It may seem like a world away, but for many people in the Lakeland area, the August 4 explosion in the Lebanese capital of Beirut has very close connections.
In the Lac La Biche area, known at one time as having the countries largest per capita population of Muslim people, families continue to watch news reports and learn first-hand from friends and family still in Lebanon about the on-going emergency.
Imam Mohamad Abdel Wahab, the spiritual leader at the Lac La Biche Al-Kareem Mosque says the humanitarian efforts continue to be needed following the massive explosion at the city's port that killed more than 170 people, injured thousands and left thousands homeless. Members of the Lebanese community in the Lac La Biche region continue to offer their support to the victims, said the Imam, and while he says there were no direct casualties tied to area families, the connections are still very strong to the tragedy.
"The news has been very saddening, and continues to be," said Imam, explaining that several services and gatherings at the mosque in the weeks since the explosion have been dedicated to the tragedy and finding ways to send support and compassion to the victims.
Familiar reaction
Even local Lebanese people not directly affected by the tragedy have felt the shockwaves, says the Imam, bringing them closer to their families overseas, as well as in their community.
"I think a lot of people are sending financial aid to their families, and perhaps re-connecting with that human concern," he said, adding that in the wake of such a tragedy, all people can feel vulnerable. "The sense of insecurity can be the worst. After a tragedy like this, we can all feel exposed."
Outside the Lebanese community, the Imam says there has been an outpouring of support from the local community. He said the connections many people have to the local Lebanese culture — even the recognition of familiar last names as they have been watching news coverage ofthe explosion — has drawn them to help.
"You might see or hear a certain last name on the news and it will 'ring a bell' — you might have a friend or colleague or had a roommate with that name, and it makes a connection," he said, explaining that it's not only financial assistance that will help the victims. "It doesn't have to be only financial aid, it can even be simply raising awareness, giving people that sense of humanity, bringing us all together."
While the Imam does not like to weigh into political debates, he realizes that Lebanon has been affected by poor political leadership and a growing distrust of the political system by much of the population. Adding those concerns to an already poor economy before the explosion, he says help for the people must come before politics.
"This only can be approached from a humanitarian point of view, a spiritual point of view. We have to offer help to those who need it. We need to save those people first — and then discuss the politics and surrounding issues after," he said, encouraging community neighbours, regional residents and people of the world to continue to help those who need it. "What we are taking is a step, and we have to follow it with more steps."
Donations and awareness
There are continuing humanitarian efforts around the globe for the victims of the explosion. The Canadian government has matched $2 million in donations raised through a special assistance fund and international agencies like Human Concern International continue to raise funds and awareness. Donations to the continuing efforts can also be made at the Al-Kareem Mosque.
