‘Food is unifying’: How Lebanon’s migrants are feeding the war-displaced
Summary
Migrant workers in Lebanon are helping displaced people by providing food through community kitchens amid war and bombings, despite facing discrimination and difficult living conditions. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has caused many to lose their homes, including many migrants, who often work under harsh labor rules and struggle to find shelter.Key Facts
- Migrant workers, mostly from countries like the Philippines, Sudan, and Ethiopia, are running food kitchens to help displaced people in Lebanon.
- Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2, which led to Israeli military responses causing over one million people to be displaced in Lebanon.
- Israeli attacks have caused deaths among migrant workers and destroyed areas with high migrant populations, especially in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
- Over 200,000 migrant workers live in Lebanon, many bound by the kafala labor system, which ties workers to local sponsors and can be abusive.
- Many migrants have been left homeless due to the war, and shelters often prioritize Lebanese people and discriminate against migrants.
- Migrant workers often choose to organize among themselves to support each other in difficult times, with over 100 community houses identified by Doctors Without Borders.
- Tres Marias, a community center and kitchen run by Filipino migrant Myra Aragon, feeds about 200 people daily.
- Displaced migrants face challenges including social exclusion, restricted access to shelters, and ongoing fear due to the conflict and economic collapse.
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