Welcome to The National's weekly newsletter Beshara, where we share the most positive stories of the week.
During a time of unprecedented crisis in Lebanon, I can't help but feel sentimental when I see and hear about all the community-driven initiatives taking shape to support displaced families.
The aid campaigns are a welcome change from news of conflict and offer much-needed respite to more than one million families who were forced from their homes by Israel's mass displacement orders.
Husen Fayad is a Lebanese chef and social media personality who has earned millions of followers thanks to his traditional recipes and mesmerising cooking videos. Now he's using his platform to cook hundreds of daily comfort meals for displaced families.
Another Lebanese content creator, Hasan Raad, has launched Camion El Hobb, or the Love Truck, as a mobile lifeline for those displaced. The truck goes around Lebanon to spread the love and distribute aid to families, including fresh fruit, hot meals, toys, medicine, pillows, blankets and more.
What stands out most is that these efforts are entirely volunteer-led – created by the people, for the people. It’s this kind of solidarity that makes all the difference in moments such as these and brings back hope when all feels lost.
Do you have a Beshara you'd like to share with us? You can reach me at FAlMahmoud@thenationalnews.com.
Uninterrupted UAE support
As the UAE continues to provide Gaza residents with critical humanitarian aid, it has also stepped up operations to support the people of Lebanon.
The country has sent aid convoys laden with hundreds of tonnes of clothes for Palestinians affected by war and winter, as part of a humanitarian drive called Clothing of Hope for Our Children in Gaza.
A four-kilometre run was held in Gaza on Saturday as part of the UAE's Operation Gallant Knight 3 humanitarian programme. The event was part of a series of activities to support young people and athletes, after major sports programmes were halted by Israel's war on the Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, Dubai Humanitarian has sent 21.5 tonnes of medical supplies to Lebanon in an overland aid convoy.
The delivery, sent under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and provided by the World Health Organisation, includes a range of medicine and critical items to support healthcare services, addressing the needs of Lebanon's displaced families.
Quoted
'I know how hard it is to get number plates. It's very costly. So I thought it would help others'
- Sharjah resident Saneeh Hasan stepped up to the plate for his community during last week's heavy rain, collecting more than 200 vehicle registration number plates that were dislodged by the severe weather, which earned him plenty of praise from affected motorists
Iraq one flight closer to World Cup dream
Travel disruption caused by war in the Middle East almost got in the way of Iraq's football World Cup dream.
The players were to meet in Iraq and take a charter flight to Mexico but that was not possible due to the closure of Iraqi airspace. Worldwide governing body Fifa then proposed the players make their way to Istanbul, 25 hours away by road, before catching an onward flight. The Iraq Football Association was understandably reluctant. The solution? A chartered flight from Iraq to Saudi Arabia, before the team eventually made it to Mexico, where they will play Bolivia this week.
Win that intercontinental play-off final and Iraq will be going to its first World Cup finals in 40 years.
Snapshot
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