Statement issued by the International Economic Lobby; the Lobby's President, Dr. Ali Al-Masri

In light of the dangerous developments and the ongoing war in the region, with its painful humanitarian and economic repercussions, the international economic lobby is following with grave concern the increasing pressures on Lebanon's fragile economy and the lives of its citizens, who face existential challenges that threaten their security, stability, and daily livelihoods.

Today, we stand in reverence and respect before the souls of the Lebanese martyrs who fell treacherously in their homes and among their families. The blood of these innocent victims is not a mere passing event, but a deep wound in the nation's conscience and a blatant attack on the most basic human rights to life and security. These noble sacrifices place upon us all a great national and moral responsibility to protect what remains of our homeland and to preserve the dignity of those who have persevered despite the suffering, and those who were forced to leave their homes under the weight of war.

Wars do not only destroy buildings; they strike at the very heart of the national economy. This leads to a decline in investments, disrupts trade and tourism, increases pressure on the national currency and productive sectors, and forces thousands of families into displacement in search of safety, exacerbating the economic crisis and deepening the social and humanitarian challenges facing Lebanon today.

Based on our national and humanitarian responsibility, the International Economic Lobby announces the launch of an urgent humanitarian campaign to provide aid to our people in Lebanon who have been displaced from their homes and regions by the war. These people are not mere numbers in reports or statistics; they are the sons and daughters of this nation and our partners in destiny. Their dignity and their right to live in peace are a collective responsibility that rests on the shoulders of every Lebanese citizen and every person of conscience.

We make a sincere appeal to Lebanese businesspeople in the diaspora and to our partners in international economic institutions to unite efforts and intensify support during this critical phase. The resilience of the Lebanese people on their land is the cornerstone for rebuilding the national economy and the true guarantee for maintaining economic stability and protecting investments from complete collapse.

Throughout its history, Lebanon has been built on diversity and pluralism, and today it is in dire need of solidarity and national unity. Great crises are not confronted with division or inflammatory rhetoric, but rather with cooperation and mutual support. Therefore, we call upon all Lebanese to reject sectarian and hateful discourse, to uphold the values ​​of national brotherhood, and to embrace every Lebanese citizen forced by harsh circumstances to leave their home and seek safety.

We call upon the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and work to keep economic facilities and vital infrastructure out of the conflict, because targeting them will only deepen the humanitarian and economic crisis and push entire generations into poverty and long-term displacement.

The international economic lobby will remain by Lebanon's side and stand with its people during this critical time. It will continue to work with local and international partners to mitigate the effects of this crisis and support humanitarian and economic initiatives that preserve the dignity of the Lebanese people and strengthen their resilience.

Lebanon will only be rebuilt by the hands of all its sons and daughters, and its economy will only recover through the unity of its people and their confidence in their future. We will persevere and remain hopeful for a brighter tomorrow that this nation and its people deserve.

May God protect Lebanon and its people, and preserve our homeland from all harm.

Dr. Ali Al-Masri
President of the International Economic Lobby