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Tarek Jallad
and Toni Akiki

Lebanon and the city of Beirut have had a difficult past.
From civil wars to bombings, protests and COVID-19, and
most recently, a devastating explosion that experts say was
one of the largest non-nuclear blasts in human history.

Tarek continued, “Our team’s efforts were one of the
proudest moments I’ve had as Dealer Principal. The sense
of civic duty and shared humanity on display was both
inspiring and truly heartwarming. It didn’t just stop at clearing
rubble on the streets. Many of our team members even went
inside buildings at the request of residents to help clean
their shattered homes. I remember a lady coming out of her
apartment, tears streaming down her face, asking us who we
were and why we were doing such a kind act. I just told her,
on behalf of everyone there, that this was the very least we
could do. That moment captured the essence of the day.” After:

As much as it was important for Jallad to help, the
international community also responded. The United
States sent three giant C-17 transport aircraft with
relief supplies. Three French planes arrived carrying
55 rescuers, medical equipment and a mobile clinic
equipped to treat 500 people. The EU, Russia, Italy,
Tunisia, Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar and the UK also sent
relief supplies, humanitarian aid or military personnel.

Both Tarek and Toni are cautiously optimistic as to
whether life in Beirut will ever fully return to normal. Six
months have now passed and remarkable progress has
been made rebuilding everything from apartments to
infrastructure. However, even though there is progress,
the city and country still need a lot of help. n
Additional details at: www.cat.com

August 5, 2020 August 9, 2020

Humanitarian assistance Volunteering in communities
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International support is extensive and generous. 40 people helped clear out 18 dump truck loads of rubble to a recycle yard.