'Searching for bread': Lebanon's economic collapse leads to suffering during Ramadan


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An increasing number of people in Lebanon rely on charities for their iftar meals because of a currency crisis that eroded purchasing power and plunged more than half of the country's population into poverty.

For many Lebanese, Ramadan was a time for families and friends to gather each day for iftar banquets that symbolised Lebanon's rich traditions of hospitality.

But this year is different. The cost of food has almost tripled since the crisis unfolded, with shortages in foreign currencies fuelling hyperinflation and increasing the cost of staple foods.

The average cumulative monthly cost of iftar for a family of five is two-and-a-half times the country's monthly minimum wage, according to a study by the American University of Beirut's Crisis Observatory Unit.

One Beirut resident, who collected food from the Ibad El Rahman NGO to share with her family, told The National: "Without aid, we would become beggars.

“Although my kids have jobs, I still have to get them food because they can’t afford it,” said Mirna El Masri, a 56-year-old homemaker.

With a salary of three-times the minimum wage, Ms El Masri’s family could afford a decent living until late in 2019, when one of the worst financial crises to grip the country in decades unfolded. An 85 per cent drop in the Lebanese pound’s value against the dollar since then has reduced Ms Al Masri’s household income from approximately $1000 to less than $150 dollars today.

“They can now only afford to pay for electricity, water, milk, diapers, and rent. There is nothing left for food,” she said.

People lining up to receive iftar meals at Maedat El Rahman Ramadan tent in Ramlet El Bayda
People lining up to receive iftar meals at Maedat El Rahman Ramadan tent in Ramlet El Bayda

Local businessman Mahmoud Alwan, 60, who was picking up food for his workers, said: “This year is harder than previous years.”

Beirut’s residents blame the country’s economic woes on the ruling political class.

Political deadlock has hindered the formation of a new government almost eight months after the massive Beirut port explosion toppled Hassan Diab’s Cabinet and caused $15 billion in estimated losses.

A Lebanese resident filing his bucket with iftar meal at Ibad El Rahman organization distribution point
A Lebanese resident filing his bucket with iftar meal at Ibad El Rahman organization distribution point

Since then, Lebanon’s leaders have been bickering over the upcoming cabinet’s composition and regional agenda, leaving the country without a fully-functioning government to enact reforms in exchange for international financial support.

Abo Hamza, 55, a wholesale butcher whose company donates food to the Maedat El Rahman tent to help families struggling to make ends meet, said: “People are hungry, people are feeling miserable…but the government isn’t feeling the people’s pain.

Volunteers at Ghiras NGO preparing iftar meals for pick up.
Volunteers at Ghiras NGO preparing iftar meals for pick up.

“They all don’t care about the people. They are the decision-makers but there’s no decision so that people don’t starve,” he said.

Political paralysis and the coronavirus outbreak have compounded Lebanon’s economic crisis.

Concerns of a new wave of Covid-19 infections has prompted many NGOs to make home deliveries.

Ghiras NGO delivering iftar meal to a family in Qasqas neighborhood
Ghiras NGO delivering iftar meal to a family in Qasqas neighborhood

But families struggling to stay afloat say charitable donations are no solution.

"People who used to give are now in need," Mona Itani, a member of Ghiras charity group, told The National.

Mr Alwan said the devastating impact of the crisis was now clear to see.

“Some Lebanese families are now digging food from the trash. We are seeing everyday people searching for bread, food, and leftovers to eat,” he said.

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Ibrahim's play list

Completed an electrical diploma at the Adnoc Technical Institute

Works as a public relations officer with Adnoc

Apart from the piano, he plays the accordion, oud and guitar

His favourite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach

Also enjoys listening to Mozart

Likes all genres of music including Arabic music and jazz

Enjoys rock groups Scorpions and Metallica 

Other musicians he likes are Syrian-American pianist Malek Jandali and Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou Khalil

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

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The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 400hp

Torque: 500Nm

Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)

On sale: 2022 

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Leap of Faith

Michael J Mazarr

Public Affairs

Dh67
 

The bio

Favourite food: Japanese

Favourite car: Lamborghini

Favourite hobby: Football

Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough

Favourite country: UAE

The biog

Favourite car: Ferrari

Likes the colour: Black

Best movie: Avatar

Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy

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Fixtures

Sunday, 10am, ICC Academy, Dubai - UAE v Scotland

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Sreesanth's India bowling career

Tests 27, Wickets 87, Average 37.59, Best 5-40

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T20Is 10, Wickets 7, Average 41.14, Best 2-12

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Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


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if you go

The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow. 
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes). 

Spare

Profile

Company name: Spare

Started: March 2018

Co-founders: Dalal Alrayes and Saurabh Shah

Based: UAE

Sector: FinTech

Investment: Own savings. Going for first round of fund-raising in March 2019

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The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

What went into the film

25 visual effects (VFX) studios

2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots

1,000 VFX artists

3,000 technicians

10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers

New sound technology, named 4D SRL

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888