Beirut, Lebanon – 12 November, 2024: Recognizing the deep impact of the current war, LIFE has stepped forward to serve as a guiding force, offering platforms and opportunities for Lebanese around the world to connect, engage, and provide support. With recent initiatives that transcend borders, LIFE continues to demonstrate the power of unity, reinforcing that in moments of hardship, the Lebanese community stands stronger together.
LIFE has recently hosted a Pitch Night for Lebanese Entrepreneurs in New York—a recurring LIFE event that, this time, carried profound significance. The gathering became an impactful meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters, uniting them around a shared purpose. While eight promising startups showcased their innovative ideas, the event resonated with a deeper intent. With the war devastating Lebanon and its people, attendees felt a strengthened sense of solidarity, coming together not only to foster entrepreneurship but to stand with one another in a time of need. It underscored the power of unity and commitment within the community, with individuals stepping up to encourage each other and reaffirm their collective strength amid these hard times.
“During these challenging times, it’s heartening to see the Lebanese community come together to uplift each other,” said Zeina Mhanna, Executive Director at LIFE. “LIFE’s Pitch Night became more than an event; it was an expression of solidarity and hope for Lebanon’s future.”
Moreover, recognizing the scarcity of reliable information outside Lebanon and the strong desire among the Lebanese diaspora to help, LIFE has stepped up as a vital conduit, connecting the Lebanese community worldwide to their home country. Through the Engage and Act webinar series in partnership with LebNet and ILMA USA, LIFE is addressing firsthand inquiries about how to provide aid, ensuring that their global network of members, donors, and partners stays informed and engaged.
The latest session on October 30 featured Nasser Yassin, Lebanon’s Emergency Committee Coordinator and caretaker Minister of Environment, who shared essential insights into the government’s emergency response plan and the commitments made at the recent Paris conference.
LIFE has previously featured NGOs such as Beit el Baraka, The Lebanese Red Cross, arcenciel, and Ruwwad in similar webinars as part of an ongoing series, with others yet to come. These collaborations have empowered the Lebanese diaspora with critical information on how to donate, assist with emergency relief, and contribute to rebuilding efforts in their communities. By serving as a vital bridge, LIFE is amplifying its commitment to sustaining Lebanon, helping them connect with their roots and enabling meaningful action during these uncertain times.
To date, the Engage and Act webinar series has engaged over 700 attendees, reflecting the strong desire within the Lebanese community to stay informed and support their homeland.
The organization’s commitment to Lebanon is unwavering, as it continually seeks to empower the Lebanese community and lend a hand to those in need. Through its diverse initiatives, LIFE strives to ensure that help reaches Lebanon effectively. Together with their global network of diaspora, they embody the spirit of solidarity that transcends challenges, demonstrating that collective efforts can drive meaningful change. As they move forward, LIFE stands firm in its mission to support Lebanon and its people, united in the vision for a brighter future.
About LIFE:
LIFE is a global membership organization that unites more than 1500 Lebanese professionals in the finance, consulting, law, and technology sectors worldwide. Founded in 2009 to bring together diaspora professionals dedicated to empowering the Lebanese community, the network maintains unwavering standards of governance, adhering to a non-partisan, non-sectarian, and independent approach to integrity.
With a diverse presence across 20 chapters worldwide, LIFE operates as an expansive network offering support to Lebanese professionals globally, extending from America to Asia. Leveraging the unity and collective action of its members, LIFE seeks to uplift and empower the Lebanese community on a global scale, while also advocating for economic and social reform within the country.