26 May 2022
For Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Ramadan was exceptionally difficult this year amid the country’s worst ever economic crisis. The local currency has lost more than 85% of its value, inflation has exceeded 200%, and poverty levels have more than doubled in two years.
Food prices have quadrupled and food insecurity levels, as well as risks of acute malnutrition and related illnesses, have significantly increased. This year, the cost of a basic Ramadan Iftar meal increased by 65% compared to year and 152% since 2020.
Palestinian refugees, who were living in deplorable conditions before the crisis due to decades of marginalisation and restrictions on their basic rights, have been severely impacted by Lebanon’s crisis. During the holy month of Ramadan, MAP, in partnership with Beit Atfal Asomoud, provided nutritious food parcels to families in Lebanon’s Palestinian refugee camps. The parcels contained different types of pulses such as beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils, rice, vegetable oil, sugar, dates, and other items.
Rana* is a Palestinian woman living in Al-Bass camp, in the south of Lebanon, who received a food parcel during Ramadan. She spoke to MAP about her conditions, the impact of Lebanon’s economic collapse on her family, and how MAP has supported them.
“I always hope that my children have a better life than me”
Rana is a mother of three children who lost her husband 16 years ago and has had to raise her now 21, 20, and 17-year-old children alone. Two of her children are studying at university while the youngest is still at school. “I did my best to raise my children well and insisted that they complete their school education and go to university despite our difficult conditions. Even though I dropped out of school at a very young age, I always hope that my children have a better life than me. Education is the way to having a better future,” Rana explained.
Finding work to support her children after their father passed away was not easy. Rana remained reliant on the minimal aid provided by a local charity that cares for orphaned children. This support was the family’s main income and Rana managed to use it wisely to meet her children’s essential needs including school expenses, food and rent. However, this is no longer possible following Lebanon’s economic crisis and the sharp increase in prices.
“Before the last two years, we were managing to survive with the little money we received from the charity. But with the current situation in Lebanon, this money is not enough to pay the electricity bill, rent, or spend on food and clothes,” said Rana. “We are struggling. Having to worry about not being able to secure our most basic needs and the risk of not being able to pay for my children’s education keeps me constantly stressed. I am hoping that when my children graduate and start working, our conditions will improve.”
According to Rana, the Ramadan assistance provided by MAP was extremely helpful as she would have not been able to buy most of the food parcel’s items for the month. Now with this support, she was able to cook a meal and have lentil soup for Iftar every day. When possible, she also shares her meals with another person who needs it. Rana wishes her situation would allow her to give more, as she believes that giving and doing good deeds will protect her family and bring her closer to God.
Rana thanked all those who made this assistance possible and for the excellent quality of the products, and the kind and respectful way the food parcel was delivered to her. She believes that everyone in the refugee camp has been greatly affected by Lebanon’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions, especially as their work opportunities are scarce, but that supporting female-headed households, families with members with disabilities or severe illnesses, and elderly people who are unable to support themselves, makes the most difference.
Please consider donating to MAP’s emergency response work supporting Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of people involved.
