Over time, the Imam Sadr Foundation (ISF) has become a haven of hope and prosperity; a place filled with laughter, where students grow in stature, knowledge and values; and a safe space where love, cooperation and understanding reign. But then came the day, where darkness prevailed, and peace collapsed… Conflicts erupted along the southern borders of Lebanon, and the war delivered a loud knock.

The Spark of War

On October 8, 2023, hundreds of families residing at the southern border were displaced to shelters in Tyre, necessitating an immediate response. The Imam Sadr Foundation started cooperating with several associations, and took initiatives to provide urgent services to the displaced. In no time, the foundation’s kitchen was placed into service to prepare hot meals, and the team worked tirelessly to secure essential social services. These efforts soon expanded to include the distribution of in-kind assistance, such as clothes, blankets, food provisions, and cleaning supplies.

Remaining committed to the well-being of children, the foundation helped in drawing back a smile on their faces through various recreational activities and training courses, including learning crafts.

On the healthcare level, the need for services increased dramatically. As two of ISF’s primary healthcare centers were put out of service due to safety concerns, the foundation called on their staffs to pursue their mission at the service of the displaced people, through mobile clinics in Tyre and Nabatieh.

Despite War, Dispersion and Destruction…

September 23, 2024 marked a pivotal turning point as the Israeli war on Lebanon expanded, rendering a large area of the southern region unsafe. A new wave of mass evacuations followed, forcing ISF’s team members and their families to flee.

The foundation acted swiftly to address the crisis. Carrying love and hope, ISF was present on the ground, offering comprehensive support to the displaced. Its personnel relocated to the Imam Musa As-Sadr Center for Research and Studies in Beirut to continue providing services with the available equipment and resources. But then again, being located in a high-risk area, the center was forced to close during the first week, prompting the team to secure an alternative site in a safer zone.

“A doctor cures people while he is ill” describes ISF’s resilience. The foundation was healing and its roots grew stronger through every service and primary medical care provided at shelters.

On the Front Lines of Humanitarian Aid

On the ground, the situation was harsh, and the worsening humanitarian crisis required ISF to operate under severe constraints. Despite limited equipment and resources, the foundation provided wheelchairs, medical beds, crutches, free medicines and laboratory tests; conducted vaccination campaigns for children; sustained the Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation program; and provided palliative care for long-term patients. The psychological support team offered social intervention and addressed trauma through individual and group sessions. ISF also secured safe spaces for women to enhance ​​stress management and build resilience in the face of crises.

Family Solidarity All Along

From the outset, the Imam Sadr Foundation was deeply committed to supporting the displaced girls of the Rahab al-Zahra Orphanage, who were forced to part ways. The foundation located them, and closely monitored their well-being through their supervisors, ensuring access to academic, health and basic needs. Food supplies and blankets were also provided to the girls’ families.

On the academic level, Rahab Al-Zahraa Secondary School and Al-Afaq Institute for Development successfully implemented distance learning programs to ensure educational continuity.

Internally, the ISF family was well surrounded.  Headed by compassionate leaders, the foundation extended support to all staff members across Lebanon, in the form of salaries, blankets and food rations.

Calm After the Storm

As calm returned to Lebanon, the Imam Sadr Foundation returned home. Back at its main headquarters in Tyre, the team resumed operations with renewed determination and optimism. The staff members are now more committed than ever to fulfilling ISF’s humanitarian mission, meeting the dramatically increased needs in post-war Lebanon.

Today, we return to work with positivity, standing resolute to give the best through the efforts of philanthropists and supporters. You are our companions and part of this family. Together, we can continue to shape a better society, rooted in the values ​​of giving, sacrifice and compassion. Let us unite for humanity, provide support to those in need, and rebuild our beloved Lebanon.