Lebanon’s humanitarian crisis strikes at Wichita’s heart | Commentary
It’s hard to imagine that it was 29 years ago when I moved my family from California to Wichita, having been appointed Dean (head priest) of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. I still remember the kindness and generosity of our new parish — at that time largely Lebanese — how they welcomed Jeannie and our family, and their unbridled devotion to the city of Wichita.
It was 1895 when the first Lebanese immigrated to Wichita, and today, their entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the real estate, food services, construction, legal, financial and other sectors. Perhaps most telling is the large number of Lebanese physicians throughout our community, underscoring their caring nature.
I had the privilege of spending eight days traveling in Lebanon during the summer of 2019. We traversed the country from one end to the other in awe of its natural beauty, deep religiosity and vibrant culture. In the time since, this once-thriving tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, towering mountains and diversity has undergone a financial meltdown. An Oct. 14 New York Times story summarized it best: “Weekly grocery bills can equal months of a typical family’s income. Banks are refusing to let people withdraw money. Basic medicines are often unavailable, and gas station lines can last hours. Every day, many homes lack electricity.” (“Lebanon’s Crisis: The world isn’t paying much attention” by David Leonhardt and Sanam Yar.)
For much of the membership of St. George Cathedral, and for many Lebanese across our community, this plight is personal. Many still have family and friends back home struggling to care for loved ones. For this reason, St. George Cathedral and the International Lebanese Medical Association-Kansas, are partnering on a grassroots effort to deliver aid through the Lebanese Red Cross. Today through Oct. 30, we are appealing to people across Wichita and south-central Kansas to go to www.stgeorgecathedral.net, click on the Medical Mercy for Lebanon graphic and explore the ways you might lend support.
Among the medical needs are aspirin, Calcium 500 mg+Vitamin D, Ibuprofen, Tylenol and Voltaren gel. Also needed are diapers of all sizes, baby formula, hand sanitizer, ice packs, surgical masks, finger pulse oximeters and touchless thermometers. Links are available on the St. George website for GoFundMe donations and Amazon purchases.
Drop-offs may be made from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at St. George Cathedral office, 7515 E. 13th Street, Wichita. All donations, financial and in-kind, will be packed in a container and distributed through the Lebanese Red Cross.
As we reflect on the freedoms and blessings we enjoy, there are many throughout the world who are suffering. Let us look within our hearts and consider how we might ease the struggle for some, and offer prayers to all for a brighter day. Thank you for your generosity toward our brothers and sisters in Lebanon.