The holy month of Ramadan comes this year amid two major crises that cast a hefty shadow over Lebanon. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus imposes social distancing measures, preventing families from reuniting around Iftar banquets, while banking procedures stop the more fortunate to withdraw sufficient funds to support those in need.
Despite all these obstacles, preparations for the holy month continued with the available capabilities.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Sharia Judge and head of Mount Lebanon Zakat Fund, Sheikh Mohammed Hani al-Jouzou said: “The charitable kitchens in Dar Al Iftaa have opened their doors to prepare fresh meals to be delivered to needy families by the municipalities.”
He added that charitable organizations, which are affiliated to the endowments or to civil society groups, launched a complete census of underprivileged families, to provide them with food supplies.
Fida Attar, official at Ashghalouna – an entity within the Social Welfare Institution (Dar al-Aytam) - told Asharq Al-Awsat that the association was committed to helping the registered families, but underlined the presence of financial difficulties due to the scarce donations as a result of banking restrictions on withdrawals.
“There are difficulties in individual assistance. A large number of Lebanese have been donating to needy families during the month of Ramadan. But banking measures have prevented depositors from obtaining the necessary funds,” Attar noted.
The director of the Lebanese Center for Research and Consulting in Sidon, Hassan Qutub, said that the relevant organizations have adapted their operations to the measures imposed by the curfew.
He explained that banquets that used to gather needy families in restaurants would be canceled. Instead, fresh meals would be delivered right to their doorstep. Some associations sought to provide other supplies, including infant milk, he said.
Qutub stressed that the financial situation and the outbreak of the coronavirus would prevent families from reuniting around Iftar dinners during the holy month.
