Lebanese Doctor Transforms Clinic into Kitchen for Displaced People
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, Dr. Ali Jradi, an orthodontist and cosmetic dentist, has turned his clinic in Sidon into a kitchen to provide daily meals for over 300 displaced individuals. This initiative comes as many Lebanese citizens seek to support those affected by the recent Israeli aggression, which has led to significant displacement across the country.
Dr. Jradi's decision emerged from discussions with his neighbors, who expressed a strong desire to aid the influx of displaced people from cities under attack. Initially focused on providing financial assistance, the urgency of food needs prompted the transformation of his clinic into a charity kitchen. Starting with simple sandwiches, the operation has evolved to serve complete meals to those in need.
The kitchen primarily caters to displaced individuals living in homes, while shelters receive support from various associations and municipalities. As the project gained momentum, Dr. Jradi launched a donation campaign, attracting in-kind aid from both local and international sources. The community's response has been overwhelming, with many contributing to the cause, highlighting the spirit of solidarity among Lebanese citizens during these challenging times.
Despite the efforts, Dr. Jradi acknowledges the scale of the crisis, noting that the number of displaced individuals has surged to over 1.2 million, with many lacking adequate housing and basic necessities. The United Nations has reported that approximately 250,000 Lebanese have sought refuge in Syria due to the escalating conflict. The situation remains dire as government agencies struggle to meet the growing demands of the displaced population, emphasizing the need for urgent international intervention to address the root causes of this humanitarian disaster.
