Hinna al-Sidah: Italy Contributes to Recovery by Supporting Displaced Families

Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs Hinna al-Sidah stated that "Italy can play an active role in Lebanon's recovery path, especially by supporting displaced families and helping them restore their livelihoods and dignity," highlighting the importance of Italy's and the international community's role in aiding Lebanon during this phase.

This came during a large gathering hosted by the Lebanese Embassy in Rome, welcoming Minister al-Sidah, who is visiting the Italian capital to hold meetings with various officials and her Italian counterparts, coinciding with the launch of the international humanitarian alliance "Rooted for Lebanon."

The event was attended by political, social, and humanitarian figures, several Arab ambassadors accredited in Rome, members of the Lebanese diaspora, and embassy diplomatic staff.

In opening remarks, Lebanon's Ambassador to Italy, Carla Jazar, welcomed attendees, noting that this gathering reflects the strength of relations between Lebanon and Italy, as well as the solidarity of the Arab and international communities with Lebanon and its people.

Minister al-Sidah said that "Italy can contribute to Lebanon's recovery by helping people regain their means of living, and above all, their dignity," affirming that Rome has already played a significant role in supporting Lebanon.

She explained that government and international aid, including that provided by Italy and the European Union, forms a key part of the response, while the "Rooted for Lebanon" alliance aims to mobilize additional private sector resources and direct them straight to the most vulnerable families.

Al-Sidah noted that since its launch in late May, the initiative has successfully raised approximately $338,000 in private donations, which will be directly transferred to eligible families verified by the ministry and program partners via a digital system allowing beneficiaries to receive funds on their phones and withdraw them through local money transfer companies.

The program specifically targets elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, families with children, and female-headed households, aiming to provide immediate and flexible assistance to displaced families, enabling them to decide how to prioritize their spending—whether on food, medicine, education, or other essential needs.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Jazar stressed the importance of the Lebanese community in Italy, emphasizing that supporting Lebanon goes beyond financial aid—it also serves as a way to maintain ties with the homeland and participate in its recovery journey.

Jazar said this support "is more than just a donation; it is a way to stay connected to Lebanon through work and standing beside families as they take their first steps from emergency to recovery."

She recalled her meetings with families returning to villages devastated by war, where they found destroyed homes, closed schools, and lost livelihoods, noting that many of these families no longer asked, "When will someone rebuild our lives?" but instead said, "We want to stay. We want to start anew."

She added that despite recurring crises, Lebanon still has a people who choose to rebuild, remain rooted, and hold onto hope for the future, stressing that the shared responsibility lies in not leaving this hope alone.

Jazar called on viewing the "Rooted for Lebanon" campaign not merely as a fundraising initiative but as part of broader efforts to support recovery and strengthen the ability of families and local communities to reclaim their lives.

She concluded: "Lebanon faces great challenges, yet it also has a people deeply attached to their country, partners who believe in its resilience, and expatriates and friends whose connection remains unbroken—believing these bonds represent a genuine source of hope during the recovery and rebuilding phase."

Italian Aid to Lebanon

Italy announced in March the allocation of €10 million to alleviate the impact of the crisis in Lebanon, along with 30 tons of in-kind aid.

Italy is dedicating a humanitarian contribution of €10 million (€11.5 million USD) aimed at alleviating the crisis's effects and responding to the most urgent needs of communities affected by conflict, referring to the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

Additionally, €2 million has been allocated to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) humanitarian fund, €2 million to the Red Cross, €6 million to non-governmental organizations operating in Lebanon, and 30 tons of humanitarian aid for displaced persons, including medicines, food supplies, and personal hygiene items.

In a statement from the Italian Foreign Ministry: "Italy reaffirms its solidarity with Lebanon and its people, and underscores its commitment to closely cooperate with Lebanese authorities and the United Nations to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in most urgent need."