BT Visiting
In mid-September, BT will be back home for several weeks to report on her work among the Lebanese refugees in northern Israel. We’re looking forward to seeing her again and hearing her perspective about the effect of the recent war on the community she serves. If you would like to talk with BT while she’s here, please contact us. In the meantime, be sure to read her most recent...
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BT writes from Jerusalem: I recall well my first impressions when I moved to south Lebanon in 1984. It was devastated by years of warfare. By the time I left in 2000 the area was prospering with many improvements and new shops and homes. Although I did not see all of the reconstruction of Beirut, I had traveled throughout the country and saw the great efforts of Lebanon to recover from the years of civil war. I had to leave with the families of the former South Lebanese Army, allies of Israel, but it was with great sorrow as Marjayoun in south Lebanon had been my home for sixteen years and I...
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BT writes from Jerusalem: After serving for many years in south Lebanon I am glad I can continue to help the families who lost their homes. When I first opened the Arazim Dental Clinic I thought it would be a project to offer these people emergency dental treatment during a short period of transition. Most hoped to either return to Lebanon or to immigrate to another country. Now, six years later, the dental clinic continues to serve this community. Dental care is an important and practical way to assist people in need and many consider it to be the most valuable project offered for their...
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BT writes from Jerusalem: May 23 will mark the day that thousands of Lebanese fled from their homeland six years ago when Israel withdrew her troops from south Lebanon. The community of approximately 2,500 who reside in Israel continue to struggle to build new lives, displaced from their homes, traditions, family and friends. Financial compensation for years served approved by the Israeli government over a year ago has still not been received and no one knows when and how it will be paid. One instalment was expected in March when rent assistance was discontinued, but nothing is certain....
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BT writes from Jerusalem: This has been a year of change in the Middle East. Lebanon has witnessed historic events including the assassination of former prime minister, Rafik Hariri, the subsequent withdrawal of Syrian troops, the first free elections since 1975 (the outbreak of the civil war) and now awaits the results of the investigation into the assassination of Hariri with the expectation that those responsible will be brought to justice. The Lebanese community in Israel (families of the former South Lebanon Army soldiers who took refuge in Israel when Israel withdrew from south Lebanon...
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BT writes from Jerusalem: In my last letter I referred to winds of change blowing across the Middle East. Since I have worked so long among the Lebanese I have been following the developments in Lebanon with great interest. The dramatic changes have been covered extensively in the media, but I want to include a brief summary in this letter. Syrian troops deployed since 1976 were withdrawn, finalized with a farewell ceremony at the end of April. Syrian troops entered Lebanon as a peacekeeping force early in the civil war, became embroiled in the war and in the end stayed to maintain security,...
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