Lebanese Armenians in Urgent Need; Many Young People Intend to Move to Armenia

The already dire social situation in Lebanon has worsened following the strong explosions that occurred yesterday in the capital, Beirut. The local Armenian community, considered one of the centers of the Armenian diaspora, has also found itself in urgent need.

In an interview with Voice of America, the director of the Howard Karagyozyan Charitable Foundation in Beirut, Serob Ohanyan, stated that approximately 7,500 Armenian families are in dire need of food, medical assistance, and the renovation or construction of housing. “We have seen Armenian families that were not in need but have now become needy,” he noted.

The Karagyozyan Foundation has been operating in Lebanon for about 80 years, providing medical and social support to the local Armenians. The foundation itself has suffered damage due to the explosions, and as Ohanyan stated, they are lucky to have survived. They are also preparing to continue providing assistance to people from tents.

According to the foundation's director, people are in need of social and psychological support as well. There is also a need to guide young people so they can find work or settle in Armenia. According to Serob Ohanyan, there are intentions among the youth to relocate: “Many young Armenians want to return.” There is a sense of insecurity and fear about living in Lebanon, and for them, Armenia is the path to return home.

Several Armenian institutions, cultural centers, the embassy, and the Armenian church in Bourj Hammoud have been affected by the explosions. Among the victims and thousands of injured, there are also Armenians.