DUBAI, 31 July 2006 — The Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has donated five million dirhams in aid to the people of Lebanon. The donation is part of the “Toward Healing Lebanon’s Wounds” campaign organized by Dubai Media Incorporated in partnership with the Sheikh Mohammad ibn Rashid Humanitarian and Charitable Foundation and the UAE Red Crescent.
Dr. Mohamed Khalfan ibn Kharbash, UAE minister of state for finance and industry and chairman of DIB, said: “The UAE has always been at the forefront in helping those in need. It is heartening to see the UAE extending support to the Lebanese; the gesture is in line with our historical and political ties with that great country.
The “Toward Healing Lebanon’s Wounds” campaign is aimed at showing the spirit of compassion for the Lebanese. Our donation is a small gesture that will help alleviate some problems,” Khrbash explained.
Two planes carrying medicines and other relief materials left Abu Dhabi yesterday as an air bridge, ordered by Gen. Sheikh Mohammed ibn Zayed Al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the UAE armed forces, to sustain humanitarian efforts in Lebanon enters its second day.
The UAE is engaged in plans, in collaboration with various local organizations and charity agencies, to extend help to the Lebanese people in their hour of need.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Rotary Club and UNICEF have united their efforts to help the people of Lebanon. As part of UNICEF’s aid and relief support in the war-ravaged country, an “Appeal for Lebanon” was yesterday launched in Dubai by the two organizations.
The Dubai Rotary Club has started the campaign rolling by donating $100,000 to the UNICEF appeal to help assist the children and civilians who have suffered from the destruction in Lebanon. The funds will be used toward the purchase of crucial equipment such as generators and emergency packs.
“Consolidating our efforts with UNICEF will provide the necessary assistance and support that is required in various parts of Lebanon, in particular within the dismantled south,” said Samir Kanaan, vice president of the Dubai Rotary Club. “We are working with a broad range of partners in Lebanon to save lives, protect civilians, and support services such as health, water and sanitation, education and psycho-social care,” said Omar Shehadeh, regional donor relations officer for UNICEF.
Of the reported 700,000 civilians displaced in Lebanon, UNICEF estimates that 45 percent are children. Approximately 125,000 of them are now living in 587 schools and shelters. They are in urgent need of water storage tankers, improved sanitation and health kits.
The Appeal for Lebanon Campaign Account Number is now open with Emirates Bank International: Account Number 0078-505165-002. Address: Dubai World Trade Center Branch, P.O. Box 11909, Dubai, UAE.
