces families near a breaking point. A soldier who used to take home 1,100,000 Lebanese Lira every month — about $800 — has seen the value of that salary plummet to $60 in actual take-home pay. No family can survive on this. Without a functioning army and security services, Lebanon’s future will be even bleaker.

To support LAF and ISF families during these unprecedented times, Spirit of America, in close cooperation with the US Embassy Beirut and Overseas Security Advisory Council, is launching an Emergency Fund for Lebanese Servicemembers and Families. Through this coalition, we will engage friends of Lebanon to raise funds to provide urgently needed aid for servicemembers and their families.

Donate now to the Emergency Fund for Lebanese Servicemembers and Families.

Since 2015, Spirit of America has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in nearly 40 initiatives in direct support of the LAF and ISF while working closely with unit commanders and US military advisors. Units that have received assistance include the LAF Sea Forces, Air Force, CIMIC Directorate, Air Assault Regiment, Ranger Regiment, Marine Commando Regiment, as well as specialized units and several Intervention Regiments and Training Centers.

Through our strong relationship with the US Embassy in Beirut, American Special Operations teams, LAF commanders, and our Advisory Board, we can apply funds, provide aid, and build capacities in an accountable, transparent, and effective manner.

You can learn more about our Board of Advisors here.

The following is a sample of the nearly 40 projects Spirit of America has implemented on behalf of the LAF and ISF:

Support America’s response to Lebanon’s devastating explosion (2020)

Help US troops maintain stability in one of Lebanon’s most challenging regions (2018)

Supporting the US Army’s humanitarian efforts in Lebanon (2017)

Delivering aid and hope to the remote reaches of Lebanon (2016)

As war rages in Syria, security in neighboring Lebanon is vital (2016)

And many more!

Update:

“On September 22, 2021, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Beirut Country Council and the US Embassy will host a simultaneous in-person and virtual conference at the Yarzi Officers Club in Beirut to raise awareness among OSAC’s global membership of the public security challenges currently facing Lebanon and its two primary public order and security institutions, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF).”

Our Regional Director for the Middle East and Central Asia, Zack Bazzi, will speak at the event about how different stakeholders can come together to support service families in Lebanon.