These stuffed toys, placed throughout what was, until a few days ago, Lebanon's economic center, reflect its inhabitants' desire to rebuild Beirut.
The magnitude of the disaster is such that, in the middle of search and rescue work, the collaboration of thousands of volunteers has been critical. Among them is this group of migrants.
CHAGID BACHA
Volunteer
“The following day, I took the initiative, despite the risk of additional explosions, to go and see the city. There, I found total destruction. It's impossible not to cry, but seeing that destruction, I found a small corner of hope.”
Due to the war in Lebanon, between 1975 and 1990, many Lebanese emigrated to different Latin American countries.
Today, many of their descendants have returned. After the explosion, they didn't hesitate to offer medical assistance and psychological support nor to contribute to the clean-up efforts in the land of their ancestors.
CHAGID BACHA
Volunteer
“That's what it's about. The Lebanese people are like that. That's what we foreigners are made of. My team of volunteers is made up of Venezuelans, Mexicans, Colombians, Ecuadorians and people from the United States.”
They're split into different work teams, which have been joined by Syrian and Pakistani volunteers. When it comes to helping others, country of origin becomes insignificant.
CHAGID BACHA
Volunteer
“We have teams who distribute food and offer different services. We have medical teams made up of volunteers. My team is helping clear the rubble. We pick up glass and other material and separate it for recycling.”
Despite the impressive work of this group of migrants, they say that without the international community's support, reconstructing Beirut's buildings and the spirits of so many Lebanese people will be a complicated task.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Claudia Torres
