“1,500 people depend on us every day”

Thanks to the dynamism of its young director, Élie Zeidan, 25 years old, and the commitment of its members, the NGO Lebanese Social Responsibility (LSR) has become, since the start of the war, a pillar of humanitarian aid to displaced people in the Jbeil region. “Our organization found itself on the front line providing essential services,” explains the young man, who holds a master’s degree in management from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and a master’s degree in international affairs. from the Institute of Business Administration at the University of Poitiers. Since the escalation of the conflict, the priority of the LSR has been the humanitarian effort linked to the war: “It is a national duty to participate in this mission,” believes the young director. Working with other organizations, such as Caritas and the Red Cross, the LSR collaborates closely with the organizations World Central Kitchen, World Vision, Beit el-Baraka and Afleg-Massoud

el-Achkar. “We currently manage 17 collective shelters which accommodate 1,500 internally displaced people, having fled Beirut and the South. Every day, we distribute more than 5,000 hot meals to meet the needs of these vulnerable people,” says Élie Zeidan, before adding: “Our central kitchen, made up of 32 committed women, operates 6 days a week and ensures production continue to eat. The reception centers we support lack nothing. Families are settled with dignity, everything is assured to them. » In addition to food, the organization provides hygiene kits, diapers and milk for children. Entirely run by young people since its relaunch by Élie Zeidan in 2021, the LSR today has more than 225 members who believe in its mission and vision, with an average age varying between 20 and 30 years old. “Youth has a crucial role to play in society. It is the future of Lebanon,” insists Élie Zeidan, before specifying: “Each of the members has a specific task to accomplish. We are in the reception centers from 8 a.m. until midnight. We get tired, but we have to do it. »

Multiple challenges

In its ordinary work in the field, the LSR focuses on three main areas: child protection, women’s protection and food security. Through a collective kitchen, the organization provides food to 420 families in Jbeil every month throughout the year. “It’s thanks to the women who work with us that we can provide everything we need,” explains Élie Zeidan. Currently, the LSR represents an example of solidarity and citizen commitment, inspiring a new generation to take charge of the destiny of their country. However, despite these efforts, many challenges remain. “We need more funds to continue our work,” confides Élie Zeidan, calling for solidarity. “It is a crucial mission, especially in a situation as critical as that which Lebanon is currently going through. »