American Red Cross Commits $500,000 For Humanitarian Assistance In Lebanon - Web Site Established To Help Families Restore Contact

In response to increasing conflict-related humanitarian needs in Lebanon, the American Red Cross has sent an initial $500,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC is providing critical emergency assistance, including support for the Lebanese Red Cross medical and ambulance services, as well as food, water, blankets, hygiene kits and kitchen sets to those affected by ongoing hostilities. Relief activities in Lebanon are being conducted by the ICRC in cooperation with the Lebanese Red Cross and on behalf of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement).


Guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Movement, the American Red Cross is a neutral and impartial organization that supports people affected by man made or natural disasters, crises and emergencies at home and abroad based on need, regardless of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.


The American Red Cross will consider need-based appeals, or formal requests for support, by Movement partners, such as Israel's Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, that are made through the ICRC or the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation). The ICRC has overall leadership responsibility for coordination of the Movement's response to the conflict in Lebanon and its consequences in neighboring countries. In surrounding countries and Cyprus, national Red Cross/Crescent societies are supported by the ICRC and the Federation in accordance with their specific competencies.


In order to respond to the need of families to know the whereabouts of their loved ones who have been affected by the Middle East Crisis, the ICRC has launched a specific page on its FamilyLinks Web site. The aim of this Web site is to accelerate the process of restoring contact between separated family members and to facilitate the exchange of family news. The Web site can be accessed in English and in Arabic at: familylinks.icrc.


All information in this Web site is provided by relatives of persons sought or by persons who register themselves. Because this is a publicly available website, information posted on this site is not confidential and cannot be verified by the Red Cross.


The American Red Cross continues to monitor the situation and coordinate its efforts with Movement partners. The assistance provided by the American Red Cross and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are consistent with the Movement's Fundamental Principles, including humanity, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.


Domestically, the American Red Cross has provided support to individuals and families arriving in the U.S. after having been evacuated from Lebanon. The assistance being provided includes the provision of food, basic first aid services, emergency communications, personal hygiene items and assistance with shelter. Child care and mental health counseling have also been provided upon request. The first plane carrying 150 evacuees landed July 20, and Red Cross volunteers have greeted thousands of flights during the past two weeks. Because of the limited supporting role of the American Red Cross in this operation, the American Red Cross is not asking for donations to assist those who are evacuated to the U.S. due to the conflict in the Middle East. If the need arises, the Red Cross is fully confident that the people of America will help as they do time and time again for disasters.


Additional updates regarding the Red Cross response to the Middle East crisis, as well as information on how to support the international work of the American Red Cross, may be found at redcross.


You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).


Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.


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